Today we’d like to introduce you to Robin Christ.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Robin. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
I was born in 1955, raised back East during the tumultuous ’60s, named most radical student in my senior class in high school, moved to San Diego from Cleveland Ohio in 1974… and met the love of my life. Two weeks later we decided to get married. He introduced me to the Path of Surat Shabd Yoga and we have been walking it together for almost 45 years now. Through my Beloved, I found my root guru, Maharaj Charan Singh (or rather He found me!), received diksha (initiation) from Him and have been devoted to the Science of the Soul practice (a meditational yoga of Sound and Light) ever since.
After years of formal meditation, I discovered the beauty of the physical aspect of Yoga when I took my first Anusara Yoga class in Encinitas in 2008. I was immediately drawn to the Spiritual approach to asana engendered by this exquisite and elegant style of yoga and the very next day signed up for teacher training to become a Certified Anusara Teacher. Because of my background in dance (I studied, taught and performed classical ballet for many years), I was overjoyed to find a way to physically express the discoveries I had made on my inner Journey through all those many years on the meditation cushion.
After ten years of intense study, I became first, a Hatha Yoga Teacher, then an Anusara Inspired Teacher, a Certified Anusara Teacher (R) (in 2014), a Subject Matter Specialist in Philosophy with the Anusara School of Hatha Yoga (ASHY) and just recently a Certified Advanced Teacher Trainer in Anusara Yoga (one of 32 worldwide).
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
When you are passionate about and deeply devoted to a path that requires a strong and focused commitment to daily discipline, whatever that may be for you, the road is never smooth… and yet, because I have practiced over these many years to open myself to the Grace that loved us into existence and constantly surrounds and upholds us all, the journey has been easeful – despite the painful physical and emotional challenges, as well as the opportunities for growth along the way. A lightness of Heart and joyous expression of gratitude for the many gifts I have received from my practice of Yoga have been essential tools to smooth out the bumps and potholes in the road!
In my experience, I have found that there are no shortcuts… so enjoy the entire journey.
What do you do? What do you specialize in?
I LOVE teaching Yoga and training Yoga Teachers at Riffs Yoga Studio, where I teach classes and workshops and offer Anusara Teacher Trainings! It is my heart, my soul, my legacy. My students offer me such a sense of purpose and bring me SO much JOY! My classes are known for their emphasis on a deeply spiritual approach to the asana practice. I try to present challenges to the students in creative and unexpected ways… all with a sense of FUN! Yoga should never be serious… I have discovered that the hard way over the years. It is a gift to be celebrated and when we find the joy in the practice, not only are we more willing to commit to it, we find that along the way (perhaps without even recognizing it), we have transformed ourselves into strong and able vessels that can hold the light and become an inspiration for others in these challenging times. THIS is my mission, my passion, my life…
Which women have inspired you in your life? Why?
I am constantly inspired by the feminine energy in ALL of my students… male and female. The life force, the aliveness, the Presence they express as they move and breathe together is a beauty to witness and to behold… I am a lover of the Goddess and Her myriad and infinite expressions in all forms constantly engender in me a sense of wonder, delight, and awe …
Contact Info:
- Address: Riffs Yoga Studios
4893 Voltaire Street, Ocean Beach
5510 La Jolla Blvd, La Jolla - Website: https://riffsyogastudios.com/
- Email: robinc7755@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lightdancer555/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/robin.christ.94
Image Credit:
Leah Lipson
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