Cynthia Pedraza (MEXICO, USA)
Yoga Teacher & Mom
Cynthia Pedraza's first experience with yoga occurred about 15 years ago, when, out of curiosity, she took her first Hatha Yoga lesson during a beach trip in her home country of México. She immediately knew yoga would be integral in her life.
After graduating from college, Cynthia left Mexico and landed in Atlanta, Ga., where she decided to completely commit to her yoga journey. She started practicing Bikram Yoga because of its athletic aspect, but decided to look for a more spiritual practice after a couple of years. She explored various practices, including Ashtanga, Aerial, Iyengar, and Meditation, but it was in Vinyasa that she found a true connection. Its sweet combination of creative sequences, dynamic movements, sustained postures, Pranayama (breathing), and the beauty of the flow quiets the mind and lifts the spirit was exactly what Cynthia had been searching for.
She embarked on her teaching journey shortly thereafter, teaching in local studios in Atlanta in both English and Spanish, looking to inspire students to connect body, mind, and soul. A true believer that everything comes to you in the right moment, Cynthia moved across the country to Portland, where she completed her Yoga Alliance 200-hour yoga teacher training and found a yoga community and a place that felt like home.
She achieved her 500hr training with Jason Crandell which provided her with an integrative, expert-level in vinyasa yoga technique, anatomy, teaching methodology, and comparative philosophy.
Currently teaching yoga classes at Local Studios in Portland where she gives workshops for adults & kids, as well as leads yoga retreats outside the US by combining all her passion for Yoga, fitness, and meditation with students that want to immerse in a better way into this transformative experience.
Tell us about yourself?
I’m Mexicana, a mom, compassionate, warmhearted, with childlike curios. I’m happy for no reason or many reasons. I’m a true believer that everything comes to you in the right moment.
Why do you practice yoga?
To navigate this life with unconditional love, compassion, respect, and kindness.
To feel what true happiness is, the kind of happiness that comes from within with no explanation.
I practice yoga so when I close my eyes I can truly see who I am.
I practice Yoga to be able to see God in every living thing.
I practice Yoga Because what we practice we become.
I practice Yoga to become WHOLE
What mantra (motto/quote/belief) do you live by?
“Be”, don't try to become, when we try to become someone, we lose our original self, accept yourself as you are and embody your best self!
What’s been your biggest life challenge?
Trust that It will come
What’s #1 on your bucket list at the moment?
To finish a book I’m writing for my girls about mindfulness and meditation.