Today we’d like to introduce you to Sade Adeniji.
Sade, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
My journey into Yoga began 15 years ago and ultimately become the journey of finding myself. My very first yoga class was at the local YMCA back in 2010. My dad had got all of us a family membership there through his company so, of course, I was excited to check it out. I don’t remember why I felt called to head over to the group yoga class, but for whatever reason – I answered that call. The first downward facing dog pose and I was shaking like a leaf on a tree! In disbelief at how hard it was, I had to drop down to my knees several times. At this point I’m looking around realizing I’m the youngest in the room, I’m thinking “I’m an athlete, why am I struggling this much?” Now I don’t know what it was, but after that 50-minute class, I was HOOKED. I wanted to keep coming back.. and so I did. It wasn’t the most consistent practice, but when I could find time, I was there. Life went on, I moved out to college and as I’m sure you can imagine, yoga wasn’t my top priority as a first year college student. Time continued to pass and life got busier until one day everything stopped. At age 19, I was in a debilitating car accident. My doctor told me that it was not likely that I would ever walk the same again, regaining full mobility in my knees was a fleeting dream. So I turned to yoga to rehabilitate myself and that first time back on my mat.. it was like I was a completely different person – “whose body was this?” I couldn’t even do a simple Cat/Cow. This was all new to me. My body as it was in that moment, broken and aching, was new to me. I had to explore and discover what ‘this’ body could do. But first, I had to accept that ‘this’ body was indeed mine.. not some “thing” separate from myself. And thus, my journey to rehabilitate my body became the most transformational journey of reconnecting to myself and my truth. It became a journey of self-discovery, self-acceptance, and compassion. I wasn’t just healing my body, but I was ushering my mind back into a healthy state and finding fulfillment in my spirit, as well. That’s when it all started to click! Yoga is medicine. It’s a ancient science and an art form all in one. Yoga goes beyond just stretching and flexibility – it’s about transformation, growth, and self-realization. Yoga made me feel connected to something much greater than myself. I started going 2-3 times a day until I felt like myself again. Despite all the challenges I faced, I graduated university with my Masters and went on to work at one of the top accounting firms in the world. I was busier than ever, but still maintaining my yoga practice regularly. I cherished how this practice helped me reclaim my body, mind and spirit. So I let my passion for bringing this healing to others lead me to complete two 200hr Yoga Alliance (YA) teaching certifications and finally to India for my 500hr YA certification. I knew in my heart that this was my purpose, I was meant to devote my life to this calling. The wisdom I’ve learned, the knowledge I’ve gained from my teachers and from my life experiences have all led me here. After being in Mexico for 2 years, I moved back to my hometown right here in Houston, TX to be closer to my family. I now teach at all 3 Black Swan Yoga studios in town, as well as TruFusion in Post Oak in addition to offering private sessions. Teaching yoga has become one of the most rewarding things I’ve ever done – to have such a positive direct impact on people’s lives, especially within the community that raised me, is something I can’t put into words.
Isn’t it crazy (or divine) how one of the worst moments of my life could birth one of the best decisions I’ve ever made? Yoga has been the greatest gift in my life, not just the physical practice, but everything beyond it. I look back on my journey in awe and gratitude.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
You may have seen the meme circulating the internet that says “the struggles persist, but so do I” and that, to me, is so accurate. Even just coming back to my mat after my accident was really difficult, but I had to learn to show myself kindness and patience as I figured out new ways to move + breathe. But, I would say the one that’s stuck with me the most would have to be the struggle to trust myself. I had no idea how to go from being a corporate professional to full-time yoga teacher. It wasn’t easy to walk away from what was familiar and merge myself into the unknown. But I’m so glad I had the courage to listen to the call and follow this path, because sometimes you just have to trust that you’re making the right decisions for YOU (not for your parents, not for society).
You may hear a lot, “it’s about the journey, not the destination.” And all the struggles or setbacks are a part of that journey. So maybe the biggest struggle of all, is being able to trust the process along the way – to find a way to embrace the lows, as much as the highs – not seeing them specifically as losses or wins, per se, but as necessary all the same.
So no, the road to get here hasn’t been smooth and I still have further to go, but I have to trust that the path will reveal itself as long as I continue to choose to step forward.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
Mainly, I teach group yoga classes at different studios around town. My classes focus on releasing tension and cleansing out old, stagnant energy. I design creative flows that incorporate the breath, heat-building postures, moments of stillness or reflection and intentional stretches that deepen your connection to your mind + body. Some of my co-teachers jokingly call me the “alignment queen,” because I truly believe that with the proper understanding of what the pose is and how feels like in your body, as well as having purposeful transitions to get in or out of a pose, you can really help prevent injury. Even though my classes are known to be slightly challenging (in the best way), they are very much still accessible as I have a gentle approach to teaching. My hope is that you leave class feeling physically accomplished, relaxed in the mind, and with a sense of peace in your heart.
If you were to ask some of my students, I’m sure they would say I’m known for my laugh (haha) or for being goofy / light-hearted. Even though I was trained in Ashtanga Yoga (one of the more strict lineages), I feel that it’s important to find joy in the physical practice – at least for me, when I’m enjoying what I’m doing, it’s easier to stay consistent. And I really enjoying practicing and teaching yoga and that joy spills over into my classes.
In addition to my classes at the studios, I also offer private one-on-one or group sessions (birthdays, bachelorettes, athletes, etc.) that are tailored specifically to your needs and goals. Whether you’re just beginning in your yoga journey or looking to refine and deepen your practice – that’s where I step in, to help guide you along your way. And beyond that, I offer Sound Healing through intuitively curated sound baths, performed with my crystal quartz singing bowls and chimes, that allow you to relax and reconnect back to yourself. Feedback from my clients have been that these sessions are extremely insightful, transformational and have been the catalyst for healing deep wounds.
I’m not sure of my proudest moment, but something that’s had a lasting impact on me was when I helped facilitate a few YTTs (yoga teacher training) for one of my teacher’s studios. I was assisting with teaching philosophy, specifically the Yamas and Niyamas (which are like moral and ethical guidelines to life, really). Going over these topics in depth sparked some beautiful and thought-provoking dialogue with the students! These discussions were essentially about how we show up in the world and what that looks like in relation to others. Challenging the ego, while also asking you to reflect on some of the most vulnerable parts of your life. To sit in these discussions, to observe and listen to how the students interpreted each topic, to learn alongside them and to witness them stand fearlessly with open hearts and open minds as they connect the dots for themselves has been some of my absolutely favorite moments of my journey.
So maybe we end on discussing what matters most to you and why?
As an energy worker, healer, teacher, and creative what inspires me the most is to show up so authentically myself that it creates a safe space for others to do so, as well. When I show up and hold space, it’s my job to allow space for everyone’s humanity. My hope is for people to embrace their inner work, to lead with their hearts, to live in their truth – because I believe that the truth is the purest form of self-expression.
I’m a firm believer that compassion, gratitude, and love can heal the world, as well as each individual body, mind, and soul. No one is perfect, but WE are all we got – so practicing loving kindness towards yourself and others can go a long way. And that’s what matters the most to me.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sade.asana/?hl=en
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@seedsdealegria4972?si=OKa_2K3_79CZnga8
Image Credits
Mikayla Thomas
Avery Werther
