Monica Kriso

"We must be careful that we don't look for the jewel in the wrong place, outside of ourselves, failing to see that our life itself is the jewel- unpolished perhaps, but already perfect, complete and whole."-- Charlotte Joko Beck

"What is to give light must first endure burning." -- Victor Frankl

"Our ability to live in a way that is consistent with our longing is dependent upon what we believe we must do. If our intention is to change who we essentially are, we will fail. If our intention is to become who we essentially are, we cannot help but live true to the deepest longings of our soul."-- Oriah

Monica was introduced to the practice and teachings of Buddhism in 2006, just after finishing college, and shortly thereafter found yoga. This combination served as just the right mixture at just the right time in to set her off on the journey inward. While walking down Baltimore Avenue, Monica would often peek curiously through the Wake Up Yoga West studio window. This eventually lead her to sign up for a brand new beginners series. From her very first class she was immediately magnetized to keep coming back, but had no idea that it would completely transform her life the way it did. Monica completed the 250-hour foundational vinyasa teacher training with her teachers Corina Benner and Victoria Ladd at Wake Up Yoga in April 2011, and is truly grateful to be a part of this beautiful, supportive community. Monica graduated from Wake Up Yoga's Yin Yoga Teacher Training Program in June 2011.

Monica has experienced deep, tremendous healing on physical, emotional, and energetic levels as a result of practicing yoga and meditation. It is her hope that students will also find this healing quality through consistent and sincere practice. Yoga teaches Monica to slow down her pace and savor the blooming of each moment instead of zooming on past her life. Through her teaching, Monica intends to inspire students to develop and trust their inner wisdom and intuition, to wake up to their own unique beauty, and to discover that the true teacher lies within. Monica absolutely loves chanting with the harmonium, and in her classes students will join in sharing heart-opening sound vibrations.

Monica's background includes working with kids in various settings (camps, swim coaching, tutoring, teaching, nannying). She has an elementary education certification and currently teaches kids yoga at a local preschool. Children are brilliant and constant reminders; encouraging (requiring?) her to keep a great sense of humor, to have fun, and to take time out to play! When not teaching or practicing yoga, Monica loves to spend her time and energy traveling, salsa dancing, biking, checking out live music shows, and reconnecting with mother nature.