There are days when walking out of the casita to only make it back can count as a small win. From the catcalls on the street to being talked over in the boardroom, to being the only Latina in a yoga space. These and many other micro and macro aggressions require us to destress and reset.
Yoga is about the unity of the mind, body, and spirit. Mi'ja you have the ability to control what you can control. Other people's baggage does not need to lower your fabulous chingona vibe. As a Latina, I've had to create space for myself or build a whole new space where I could feel whole. I couldn't find wellness podcasts that talked about the wellness from a BI&WOC perspective, so I made one. I couldn't find yoga teachers who looked like me, so I went through training so I could be one for myself and others.
Protecting your energy is a lesson I have learned in my healing journey. Yoga and meditation have helped me do this in a way that is culturally grounded to me. Here are my tips for you to consider as you cultivate your own wellness journey.
Tip #1 - Musicá
Yoga classes will usually have songs that are a little EDMish or wildlife nature sounds. Yo, I am not a fan of nature. I grew up hearing the honks and beeps of traffic in New York City. I do not apologize for the sound of el cuatro puertorriqueño playing a soft melody of the island. When I do yoga I like to use musicá that fills my soul.
Tip #2 - Pick One Pose
Yoga doesn't have to be a fast-paced vinyasa flow or 26 poses from a hot yoga class. Yoga can be restorative. Choose one pose, maybe savasana, that you can just chill in for 5- 10 minutes. You can bring yourself into the present moment by lying down, listening to the sounds around you, and focusing on your breathing. If you are anything like me, my mind is going a million miles a moment. Sometimes it takes me 10 minutes to just get myself into the moment. This also allows you to activate the parasympathetic nervous system which is the rest and digesting side of your body. I will nerd out on this later.
You can bring yourself into the present moment by lying down, listening to the sounds around you, and focusing on your breathing. – Dr. KAY
Tip #3 - Breathe
When I am feeling just "blah" or out of control or just so done with everything I turn to my breath. It is important to remember that breathing is the only body function that you can control consciously and unconsciously. Take the moment to breathe in and out releasing the stress, anger, and hurt. Breath in the love, joy, and hope that you will find through your breathing. You being here is a continual act of resistance to people's hate. Focus bring yourself to the present.
You are Not Alone, Mi'ja!
The idea of conquering and dividing is a war strategy is to make people feel alone and isolated. Not being connected to yourself, your source, divinity, higher power, and not connected to Comunidad can deprive you of your hope. No dejes the patriarchy, whiteness, etc. keeps you alone.
There are so many of us who are right there with you, but you don't see us. Let's all stop trying to fake it to me make it and just make it being us. Hit me up on IG with what gives you hope. I can't wait to celebrate all life's little gifts with you.
¡Dalé!