Ashley Cruz - Yoga Professional Qualifications
EMBARK ON MY JOURNEY OF YOGA TRANSFORMATION AND HEALING
MY YOGIC PATH
Since 2000, I've dedicated my life to the transformative practice of Yoga, making it the essence of my being.
Yoga is a whole-body prayer, a celebration of that which beats the heart and moves the breath. My dynamic and inspiring teachers have taught me to live with compassion for my students and to have a sincere regard for their healing.
As a Yoga teacher, my intention is to hold sacred space for others' awakening and healing. My focus lies in harmonizing prana (life force energy) with precise physical alignment, nurturing mental well-being, and facilitating an energetic flow that supports a holistic and embodied sadhana, a spiritual practice. Guided by intuition and grounded in applied spiritual wisdom, I continually learn and evolve alongside my students, both on and off the mat. In this journey, I humbly honor the wisdom passed down by my mentors through sacred traditions and my yoga community of radically awakening spirit. I bow in gratitude to all my teachers, recognizing their presence in various forms.
Love and Light,
Ashley Cruz
Founder of Ashley Cruz Yoga, YogaWasi & Blessed Yoga
Yoga is a whole-body prayer, a celebration of that which beats the heart and moves the breath. My dynamic and inspiring teachers have taught me to live with compassion for my students and to have a sincere regard for their healing.
As a Yoga teacher, my intention is to hold sacred space for others' awakening and healing. My focus lies in harmonizing prana (life force energy) with precise physical alignment, nurturing mental well-being, and facilitating an energetic flow that supports a holistic and embodied sadhana, a spiritual practice. Guided by intuition and grounded in applied spiritual wisdom, I continually learn and evolve alongside my students, both on and off the mat. In this journey, I humbly honor the wisdom passed down by my mentors through sacred traditions and my yoga community of radically awakening spirit. I bow in gratitude to all my teachers, recognizing their presence in various forms.
Love and Light,
Ashley Cruz
Founder of Ashley Cruz Yoga, YogaWasi & Blessed Yoga
YOGA EDUCATION & CERTIFICATIONS
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MY YOGA LINEAGE
- In 2000, my journey into yoga began after sustaining a back injury while training for a soccer game and track meet. Instead of opting for surgery, I embraced yoga as a natural healing practice. Daily gentle exercises and yoga poses proved to be transformative in healing my back and avoiding surgery. This experience sparked my deep fascination with natural healing modalities, including yoga, nutrition, Ayurveda, and mindfulness.
- In 2001, I discovered Rodney Yee through NetFlix, expanding my yoga practice into new territories.
- As my yoga practice blossomed, I delved into the study of essential yoga texts such as the Yoga Sutras and the Bhagavad Gita in 2005. Sharing my newfound knowledge with others, I began teaching yoga classes, offering insights on Ayurveda and herbs to fellow studio goers, and leading yoga sessions in local parks and at home with friends and family.
- Seeking further growth and understanding, I enrolled in a 200-hour Hatha/Kriya Yoga Teacher Training at the 7 Centers Yoga Arts ashram in Sedona, AZ in 2008. This classically trained program immersed me in Kundalini Yoga, Hatha Yoga, Kriya Yoga, and the shatkarmas (yogic cleanses) following the lineage of Swami Satyananda Saraswati of the Bihar School of Yoga. I also gained a foundation in Ayurveda to support the yogic lifestyle.
- Continuing my journey, I studied under Sradhasagra Ruth Hartung and Rama Jyoti Vernon, founder of Yoga Journal, learning to live the teachings of the Yoga Sutras according to Patanjali. I deepened my understanding of the body's chakras through a 10-Day Chakra Yoga Intensive Course and honed conflict resolution skills based on Patanjali's Yoga Sutras in a 10-Day Conflict Resolution Course led by Rama Jyoti Vernon.
- In 2011, I completed a 300-hour Ayurvedic Healing Course at the American Institute of Vedic Studies under Dr. David Frawley.
- To enhance my therapeutic approach to yoga, I completed a 300-hour Yoga Therapy Course at 7 Centers Yoga Arts in 2013. This led me to register as a 500-Hour Experienced Yoga Teacher with Yoga Alliance, although I have since discontinued my membership due to concerns about their certification process.
- Deepening my knowledge of Ayurveda, I underwent a 6-week Ayurveda apprenticeship under Mira Murphy, a graduate of Dr. Lad's Ayurvedic Institute in New Mexico.
- Dedicated to my own spiritual growth, I engaged in guided sadhana for over 500 hours between 2011 and 2014 under Zac Occhiline, primary teacher trainer for the 200-hour to 500-hour Yoga Teacher Training at 7 Centers Yoga Arts. I have also continued to practice a 30-day sadhana twice a year on my own. Sadhana includes waking at 4 a.m., performing shatkarmas (yogic cleanses), practicing yoga, chanting, meditation, and pranayama until 8 a.m for 30 consecutive days.
- To bridge the experiential knowledge of yoga with the science of anatomy, I completed an Anatomy and Physiology course in 2013, achieving exceptional results.
