Today we’d like to introduce you to Shakethia.
Hi Shakethia, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
My journey into yoga began in 2015 when I stepped onto the mat as a practitioner. Initially, I sought merely to stretch and unwind without any particular spiritual aspirations. However, as I persisted in my practice and delved deeper, I uncovered the power of breath to quiet my mind, helping me cope with my depression.
Discovering stillness through breath, I gradually incorporated prayer and communion with God into my yoga practice.
This marked the beginning of my exploration of yoga as a spiritual discipline and ignited within me a desire to introduce this transformative practice to others, particularly within the Black/African-American Christian community.
And thus, Sacred Spaces Yoga was born with the aim to broaden and deepen the understanding of Yoga while also providing a sanctuary to connect to Yourself, the World, and God.
We all face challenges, but looking back, would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
One significant challenge in guiding yoga for the Black/African-American Christian community is overcoming the barrier and misconception that many Christians hold regarding yoga being associated with demonic practices.
I have grace for the misconception about the origins and spiritual aspects of yoga because I know that many are simply believing what they were taught by the church.
The purpose of Sacred Spaces Yoga isn’t to engage in arguments with those adhering to false narratives. Instead, my focus is on delivering precise and comprehensive insights into the holistic nature of yoga beyond its physical aspects. I am dedicated to highlighting the parallels between Yoga Philosophy and the Christian faith while also showcasing methods for individuals to seamlessly weave their Christian beliefs into their yoga practice.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I am a yoga educator and creator of Sacred Spaces Yoga.
My expertise lies in curating experiential worship encounters through yoga sessions, videos, workshops, and courses. I am recognized for crafting avenues where everyone can genuinely connect with themselves and with the Divine through the synergy of breath and movement.
While I truly believe that the practice and philosophy of Yoga benefit everyone, Sacred Spaces Yoga’s primary audience and focus is the Black/African American community. And I am proud of that.
Who else deserves credit in your story?
Sacred Spaces Yoga was created in 2020, right before the global pandemic. My vision of establishing a thriving yoga enterprise offering in-person classes, workshops, and retreats was abruptly derailed by the onset of a lockdown. As I worked to restructure what Sacred Spaces Yoga would offer in a virtual world, I credit mentors and supporters for walking with me through the wilderness of reimagination.
I stand on the shoulders of many giants. The two who I will name are Raquel of LoveHerRetreats and Tamika Caston Miller or Ashe Yoga. Both have encouraged, affirmed, and inspired me to imagine (and reimagine) Sacred Spaces Yoga as a business that may evolve in its modalities but will forever foster community and safe spaces where individuals can find serenity, gratitude, and self-love.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.sacredspacesyogahtx.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/sacredspacesyoga
- Youtube: www.youtube.com/@sacredspacesyoga
Image Credits
Delicia E
Nuna Imani
