I finished up the last of my requirements for my 300 hour teacher training program at ISHTA Yoga. In the aftermath of the intense number of hours, I feel relieved but not in the way you might think. It’s nice to have more time back on my calendar. It’s nice to feel such a sense of pride and accomplishment in completing a program I spent years thinking about. My relief doesn’t come from either of those sources.
I am relieved that there is a little space on East 11th Street that feels like a spiritual home. A place I can go that always makes me feel better no matter what kind of day I’ve had, no matter what pressures or stresses weigh on me. A place where I can go to heal, where there’s always a friendly face, where I always feel like the very best version of myself.
This certificate means much more to me than the completion of a set of training hours. It’s a map. In that handful of words on a page, I found a way forward even when I’m not exactly sure where I’m trying to go. In that tiny space on East 11th Street there is a bit of magic sprinkled in every corner that welcomes every guest who wishes to sit and learn and be. I am proud to be among them.
Published by Christa Avampato
The short of it:
Writer. Health, education, and art advocate. Theater and film producer. Visual artist. Product geek. Proud alumnae of the University of Pennsylvania (BA) and the Darden School of Business at the University of Virginia (MBA). Inspired by ancient wisdom & modern tech. Proliferator of goodness. Opener of doors. Friend to animals. Fan of creative work in all its wondrous forms. I use my business skills to create passion projects that build a better world. I’ve been called the happiest New Yorker, and I try hard to live up to that title every day.
The long of it:
My career has stretched across Capitol Hill, Broadway theatre, education, nonprofit fundraising, health and wellness, and Fortune 500 companies in retail, media, entertainment, technology, and financial services. I’ve been a product developer and product manager, theater manager, strategic consultant, marketer, voice over artist, , teacher, and fundraiser. I use my business and storytelling to support and sustain passion projects that build a better world. In every experience, I’ve used my sense of and respect for elegant design to develop meaningful products, services, programs, and events.
While building a business career, I also built a strong portfolio as a journalist, novelist, freelance writer, interviewer, presenter, and public speaker. My writing has appeared in The Washington Post, The Huffington Post, PBS.org, Boston.com, Royal Media Partners publications, and The Motley Fool on a wide range of topics including business, technology, science, health, education, culture, and lifestyle. I have also been an invited speaker at SXSW, Teach for America, Avon headquarters, Games for Change, NYU, Columbia University, Hunter College, and the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America. The first book in my young adult book series, Emerson Page and Where the Light Enters, was acquired by a publisher and launched in November 2017. I’m currently working on the second book in the series.
A recovering multi-tasker, I’m equally at home in front of my Mac, on my yoga mat, walking my rescue dog, Phineas, traveling with a purpose, or practicing the high-art of people watching. I also cut up small bits of paper and put them back together as a collage artist.
My company:
I’m bringing together all of my business and creative career paths as the Founder of Double or Nothing Media:
• I craft products, programs, and projects that make a difference;
• I build the business plans that make what I craft financially sustainable;
• I tell the stories that matter about the people, places, and products that inspire me.
Follow my adventures on Twitter at https://twitter.com/christanyc and Instagram at https://instagram.com/christarosenyc.
View all posts by Christa Avampato
I finished up the last of my requirements for my 300 hour teacher training program at ISHTA Yoga. In the aftermath of the intense number of hours, I feel relieved but not in the way you might think. It’s nice to have more time back on my calendar. It’s nice to feel such a sense of pride and accomplishment in completing a program I spent years thinking about. My relief doesn’t come from either of those sources.
Christa Avampato 
An outstanding share! I’ve just forwarded this onto a colleague who has been doing a little research on this. And he actually bought me dinner because I stumbled upon it for him… lol. So let me reword this…. Thank YOU for the meal!! But yeah, thanx for spending the time to discuss this topic here on your internet site.
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Wow! You got a meal out of it? Fabulous! If your friend has any questions about ISHTA, I’m happy to answer them.
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First of all I want to say terrific blog! I had a quick question in which I’d like to ask if you don’t mind.
I was curious to know how you center yourself and clear your mind prior to writing.
I’ve had trouble clearing my mind in getting my ideas out there. I truly do take pleasure in writing however it just seems like the first 10 to 15 minutes are generally lost simply just trying to figure out how to begin. Any ideas or hints? Kudos!
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Thank you so much!
I meditate and practice yoga every day. It helps tremendously with my writing. Also, I feel like I’m always on the look out for content for my next post. I get a seed of any idea, file it away in the back of my mind, and over time it evolves into a picture that is complete enough for a post.
I also use something called Roses and Thorns. Each day I think about the best and worst thing that happened to me and very often topics for posts arrive from there. I read about this technique in an interview with the Obamas. It’s a ritual at their dinner table 🙂
Let me know if these ideas work!
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I’m truly enjoying the design and layout of your blog. It’s a very easy on the eyes
which makes it much more pleasant for me to come here and visit more often.
Did you hire out a developer to create your theme?
Great work!
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Thanks so much. I worked on the design myself. No developer. Glad you’re enjoying it!
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This is the reason I keep coming back to
this blog. I can not believe I missed so many entries since last time!
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Thank you so much, Monisha. I’m so glad you enjoy it!
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Hi Crista,
I just started writing and creating a quality blog or article like you did with your previous entries. I’m a newbie and I was inspired how you put things in your way and I always wanted to know how you do it. Ever since this is what I ever wanted and I am thankful that you post this blogs. It’s amazing how you clear your mind, meditate and practice yoga. These inspired readers like me and I wish you all the best.
Thanks!
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Hi Jaime – thanks so much for your kind comment. I’m so glad this blog has inspired your own writing adventure. Bravo!
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