Introducing Our New BIPOC Community Yoga Class

We are thrilled to introduce a new offering to the Green Yogi Community: a donation-based Yoga Class for BIPOC community members. The class will be offered every Sunday evening (6:15-7:30p) and will be taught by us, Aradhana Tiwari and Rahmat Balogun.

Each class will be led by one instructor alternating every week starting March 3rd. In honor of Black History Month, we’d like to offer some of the inspirations for creating this space from the wise words of James Baldwin & Audre Lorde. Baldwin once said, "Not everything that is faced can be changed, but nothing can be changed until it is faced."

His words echo the mindfulness and presence we cultivate through our yoga practice. Similarly, Audre Lorde's reminder that "Caring for myself is not self-indulgence, it is self-preservation, and that is an act of political warfare" speaks to the radical act of engaging in forms of self-care that nurture ourselves, and by extension, the communities we are a part of. The word Yoga means 'unity' or 'oneness.' It is derived from the Sanskrit word ‘yuj’ which means ‘to join.’ Yoga refers to the unity of mind, body and spirit within ourselves as well as the oneness of our consciousness with the consciousness of all beings everywhere.

When spaces are created for people of color to be together, we have the potential to reclaim parts of ourselves that have become misaligned while existing in a world that may discriminate, and at an extreme, dehumanize people of color. It is our intention to offer a safe, accessible space for BIPOC individuals to engage in practices to balance the mind, body and soul. We welcome all individuals who identify as BIPOC to join us - whether you're stepping onto the mat for the first time or you're an experienced practitioner looking to deepen your practice in this type of community. We seek to create a supportive class where each individual can find presence and the strength needed to face and change those things which no longer serve them.

This is an invitation to explore and play within our bodies, an offering to develop consistency in our self-care and holistic growth. We hope that this BIPOC community class allows individuals to take the benefits and insights gained on the mat into their lives. Please join us in breathing, growing and uplifting one another every Sunday starting March 3rd.

We look forward to sharing this practice with you.

Rahmat Balogun and Aradhana Tiwari