.SHE.

I've not yet met a soul that moves me the way you do.

[krystynlouise]

Love Me Till My Heart Stops...

I’ve always been interested in stereotypes and the people who break them. My entire life, it feels, I have been a person who doesn’t, can’t, subscribe to one way of being. Experiencing and moving between things to see what strikes a chord, what resonates, what harmonizes is my constant. As I experience more, the things that move me also change. Some things stick that seem to create dissonance for people. Those who knew me 15 years ago barely recognize the woman that writes this now. Those who know me now can’t believe that it is me in the stories they hear and the photos they see of me from back then. Former lives as a ballroom dance instructor, rock and roll loving industrial/goth chick, go-go dancer, Las Vegas living, barrel racing rodeo princess, girlfriend having, bartender, raver, metal head, don’t really match with the outdoor loving, yoga teaching, nutritionist, camping, meditating, teacher that stands before them.

How do you reconcile a deep love for Stravinsky, The Cranes, Tool and Randy Travis? All black week days at work and colorful clothes to go play outside in?

It’s not an identity crisis. This is truly, truly me. In the most open and unapologetic way, this is who I am. I will listen to the Dixie Chicks with you and sing every word and then, we can listen to Fatih No More and I will blow your mind with my profound appreciation for Mike Patton all of his side projects and all the people that fronted that band before him. In one day you might see me in an Zeppelin tee-shirt, ratty jeans and a pair of flip flops, then next in my favorite Alexander Wang dress and 4 inch heels.

It’s not evolution though. It’s a confident game of finders’ keepers. I’ve found the things that make me happy and I’ve kept them without subscription to what anybody else thinks that “kind of person” should like or be like.

[krystynlouise]

Can't Stick Your Handstand? Try This...

I once had a strong, burning desire to hang out in a handstand for minutes at a time. I would ask every handstanding lady I knew what their secret was. Mackenzie told me I already had all the parts I needed physically, it was just a matter of putting them together to make a whole. Cool, I get that and it helped get me a little further. Tiffany asked me why I cared so much about standing on my hands. Truth be told I really had no idea other than it was something I couldn't do but wanted to and it was a pretty cool party trick. Sarah told me to do more yin. This was before I was the big yin/restorative advocate I am today and I scoffed, but I did it and let me tell you what...

...IF YOU CAN'T SEEM TO STICK YOUR HANDSTAND...DO MORE YIN YOGA...

That's right. Seems counter intuitive right? Nope. It's not about stretching your hamstrings to get into your inversion differently or opening up the shoulders for greater support. Yin and restorative yoga teaches us to slow down and pay attention. To mindfully place our bones and muscles where they need to be. To take a deep breath and exhale completely. And, in my opinion, to let go of any expected outcome

Ultimately, I still can't hold a handstand for longer than a few glorious seconds but my practice at it is much more satisfying and I could now care less about performing cool party tricks ;) 

[krystynlouise]

"Last year I abstained. This year, I devour without guilt which is also an art." -Margaret Atwood (at N. Santiam River)

[krystynlouise]

Join me at @yogapearl on Saturday, October 15 with Shalom Mayberg for an evening of yin postures to ground you and sounds to hold you. Shalom and I have created a unique experience to mark your transition into fall 🍁🍂 6:30-8:00pm. Register at www.yogapearl.com

[krystynlouise]

Are you sitting each day with intention? It's not too late to join me and many others in a month long exploration of meditation and affirmation. #iampatient #iamwhole #iamenough are just a few of the thoughts and words we've been working with. Link in bio or DM for more ✨❤️ 📸 @ohfajar (amazing work!)

[krystynlouise]

"Only to the extent that we expose ourselves over and over to annihilation can that which is indestructible be found." -Pema Chodron That doesn't mean you have to put yourself through the wringer over and over or make yourself a doormat, but it does mean you have to show up and be vulnerable, move outside of your comfort zones, explore what hurts, and engage in what moves you forward. #stuckinthecity (at Portland, Oregon)

[krystynlouise]

Free yoga at @patagoniaportland tonight 7pm - 8pm. Gentle, stretchy, feel goods for everybody!!! 💙🙌🏻 in the EcoTrust building. DM for details.

[krystynlouise]

Ain't no shame in that game. Morning camp essentials by yours truly: 🔹journal 🔹the best socks 🔹body of water 🔹mountain peak 🔹sunshine (at Grizzly Peak)

[krystynlouise]

Like all explorers, we are drawn to discover what's out there without knowing yet if we have the courage to face it. (at Mount Jefferson)

[krystynlouise]

We are almost off for the @wyldergoods + @nomad_adventures backpacking trip!! #nomadadventures #wyldergoods

[krystynlouise]

"In both relationships and life, trust begets trust. Generosity begets generosity. Love begets love. Be the spark, especially when it is dark." (at Mt Hood National Forest)

[krystynlouise]

Of all the houses men and women have built this is by far my favorite place to experience the vastness and beauty of this world, to say thank you for the opportunity to experience this world in all of its suffering and joy. It is next to oceans, on top of mountains, viewing horizons where I feel the most connected and most humbled.

[krystynlouise]

We don't have an infinite number of days on this planet - in our bundles of moments, we can go for breadth or depth with the people we encounter.

[krystynlouise]

You just have to go up. You could sit there at the bottom and you'll keep finding things to look at but the sunshine, the view, the horizon is at the top.

[krystynlouise]

Obligatory. Those lines though.

[krystynlouise]

Bye bye summer, after work river swims, dock lunches, sweaty afternoon runs, iced coffee, backpacking adventures that start at sunset (those will still probably happen), short shorts and tan lines. (at Hawthorne Bridge)

[krystynlouise]

T-minus 14 hours and counting to a whirlwind adventure. (at New York, New York)