Embracing Diversity on the Mat: African Yoga

Embracing Diversity on the Mat Yoga is a practice that has been embraced by people from all walks of life, and it is important that everyone feels welcome and represented on the mat. For hundreds of thousands of years, human civilization have had this one question at the center of Our Existence, "Who Am I?" OR "What Am I?". The Ancient Ancestors had a lot of wisdom and insight when it comes the these questions of Our Being. I have to ask a very valid question; If research and modern day science shows, and proves, to us that the first human, the spawn of human civilization, technology, inventions, religions, etc. started in Africa, WHY WOULDNT YOGA?!? I MEAN IT ONLY MAKES SENSE!!! Where did the separation from Africa and this practice root from- to now the modern world thinks that Yoga is a practice originated in India?

African Yoga is, of course, based off African teachings of the Mind, Body, Spirit and Soul. As we look into any topic of life, and dive deeper into the history, everything points back to the roots of Kush/Kemet. Kushite Civilization was the the southern region of Modern Day Egypt (Southern Nile, Nubia) mostly potent of the Nubian lineage, Kemet Civilization was a result of migration North from the location of Kush and re-establishing ourselves at that time. Egypt is In Africa, so whether called Egyptian Yoga or Kemetic Yoga- IT'S AFRICAN YOGA. I also have to add, back then, the lifestyle of Yoga would have been translated as SMAI(SEMA) TAWI.

At YogaWithEJ.com its about getting to THE SOURCE-THE ROOTS. Through research and experience- The Founder(EJ) came to a realization that through this style of practicing African Yoga- being able to embrace and connect to my ANCIENT ancestors by embodying the same postures and techniques they used. Through practicing Smai Tawi, you pay homage back to the Originators of the practice, and healing the things within.

We are proud to promote this practice! Over here in the Western World, everything is colonized, perverted and demoralized. When you say "Yoga" over here, MOST people just visualize a good workout. When you say "Kemetic Yoga," must of the time they people are confused or question what that is? There has always been a BIG gray area in this field of practice. We take honor and the duty of getting this practice back to the descendants of the Originators, to My Melanated People- YOU ARE NOT BLACK!!! The practice is for all humans, BUT WE HAVE TO PAY HOMAGE AND RESPECT TO THE TRUTH... When we look at the Western World, it thrives off indoctrination and colonization, however the power is in the people. Will we keep turning a shoulder and be apart of the problem, or will we come to reality and make a solution?

Here at YogaWithEj, the focus is to harness the energetics and psycho-spiritual effects of the practice, which will naturally have effects on the physical body. Remember life was spiritual before it became physical. Representation matters, and seeing people who look like us in the yoga community can be incredibly inspiring and empowering. That's why we are proud to have a diverse group of students taking in the teachings. The goal is to make yoga accessible to everyone, regardless of their background or ethnicity. At YogaWithEJ.com, I understand how it can be for a person with darker skin to practice yoga. Here, everybody leaves everything at the door. It's Just YOU, YOUR MAT, AND YOUR BREATH. Ej is trained to be culturally sensitive, aware, and at the same time push you to break through!!! I strive to create an environment where everyone feels comfortable and supported. Another important aspect of practicing yoga as a person of color is finding representation in the practice itself. Yoga has a long history rooted in Indian traditions, and it's important to honor and respect those origins. However, it's also important to recognize that yoga has Deeper Origins in Africa, has evolved and can be adapted to suit different cultures and communities. I come with ONE OF A KIND vibe, which reflects a unique and inclusive approach to yoga. Pretty Much I'm not going to act like the "perfectly pose" yoga instructor you maybe used to seeing- I'm going to Be Human, JUST LIKE YOU, IM JUST LIKE YOU... I incorporate elements of hip-hop, R&B, Lo-Fi, African Drums and other cultural influences into classes, creating a space where people of color can feel seen and celebrated. A few tips from EJ to keep in mind: 1. Practice self-care: Yoga is not just about physical postures, but also about self-care and self-acceptance. Take the time to nurture yourself and listen to your body's needs. 2. Embrace your uniqueness: Your experiences and background are what make you unique. Embrace your identity and bring your authentic self to the mat.

3. REMEMBER TO BREATHE- THAT IS YOUR LIFE LINE, BECOME CONSCIOUS OF IT, CONNECT TO IT

4. SELF LOVE: LOVE YOURSELF FIRST!!! YOU CANT POUR FROM A EMPTY CUP!!!

At YogaWithEJ.com it is important to us to embrace diversity on the mat and create a space where Melanated People feel seen, heard, and celebrated. Join us on this journey of self-discovery and empowerment through yoga. Together, we can create a more inclusive and diverse yoga community.