Zurishaddai Ruiz Neira

(zur-ish-uh-dye) she/they

Welcome! I’m Zurishaddai (or Zuri), and I’m a certified mobility specialist + yoga teacher of over 10 years.

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I was introduced to the general concept of mindfulness in childhood. Thanks to my father’s stories of our Taíno ancestors [in Borikén] plus my mother’s spiritual guidance within the church, a relationship with prayer, gratitude, and meditation was formed early on.

Later in adulthood and in the face of trauma, however, I found the need to reconnect with mindfulness in search of healing. That’s when I first came across the teachings of Yoga.

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Pranayama, a practice tied to breath control, became particularly significant for me. Because as I became familiar with my breath, by practicing ways to control it (and not control it), I noticed a new calmness in my mind.

Then, when practicing asana (yoga poses) with intention and discipline, I noticed the way I gradually reshaped my life habits, my thoughts, and my overall relationship with myself.

That’s how my Yoga practice began.

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2015 - I completed my Vinyasa Yoga Teacher Certification with FlorYoga and Sarah Marsh in Jersey City, New Jersey.

2017 - I began practicing with Cecily Milne of Yoga Detour™, expanding my knowledge in movement education.

2018 - After fracturing my wrist in a snowboarding fall, my recovery experience inspired me to train with Dr. Andreo Spina’s Functional Anatomy Seminars, earning my certification as an FRC® Mobility Specialist.

2021 - I completed certification as a Registered Yoga Detour™ Instructor.

2015 — 2017 - I am certified in Prenatal Yoga thanks to training by educators and birth doulas: May Lane, Kimberleigh Weiss-Lewitt, and Michelle Timek.

Additionally, I am grateful to my wise teachers, Shoko Dubiski and Oneika Mays, for their guidance since 2013 and 2015.

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Thank you for being here!

I look forward to getting to know you, too.

Stay well.