“For many Indigenous peoples, including the Taíno people of Borikén (where I am from), the Sun represents life. The Sun has long been recognized as a mighty god who delivers strength and longevity to the people and the Earth.
In the context of Yoga- a spiritual tradition rooted in Hindu philosophy and developed over millennia in India- the Sun (Surya) is revered as the source of life, intelligence, and consciousness.
The Sun & Moon give life, movement sustains it. For this reason, I’ve named this space Sol Mind Moves. ”
-Zuri
Zurishaddai Ruiz Neira
(zur-ish-uh-dye) she/they
❊ ❊ ❊
Welcome! My name is Zuri, mobility specialist, yoga teacher, and creator of Sol Mind Moves.
Without knowing it by name, the idea of mindfulness was introduced to me in childhood. My father’s stories of our Taíno ancestors in Borikén (Puerto Rico, where I am from) and my mother’s spiritual guidance deeply influenced my connection to prayer & meditation.
In adulthood, however, and in the face of trauma, I drifted away from acts of mindfulness. And when I decided to commit to healing, that’s when I came across the teachings of Yoga.
Pranayama- the practice of breath control- became particularly significant for me. As I learned to manage my breath, I cultivated a calmer mind. Practicing asana (yoga poses) with intention and discipline further nourished me, gradually reshaping my habits, decision-making, and relationship to Self.
Before this, I enjoyed 10 years in retail management & sales, where I was often called the “people’s manager” for prioritizing employees’ quality of life, simultaneously ensuring customer satisfaction. (Like it’s hard!?) This led me to understand the ways I enjoy supporting others. And when fellow peers & family members learned I was practicing Yoga, they started asking questions. I wanted to learn & share more, too.
❊ ❊ ❊
In 2015, I completed my Vinyasa Yoga Teacher Certification, led by FlorYoga of Jersey City, New Jersey.
In 2018, after fracturing my wrist in a snowboarding fall, I regained mobility through physical therapy. This experience inspired me to train with Functional Anatomy Seminars, where I earned my certification as a Certified Mobility Specialist (FRCms).
Connecting my love for mobility training and yoga asana, I continue to learn/practice with movement educator, Cecily Milne + Yoga Detour™ [since 2017] and have been a Registered Yoga Detour™ Instructor since 2021.
Additionally, I have guided pregnant people in wellness & yoga asana since 2015, trained in Prenatal Yoga by birth educators and doulas: Michelle Timek, Kimberleigh Weiss-Lewitt, and May Lane.
With your support, I aim to expand this platform and foster a welcoming space for a variety of practitioners and teachers. Thank you for being here!