05/19/2026
“Honoring yoga’s roots means recognizing that yoga is far more than movement or fitness,” sisters Pooja and Cristal Sharma, of Registered Yoga School (RYS) Soul Power Yoga, shared with us. “Yoga is a living philosophy, lineage and way of relating to ourselves, others and the world.”
Over the last 25 years, Pooja and Cristal have done the important work of preparing yoga practitioners to become teachers. Their work is holistic—a joyful, steady devotion beats through each transformational yoga teacher training, along with in their personal practices.
“Yoga and Ayurveda have been woven into my life,” Pooja told us, “from soaked almonds in the morning and haldi doodh at night, to learning the healing properties of spices, abhyanga rituals, and natural remedies passed down through generations. Summers spent in India deepened my connection to yoga, Ayurveda, and the wisdom of these ancient practices quietly embedded in the fabric of homes—long before coming mainstream.”
To their work, Pooja and Cristal bring their experiences as practitioners and teachers, and as mothers and caregivers. Their perspective on yoga is holistic, and so it goes that it cannot be separated from all that they are and all that they give.
“Motherhood has deepened my understanding of truly being present, acts of service and the deep desire to create meaningful impact within our communities,” Cristal said.
Like many yoga teachers, Pooja and Cristal are lifelong learners. Both sisters are working toward advanced degrees, with Pooja studying psychology and Cristal working toward her Occupational Therapy Doctorate.
“What continues to draw me to yoga,” Pooja said, “is the understanding that while the body is our vessel and the mind can feel like a battlefield, yoga gives us the tools to quiet the noise and reconnect with our truest selves.”
Cristal agrees: “The fiery storms of inflammation in my body, mind and soul at a young age were quieted by the rituals of our childhood home environment grounded in yogic living and Ayurveda. My practice continues to be a respite of physical relief and nervous system restoration through every season of life, from infertility and postpartum, to grief and ongoing support for autoimmune care. Today, it gives me space to see myself beyond the labels of mother, clinician, yoga teacher, and caregiver, and to stay connected to ongoing self-discovery and inner shakti.”