- Seeking inner transformation, I have sat for three 10-day Vipassana Meditation Courses in 2013, accumulating a total of 264 hours of Vipassana meditation training.
- In 2015, I embarked on an Ashtanga Teacher Training Certification at the Shri K. Pattabhi Jois Ashtanga Institute in Mysore, India, under the guidance of R. Saraswathi Jois, who imparted the teachings precisely as she had learned from her guru and father, Pattabhi Jois. This experience in India
- Between 2015-2018, I dedicated myself to teaching yoga full-time at various local yoga studios in Cusco, Peru. This experience allowed me to share my passion for yoga with a diverse community. In 2018, I took the leap and opened my own successful yoga studio called Yogawasi. However, as I entered a new phase of life, embracing motherhood, I made the decision to sell the studio. My dedication, expertise, and entrepreneurial skills have played a pivotal role in establishing and managing successful yoga studios, delivering high-quality instruction, and promoting the benefits of yoga through effective marketing strategies and personalized guidance.
- In early 2020, I pursued certification in Reiki I at London Reiki (Awakening Light), deepening my understanding of energy healing and expanding my holistic approach to wellness.
- Building upon my Reiki journey, I obtained certification in Reiki II at London Reiki (Awakening Light) later in 2020. These certifications have further enhanced my ability to support healing and well-being through energy work.
- In 2020, I embarked on a Master's in Comparative Literature at King's College London, specializing in postcolonial and decolonial feminist theory. I successfully completed my degree in 2022, graduating with the highest distinction (honors). This academic pursuit has enriched my understanding of cultural narratives and provided me with a broader perspective to incorporate into my yoga teaching.
- In 2022, I audited the "Teaching Children's Yoga" 8-week teacher training course offered by Yoga ed. This course equipped me with valuable skills and knowledge to guide children in their yoga practice, fostering their physical and mental well-being.
- Recognizing the importance of specialized training, I enrolled in Wigglebum's Registered Children's Yoga Teacher Training 3-month program (95 hours). By Summer 2023, I will complete this program and earn my 95-hour RCYT certification, furthering my expertise in teaching yoga to children.
- Committed to continuous growth, I actively pursue a minimum of 250 hours of annual continued yoga education. This includes engaging in month-long sadhanas, attending 10-day Vipassana meditation retreats, participating in workshops on yoga, Ayurveda, and aromatherapy, completing advanced yoga teacher training programs, enrolling in college courses, engaging in yoga text studies and research, and actively participating in yoga festivals.
- To stay connected to the broader yoga community and gain inspiration, I regularly attend classes taught by other experienced yoga teachers at least twice a week. This ongoing learning process allows me to expand my knowledge, refine my teaching techniques, and remain inspired on my yoga journey.
SKILLS
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EMPLOYMENT HISTORY
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Yogawasi (Founder)
Cusco, Peru | August 2017 - September 2018
Ashley Cruz Yoga (formerly Blessed Yoga) (Founder) 2011 - Present
Freelance Yoga Instructor 2011 - Present Worked with various organizations and studios, including:
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In these roles, I have shared my expertise and passion for yoga, delivering engaging classes, workshops, and private sessions to a diverse range of students.
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PROFESSIONAL REFERENCES
I am confident that any of my previous employers and students would be delighted to provide you with references attesting to my skills and abilities. I can provide you with their current contact information upon request. In the meantime, I encourage you to peruse the testimonials and reviews from my students, including the one found HERE from my first private yoga student. You can find these testimonials on platforms such as Facebook, Google, TripAdvisor, and more, particularly for Yogawasi up until September 22nd, 2018, which reflects my teaching and business management styles during that time.
Additionally, you can find photographs of me teaching and my joyful students on the Yogawasi Facebook page, YogaWasi Instagram account, and throughout my Kriya Yoga Blog. These visual representations showcase the positive and empowering atmosphere I create for my students.
Please don't hesitate to reach out to me if you require further information or would like to obtain contact details for my references.
Additionally, you can find photographs of me teaching and my joyful students on the Yogawasi Facebook page, YogaWasi Instagram account, and throughout my Kriya Yoga Blog. These visual representations showcase the positive and empowering atmosphere I create for my students.
Please don't hesitate to reach out to me if you require further information or would like to obtain contact details for my references.
ACADEMIC EDUCATION & OTHER EMPLOYERS
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ACADEMIC EDUCATION
King's College London Master of Arts, Comparative Literature GPA: Distinction (Honors) Arizona State University Bachelor of Arts, English (Literature) GPA: 4.26 - Summa Cum Laude |
OTHER EMPLOYMENT
Global Active Learning School Cusco, Peru English Dept. Coordinator & English Teacher 2017 - 2018 Ausangate/Andino IB School Cusco, Peru World Literature Teacher 2015 - 2017 Voyageur Canoe Outfitters Grand Marais, MN Owner/Partner 2011 - 2015 JP Morgan Chase Bank Sedona, AZ Private Banker 2009 - 2011 |
HOBBIES
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