“We ask ourselves, Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous? Actually, who are you not to be?”
Yoga Teacher Training was the place where I found a version of myself being rebirthed. It was an experience that transformed me from the inside out. Yoga gave me permission to be a Black woman. It gave me permission to shine brightly, speak clearly, to defy stereotypes and to live the most beautiful life imaginable.
I practiced Yoga for about 7 years prior to starting Teacher Training, I was told from time to time I should further pursue teaching Yoga because of how passionate I was about my practice. I, however, was always apprehensive about it because many times, I would be the only Black person in the classes. At the time, I hadn’t met any other Black yogis much more Black Yoga Teachers, truthfully, I didn’t even know if there was room at the table for me and if there was, I didn’t believe anyone would really trust me to lead them because I was so hyperaware of my differences. Inspired by the life of Nipsey Hussle and driven by a deep desire to transform my life, I started my Yoga Teacher Training journey January 2020 at Roots Yoga in Wadsworth, OH. If ever there was a year to show that a rose could grow from concrete-that was the year.
A week before the Covid shutdown happened, Bonnie Weeks came to do a workshop series at Roots. As TT’s we got the privilege of participating in her Teacher’s Circle Workshop. This is where the seed of liberation was planted. She said something so powerful that still sticks with me to this day, she said, “You are a leader, as a Yoga Teacher you are a leader both on and off your mats.” MIND BLOWN! Me, the minority in the room, in this Yogic realm, a leader! Someone who’s voice mattered in this space. My voice didn’t come instantly, in fact it’s still something that I work on often, but that was the first nugget of validation that gave me the courage to show up as a Yoga Teacher.
Throughout life I’ve always felt like my skin complexion combined with the way I spoke, and my experiences alienated me more times than not. I never truly “fit” a stereotype so I always felt a version of alone, especially in expressing how situations emotionally impacted me. During my TT experience, the murders of Ahmaud Arbery and George Floyd were gaining heavy media coverage. A small side conversation about my fears of my boyfriend jogging around his neighborhood blossomed into a group conversation of collective acknowledgement, empathy, and understanding. To see the tears and hear the genuine care in everyone’s voice as we all shared how the events impacted us, it was one the most heartwarming moment I’ve ever experienced. In that moment, I felt seen, heard, alive, and connected in a way I’ve never felt before. It was as if FINALLY, I found a safe space and a community where I didn’t have to carry the load alone.
It was my experience at Roots that created a space for the rose to grow from concrete. Allowing me to breakthrough my limited thinking as it relates to my ability to exist and lead in this world; but it is my experience at Yoga Squared that is teaching this rose how to walk on two legs. Being surrounded and led by strong, incredible women; hearing their stories and watching them grow in their daily lives and practice constantly inspires me to dig deeper and grow more confidently. Becoming the unapologetic leader I am meant to be both on and off my mat, choosing to celebrate what makes me each and every day.
“As we let our light own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same.”
Marianne Williamson