Democratizing Wellness With Naaya Yoga
Winter is here and Naaya Wellness has finally launched. Last Spring, I had the wonderful opportunity to serve as a muse for the creation of Naaya Wellness. Founded by Sinikiwe Dhiliwalo, Naaya Wellness is democratizing wellness with yoga and mindfulness programming for communities who have been traditionally overlooked and excluded from those spaces.
I remember watching the first season of Sex and The City, Episode 11 (1998) where Samantha takes a yoga class. The class of course was affluent and white. I thought to myself, “how did this Brown practice (yoga started in India) get so white”? I first was introduced to yoga while I was in undergrad, 2008-2009 to be exact. My available elective credits drove me to the random class which would serve as a constant puzzle piece to my healing journey. It’s now 2019 and I’m elated to see the rise in people of color who dedicate their time to cultivate safe spaces for yoga and self care. Naaya Wellness is one of these spaces that I’m glad to support.
Rooted in Zimbabwean culture, Naaya is the Shona word for healing.
Modeling for Naaya Wellness was a direct manifestation of my work in leading women through my self-healing journey. As a forever curious diasporadical woman, I welcome more and more alignments with pure intentions of connecting me with more of myself and my life’s purpose. Here are some of the best shots from the launch shoot. Photography by Laurel Golio
Naaya exists for people of color to feel seen, heard, and, most importantly, welcome. Get familiar with Naaya Wellness and their workshops around New York City.
Web:
https://www.naayawellness.com/