Today we’d like to introduce you to Crystal Borup.
Hi Crystal, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers.
I grew up in a semi-religious Mormon family. I had very kind, loving, and supportive parents, but like many families, we had our share of struggles.
Growing up in the Mormon church was difficult for me. The strict guidelines combined with my childhood trauma, left me feeling alone and confused for much of my life. The church brought up deep feelings of shame and unworthiness, and as a teenager and young adult, I struggled to find my truth.
It wasn’t until I began my regular yoga practice in 2005 that this started to shift for me. The physical practice of yoga helped my body and mind to relax and feel more settled, but it wasn’t enough. So I dove deeper into yoga. After years of practicing and studying the philosophies of yoga, I began to embody the teachings. I came to realize that yoga was so much more than a physical (asana) practice. Yoga is the union of the Self with the divine “God”.
It is the remembering of our true nature. Physical practice (asana) is just a tool to help prepare the body for meditation. While asana is very important, it is not yoga. So I began teaching yoga in 2013, to focus more on the spiritual and energetic aspects of yoga to help bring people to experience a deeper state. Over the years, I have come to understand that this state is a deep and authentic connection to one’s soul.
Although yoga was the first love that helped me connect to the subtle world, around the same time, I also found myself drawn to energy work. I began to work with intuitive healers and eventually found myself tapping into my psychic gifts.
I became a Reiki Master several years ago and have found myself connecting deeply to subtle energies; the angelic realm, my guides, and so many more. This work combined with yoga, as well as working with coaches and guides, has helped me work through my childhood trauma, and the clearing of my ancestral trauma as well.
To sum it all up, I have spent almost two decades devoted to self-realization and healing. It hasn’t always been easy, but every step of the way has been worth it.
Before leaping to work for myself full-time, I was a General Manager of a winery for almost 8 years, running the day-to-day operations of the tasting room, managing the wine club, assisting with production, overseeing all marketing, and so much more. Managing other businesses helped me gain the knowledge, confidence, and experience I needed to be successful at running my own business.
During the pandemic, I sold my yoga studio and set off on a new adventure with my husband. We sold our house and began traveling, eventually settling down in the Tetons. This gave me the much-needed stillness I needed to figure out my next step and how I wanted to reinvent myself in the yoga world. So I spent a lot of time in nature, listening and receiving clarity on what to do next. I continue to be amazed as I watch things unfold for me.
In my business (Crystal Borup), I now lead multiple retreats throughout the year. Some are open to the public, while others are private personal or corporate wellness retreats, and for the past two years, I’ve been traveling to speak, spreading love wherever I go. I also have an incredible online community that meets live weekly. We focus on soul journey work and group healing.
I am also the co-founder of the Teton Yoga Festival. We are dedicated to Inspiring deeper individual experiences that ripple out into the world. Our mission is to honor the true nature of yoga, which is union, cultivating a deep experience of union with our planet, each other, and the source that connects us all. Our festival is intended to be more like an intimate retreat, in hopes that participants can experience healing, love, laughter, and community.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
No, it has not always been smooth. I struggled with my health for a few years, which ended up being a blessing, teaching me how to live a more balanced life and put my health and well-being first.
I’ve also explored many different ideas over the years that in the end didn’t work out. But I kept going, and each experience has helped me learn and grow, and in some way has contributed to where I am today.
I’ve also struggled with wearing all the hats in my business, from IT, graphic and website design, to marketing, customer service, etc… not to mention teaching, speaking, guiding, writing a book, etc. I am finally at a point in my business where I starting to have more support, and it feels really good. I am excited to continue to watch it expand.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I am a Speaker, Retreat Leader, Yoga, and Meditation Teacher, Reiki Master, and Best-Selling Author. I am also the co-founder of the Teton Yoga Festival.
I specialize in enhancing the lives of others through soul-level experiences. In the past, I have mostly been known for teaching yoga, often sharing the spiritual and energetic aspects of yoga. However, I am now becoming more known for being a speaker and retreat leader, guiding people through deep soul journey experiences.
Early on in my teaching career, I realized I wasn’t like most other teachers. I was able to energetically hold space for my students to have a deep experience with their souls, where they would receive clarity, guidance, and healing.
I am most proud of where I came from and where I am today. When I first started teaching yoga, I was so afraid to speak in public, or even in a group setting. I had a lot of fears, limiting beliefs, and high expectations for myself. But teaching helped me work through so much. Now, I can stand up on stage and speak. It’s remarkable how far I’ve come, and it didn’t happen overnight. I’ve had to work hard to get to where I am. It has taken a lot of courage and determination.
I am also proud of writing my book, Yoga Beyond the Physical, practices and insights to deepen your yoga and enrich your life. I was inspired to write something for my students, so they could have a resource that included practices that would help take them deeper into their practice and their understanding of yoga.
The crisis has affected us all in different ways. How has it affected you and any important lessons or epiphanies you can share with us?
To listen and trust my own heart and what is true for me. Also to honor choice and each other even if we don’t agree.
Deep down, I know that we are all humans just trying to do the best that we can based on our level of consciousness.
There is no room for judgment. The world needs more compassion, empathy, and love.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.crystalborup.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/crystalborup/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/alignwithyoursoul/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/crystalborup
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/crystalborup
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWXgeiw5KeRIg85OrvhPP4A
Image Credits
Kelly Turso
