Krista

Name: Krista Orbe

Role: Neutral Bay Studio Manager

About fifteen years ago, a friend of mine took me to a yoga studio on New York’s Lower East Side that was a total sweatbox. It was a donation-based centre and the place was packed with only a pinkie’s width between each mat. The teachers were fully engaged with us, and gave phenomenal cues and philosophy – I was hooked. I used to dance (hip-hop, contemporary and African dance) and was looking for a physical activity that would be a good continuation. Yoga felt like the best thing. What I hadn’t realised was how much the practice would start to shape my entire world and how I showed up in relationships.

Getting to know the Crew:

3 book recommendations and why.

“Gut” by Giulia Enders is a game changer in terms of the data she collates to clearly and eloquently explain our mind-body connection.

Thich Nhat Hanh’s “You Are Here” is pure medicine for me – it’s opened my eyes to a deeper sense of presence. I keep coming back to it for his healing words. Beauty and pain are intrinsically linked to holding mystical feminine rituals and their mysterious powers. These rituals and powers have long been under the threat of people who invoke their own privileges irresponsibly.

Anita Diamant’s “The Red Tent” is one of those clear portrayals of that experience.

How do you get through hard times?

As someone who has struggled with depression and OCD throughout my life, I’ve had to come up with some very specific tools to pull through hard times. One of those tools is calling on my closest friends for help. Their love and support are key to me in those moments.

How do you define a life well lived?

One that’s full of expansion in love, in wonder, in good health and in fun! I feel that a life well lived is also a constant, steady quest to learn, to heal, and to understand others’ stories in a profound way so that our connections are powerful.

Find classes with Krista in-studio or on the Livestream timetable