Yoga + Culture
- Guru
- Apr 12, 2022
- 3 min read
Culture: the customs, arts, social institutions, and achievements of a particular nation, people, or other social group.
Yoga: the path to a better way of life. Yoga is also where the mind + body meet.
Why is it important to blend yoga + culture?
If your like me, you grew up with a set of beliefs and principles. I was raised southern Christian Baptist, in a Black American middle class family surrounded by artistic sense and the touch of grandma's hands. When I began my yoga practice, my village assumed I was doing yoga in contradiction to cultural experiences' as if I began yoga to let that all go. Fair enough, I changed a bit, I am more centered, confident, and self-aware. However, I have learned to grasp onto what works, and release what does not. I am able to use yoga to enhance my culture experiences on and off the mat.
How to blend yoga + culture?
Culture is not black and white. There are a myriad of social and ethic practices, meaning yoga can be an additive to the art. In fact, including your background into your practice makes you not only closer to practice, but also closer to self and core beliefs.
I am a huge advocate for using music in my classes and during my personal practice. This has successfully, and artistically set the tone for the session. When students walk in and hear alternative R+B they can expect eclectic restoration.
Want to join the Village G.U.R.U. Yoga Community for monthly yoga + wellness uploads ?
Here's a link to this month's playlist on Spotify.
Try making your own yoga playlist.
Think about the pace and mood of your flow
Pick songs that match your thoughts and intentions
Organize your songs to match the flow of your session
Most times, yoga studios are adorned with Hindu and Buddhist religious symbolic figures. Remember, yoga has no deity. This means that during your practice you can give yourself permission to add the symbolic figures of your own. Another way to blend your cultural experience with you yoga practice is to honor your core beliefs during your session. So invite your prayer beads, black Jesus pic, and the good book, if you into to that kinda thing.
"OOOOOOOOMMMMMM!", Did not come naturally to me immediately. It made me feel like I was appropriating because I had little connection to Sanskrit. There are many single word phrases that are heard daily in the village that also mean or signify unity like, " Yooooo!" Chanting was a piece of yoga that I would avoid for years. I was not opening my throat charka until I personalized the discipline. At times, I'd OM, and other times I'd Amen now. Affirmations are a non-bias confirmation for core beliefs. You can create your own affirmations.
Create your own affirmation!
Start with an self affirming statement. (I am, I live, I am able, etc.)
Add you inner most desire. (i am grounded, I am able to create, I live positively.)
Use your affirmations throughout the day, at the beginning of practice, and throughout.
Yoga will enhance your cultural experience as long as you personalize your practice with your background, social preferences, artistic aesthetic, and core beliefs. As a teacher I have aimed to express the authenticity of my experience and as a student this was part of the reason I began my yoga journey. I would love for the village and allies to enhance their cultural experience through their yoga journey too. Hope these tips help.
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