Spotlight: Representation Matters

Whether it’s poses that are physically or emotionally accessible for different bodies, races and gender-identities, or classes that meet people where they are financially, we believe that yoga should be a reflection of the community we serve. We’re honored to spotlight YIY student Juanita White, whose yoga story is relatable to so many who may not feel seen, heard or represented in mainstream yoga spaces. Juanita’s journey of self-reflection and connection was amplified when she found a community of students and teachers who reflected and “looked like her.” Representation and inclusion in the studio helped her to better tune into her mind and body’s needs with confidence and tune out the thoughts of self-doubt or shame that once followed her to her mat. We’re honored to be a part of her journey and to share her story with you.

What is your age group?

I am 64.

How many times a week do you practice? (note: if you don’t practice weekly, please share whatever frequency you find yourself on your mat whether in the studio, at home, doing meditation, self-care, etc.)

I practice at least two days per week, but I aim for 3-4 per week. My schedule can be crazy so that it interferes with my practice schedule.

I now have mats and props that I use at home-though not as frequently as I’d like. But sometimes it is just about finding a pose I can hold while I watch tv or read or listen to music.

What inspired you to start yoga?

I started yoga in the late 90’s because I wanted to add something else to my exercise regimen. In those days I was doing bench aerobics and using cardio equipment twice a week-faithfully. 

I stopped practicing in early 2000 because I was not tuned in to “me” and focused so much on what everybody else was doing and I felt inadequate. Everybody seemed to have ballerina type bodies and could bend themselves into positions that I couldn’t, and I felt ashamed. I hated my body because it was curvy and no one in my classes looked like me. So, I stopped for a while but wandered in an out of classes until I became more in touch with myself and began to focus on me and my practice-and not on the reed thin women around me.

I started again in 2012 because I made a commitment to practice and found a teacher of color, with a class full of women who looked like me. I knew I would feel comfortable there.

What motivates you to continue practicing?

I love the way it makes me feel. I feel open, and relaxed and energetic after a class. My body and mind feel good. I am refreshed. 

I’ve also found a community of women – teachers, students-with whom I have formed relationships that I cherish. That is so important.

What is your favorite type (class style) of yoga and why?

I love yin because most days I need to relax so that style works for me. But my body responds to vinyasa too, though what is available to me is not what is available to everyone else, but I have learned that that is okay. I am good with that. I love that it allows me to stretch and grow and go deeper. It is good for my body so while yin is my favorite vinyasa is a close second.

I started practicing Bikram yoga because I love heat and probably would still do it occasionally, but I grew tired of having to drive to the class. I love when yoga is accessible to me.

What benefits, if any, have you experienced from your practice?

Well my knees will tell you that yoga helps them. Lol. The main benefit is that it has helped me be more centered and calmer in my life. I look forward to my practice after a hectic, stressful day. 

My body feels lighter in some ways-maybe because of the stretching and endurance.

We’re honored you’ve entrusted us to lead your practice. Memphis has a great deal of studios. Why us?

A lady in another yoga class who attended another yoga class with me (and I still frequent it from time to time) mentioned  Your Inner Yogi to me in 2016 and talked about the vinyasa class and how it really made you sweat-as if you’ve been doing aerobics. And I knew I needed some cardio type workout, so I decided to try it, especially when I discovered it was “in my own backyard”, so to speak. I can walk to it and if I ever must drive (cold, rain) it is easy to find parking.

Another thing that was attractive was that it was owned by a black woman and I love supporting black and women owned businesses whenever possible.

Thirdly, I knew I’d find women who looked like me in terms of color and body build and we could travel this journey together.

Considering what you may have learned on your mat in your yoga classes, how would you say you’re living yoga off of your mat?

I am so much calmer. I hold less tension in my body. I breathe through situations that in years past would cause me stress and uneasiness. I now allow all of that to roll off me; I breathe it away. Happiness is just a breath away. I know joy in a way I didn’t before.

Affirmations and quotes can play a significant role in one’s yoga practice. What is your favorite quote or mantra?

“Breathe and let go.”

If you could describe your yoga journey in three words, what would they be and why?

Deliberate. Personal. Enduring.