Meet Chrissy Gonzalez | Yoga Instructor

We had the good fortune of connecting with Chrissy Gonzalez and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Chrissy, how has your perspective on work-life balance evolved over time?
Balance is this elusive thing that many people strive for. That feeling of pure bliss we feel after a long, deep and fulfilling yoga practice….that is what balance feels like. This is partially why I started practicing yoga in the first place; to find more balance with my emotions. What I have discovered over the last 25 years of practicing yoga and the last 15 years of teaching is that no matter how hard you try, life throws you off balance over and over again. It’s how nature works. When we feel it and are present for it, it is truly magical. But then something happens; you get in a car accident, you get into a heated argument, you have a crazy deadline at work, you eat something that upsets your stomach, etc. Yoga gives us the tools to help us navigate life and all the imbalances that come with it so you are not constantly getting thrown off the roller coaster. A consistent practice teaches us to truly observe, evaluate and choose what is worth our energy. Yoga allows us to connect to a deeper consciousness that is always balanced, regardless of what is happening outside of us.

Everyone loses it sometimes. Everyone doubts themselves. We all have experienced times when we don’t have enough fuel in our tanks. This is why we practice. This is how I find balance…by stepping on my yoga mat and putting in the work. I know that if I am depleted, stressed or feel disconnected to my body, not only am I incapable of holding space for others when I teach, but I am unable to be present with my friends and family. I have experienced many moments like these over the years. Making time for my practice is the ultimate gift I can give to myself in helping me find balance.

It’s important to remember that balance is fleeting. We shouldn’t get too caught up or rigid in our desire for balance. Work life balance sometimes just requires going with the flow and knowing that you are doing your best.

Please tell us more about your work. We’d love to hear what sets you apart from others, what you are most proud of or excited about. How did you get to where you are today professionally. Was it easy? If not, how did you overcome the challenges? What are the lessons you’ve learned along the way. What do you want the world to know about you or your brand and story?
I never considered myself an “artist” until recently. Sequencing a class that leaves the student feeling fulfilled and transformed requires inspiration, deep self reflection and creativity. When I first started teaching, I would borrow sequences from other teachers that felt good in my body and share them with my students. After a while, I began to find my own voice. My style is still reflective of my teachers, whom I constantly credit for their wisdom. What sets me apart is my openness to share my journey, including some of my struggles. Often times, students put their yoga teachers on a pedestal, and this is why I am always reminding them that I am doing the work right along side them.

Like any artist, I constantly seek inspiration. I love traveling because it gets me out of my comfort zone and reminds me that there is so much more to life than what exists in my bubble. It teaches me to be more grateful, to appreciate simple things, to be present, and to acknowledge that my actions have consequences. I try to weave these lessons into my classes so that the students remember that there is so much more richness to this practice than getting into handstand (even though handstands are super fun). I spend a lot of time cultivating and fine tuning my message as a teacher, which is constantly changing as life changes and I get older. I really like seeing myself as an artist; as someone who inspires others to enjoy life more, take care of themselves and others, and continue to learn and grow.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I absolutely love Los Angeles. When I moved away for 8 years and realized how much I missed home. Now that I live here again I enjoy it even more, minus the traffic! If I had someone coming to visit for a few days I would most likely do the following:

Day 1: Hollywood
Morning hike in Bronson Canyon to see the Bat Caves and the Hollywood Sign.
Drive through the hills a bit before having lunch at Birds Cafe on Franklin Ave. Then some shopping at the local stores like The Daily Planet (great books and witchy wares), The Canyon (Boho Chic Clothing) and Counterpoint Records (Huge collection of new and used Vinyl). We’d then take drive to Lake Hollywood to chill a bit and watch all the beautiful dogs playing. Dinner would probably by in an old school haunt like Dan Tana’s or Musso & Frank Grill.

Day 2: DTLA
Morning late breakfast at Manuela’s in the Arts District (where I currently live) followed by art gallery hunting (Hauser & Wirth, MOCA, etc). We would then wander around Little Tokyo and stop at the Sanrio Store in the Little Tokyo Plaza, followed by a stop at The Last Bookstore (my favorite bookstore ever). Finally dinner at Cha Cha Cha (rooftop Mexican) followed by a nightcap at Death & Co (a super cool dark underground bar that feels like a speakeasy)

Day 3: West Hollywood
Start the day with a yoga class at Center For Yoga in Larchmont Village (the oldest and best yoga studio in Los Angeles) and grab a coffee and small bite at Go Get Em Tiger (super cute neighborhood coffee bar). We would then drive towards Melrose and walk around the fun and quirky shops between La Brea and Fairfax. After that we would drive further west towards Roberston Blvd and grab a late lunch/drink at either Gracias Madre (gorgeous restaurant with the best vegan Mexican food) or Crossroads Kitchen ( amazing high end Italian vegan restaurant)

Day 4: Santa Monica/Venice/Malibu
Get to the beach early, rent a beach cruiser and ride along the boardwalk for a few hours. Then head off to Abbot Kinney for brunch at the Butchers Daughter and shopping. We would then wander around the beautiful Venice Canals. Finally, we would drive along PCH towards Malibu, watch surfers and the sunset, and have a fancy sushi dinner at Nobu (maybe spot some celebrities).

Day 5: Road Trip to spend the night in Joshua Tree/Palm Springs
Take a two hour drive to this charming desert town. Spend the morning exploring the Joshua Tree National Park before lunch, beers and good tunes at Pappy & Harriets. Then drive towards Palm Spring and check out some of the adorable mid century homes before checking in at the Ace Hotel Hotel and Swim Club in Palm Springs to lounge by the pool.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I have had many teachers, mentors, and inspirations over the years. Even traveling and observing other cultures has changed my life. However, if I have to narrow it down I would say there have been three big influencers in my life. The first is my big brother Roger. Since I was little, he taught me to be creative, to always keep learning, and to never settle. He reminded me a long time ago when I was in a dark place that I deserve better; that there is a beautiful world out there waiting for me. I don’t think he knows what kind of impact he’s had on my life. Even though we don’t see each other or talk as often as I would like, I think of him often when I make decisions. He is the best brother anyone could ask for.
The second is my husband Dean. We have known each other for 21 years and have been married for 15. He is one of the most talented and hardworking people I know. I am in awe of his resilience, focus and constant desire to be better and do better. He is my biggest supporter, always encouraging me to take risks. I doubt myself a lot, and he is constantly reminding me how much I have to offer and how far I’ve come. He is my biggest supporter and I owe a lot of my success to him.
The third is my yoga teacher and mentor Joan Hyman. I met her by chance in 2009 when I decided to do a yoga teacher training that she was co-leading in Los Angeles. I always admired her practice, but more than that, her lifestyle. She has worked very hard to create a beautiful yogic life and career and a lot of how I try to live my life is inspired by her. She is a true yogi and I am very lucky to call her my teacher, mentor and friend.

Website: https://www.chrissylovesyoga.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chrissylovesyoga/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrissy-gonzalez-23009338/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCdvdDv00uJAs9TuQYHJ9fcg