If you’ve read this blog before you know how much I absolutely love Yoga. It’s a practice that has transformed my life and I am so grateful to have found it. I began practicing Yoga in college in the early 2000’s. Later on I was so inspired that I completed Yoga Teacher Training and even quit my 9 to 5 job to teach Yoga full-time.
It feels like I’ve taken a gazillion Yoga classes in my life, however one thing is pretty much always consistent – I am either the only person of color in the class or one of a few in attendance. Yoga has a glaring problem that very few people are willing to talk about and the problem is the lack of diversity and inclusion in yoga classes and yoga studios.
Does Representation Really Matter That Much?
To answer the question posed in the title above – representation absolutely matters and here’s why. When people are surrounded by others who look like them it creates an environment that feels welcoming and safe. Speaking from my own personal experience, truly every single time I walk into a yoga class or training where I’m the only person of color I feel like the odd man out, like some kind of novelty or token. It’s not a great feeling – period. Truthfully the experience has been outright weird and cringe at times. I’ve walked into studios where it feels like the people in attendance are overly excited to see a person of color (finally) walk through the door. It’s the fake smiles plastered on their faces, high-pitched voices and the eagerness to show me around the space – all of it, completely awkward and off-putting.
Even from a Yoga Teacher standpoint, I’ve been the only African-American teacher at many Yoga studios and boy do I have horror stories. In the past, I’ve been flat out told I was only hired because I’m Black. Or kept on the schedule to keep Black people coming in the door. Just awful.
Representation matters because a person’s culture and background can dictate how they show up in the world and ultimately how that are received. Yoga is an environment where people are invited to open up and be vulnerable. It’s extremely important that a person feels safe in class with a teacher that sees, hears and recognizes them for who they are.
All Hope Is Not Lost
I’m not going to lie, solving Yoga’s inclusivity and diversity problem is a huge task. I think it starts with stepping out of one’s comfort zone. Yoga is a practice for everybody regardless of race, ethnicity, background, and sexual and gender orientation. I believe Yoga studios can begin supporting diversity by having a diverse teaching staff. Even more so, a teaching staff that is empowered to welcome all people from different races and socioeconomic backgrounds.
Another way to help solve Yoga’s diversity and inclusion problem is by closing the wellness gap. Studios can make Yoga classes more affordable by offering community classes or donation-based classes. If you’ve ever visited a Yoga studio you know what I mean. Classes these days cost anywhere from $25 and up. This price tag is a hefty one and can discourage people from taking class in the first place.
I also think it’s incredibly important to bring Yoga to underserved communities. For years I taught free Yoga classes at inner city schools and libraries and even in prisons here in Nashville. Many of the people in these classes had either heard of Yoga but were scared to try it, or it simply wasn’t a priority in their lives. A couple classes in – I kid you not, they were all hooked and absolutely fell in love with the practice. To this day these experiences are some of the most rewarding and amazing memories I have from teaching Yoga.
Taking Action
I came across an article by the Yoga Alliance (which is kind-of like the governing body/organization of Yoga and Yoga Teachers in the United States) and it succinctly outlined how to begin to tackle the Yoga diversity and inclusion dilemma in four ways. I’ve summarized the four points in the text to the right however you’re free to read the entire article here.
- Understand the Needs of the Community You’re Serving
- Offer Low-Cost or Donation Based Classes
- Use Inclusive Images & Language
- Host Classes Outside of the Studio
I really hope this article helps shine a light on the conversation around diversity and inclusion in the Yoga community. Yoga really is for everybody. If you live in the Nashville, TN-area please check out some of my favorite places to practice that have always felt safe for me as a woman of color. Hola Yoga, InnerG Yoga, Small World Yoga, Soul Flow Yoga.
4 responses to “Yoga Has a Glaring Problem Few Are Willing to Talk About”
Well versed. As a woman of color, I’m usually ostracized for trying things that isn’t the norm for my race, yet I still do it. It’s sad that our community will jump on board with ignorance without learning the benefits first. I’ve been interested in learning more about yoga, but just haven’t implemented it into my daily routine. Time out for excuses! I need to be centered and focused, as well as healthy. My only concern is execution of the proper body mechanics. Time to move past my fear and embrace it.
Yes ma’am!! I totally agree with you. Next time we’re together we’re gonna practice! I’ll teach you everything I know. Love you so much 🙂
Thank you isn’t enough, for your courage to write about this subject. It needs to be said & it needs to be said now. I’m glad you’re here doing what you do well. Spreading the Light.
You’re very welcome. I’m so grateful you enjoyed the read 🙂