Out of The Blue: a blog by Yellow Mat Wellness
100.
I love the number 100.
It always gives me the feeling of accomplishment. Very satisfying.
Another fun fact — today is April 10th, which is usually the 100th day of the year. (However, on a leap year, it becomes the 101st!)
For the last 3.5 years, I have been researching and exploring wellness + wellbeing in the context of money and economics. In order for me to innovate ways to create more access to wellness, I have had to study the structures + systems that cause inequality in the first place.
Do you know Bloomberg Magazine estimates the global wellness industry to be $5.6 Trillion (with a T!), with an increase of 5-10% each year? So — why is everyone still feeling so bad?
Within the last 9 years as a teacher, I have felt the challenge of creating sustainable ways to give and receive. Finding the “market value” of my gifts — it sometimes feels absurd. Because what is the true value of peace of mind? Of trauma recovery? Of allyship? Or creating community. For me— priceless. I’d do—and have done— all of this for free. No, I’ve INVESTED in myself + what I care about. Because I’ve given up my homes, jobs, cars, relationship, sleep, and at times self-confidence to deliver my ideas into the world.
I read somewhere that your health is like money — they only time you really care about it is when you don’t have enough.
Because again— it has to be said aloud— I am not in the business of yoga. I did not find the practice of yoga, or become a yoga teacher with the desire of create an ‘empire’. Quite conversely, I was looking to help one person — myself. And I so badly wanted to share the tool of well-being that I was able to access that sometimes my most natural decisions (to give yoga away to everyone, for free, all the time) were seen as terrible business decisions.
And what I’ve realized is that until wellness becomes of real value to us, we will not begin to invest in it.
But it’s of value to me. So that’s why I continue to innovate ways to get more people into practice.
——
I am pleased to share a new offering from Yellow Mat Wellness — 1:1 Personal Practice.
Are you a beginner and feel traditional yoga classes are too physical, too fast, or give very little instruction on how to actually move?
Have you been trying yoga + meditation for a while but feel your practice has plateaued or become stagnant?
Have you tried joining gyms, studios, or hiring private teachers, only to find it financially unsustainable?
Here is a solution:
Schedule Your Intro Call - This 15-min video call helps us establish a foundation and intention for practice, along with answering any questions to help maximize your time + space for practice. At the end of this call, we’ll confirm details for your virtual session.
Instruction + Coaching - A 60-min private virtual studio space is created to provide specialized attention and support for your unique needs.
Follow-up + Practice Plan - After your session, you’ll receive a personalized plan to help you establish a consistent + actionable plan to improve your practice.
You’ll also be invited to special private group session where you can connect with others, ask questions, check-in on your progress.
If you are ready to feel more competent, confident, and consist in your wellness practice — start here.
Practice Makes Possible.
Announcing C{OM}MUNITY: A wellness Day Retreat w/Yellow Mat Wellness Collective
On Monday, January 1st, 2024, join Siha, founder of Yellow Mat Wellness Collective for this wellness day retreat, designed to foster community well-being and personal growth. Inspired by our 2024 community {WELL}th initiative to increase access and equity to wellness, this offering centers the practice of community through a trauma-informed lens and emphasizes emotional and social wellness.
RETREAT OVERVIEW:
We’ll get into the flow with a guided breathwork practice followed by 30-40 min of movement (suitable for all levels) and guided rest practice. After, we’ll gather for brief introductions followed by opportunities for personal reflection and discussion.
More Info:
Limited parking in the lot, or street parking available.
Bring a yoga mat, water, and a journal/notebook (optional).
Doors open at 12:30pm. Class starts a 1pm. Please arrive at least 15+ min prior to class start time.
You’ll receive a welcome email within 48 hrs.
Learn more at www.yellowmatwellness.com/jan-2024-community-day-retreat
TURNING WELLNESS INTO {WELL}TH: WHY I’M PAYING FOWARD $15,000 OF COMMUNITY WELLNESS.
“… I'm just another black man caught up in the mix. Trying to make a dollar out of fifteen cents “ - Shock G
If you see me in person, remind me to tell you the story in greater detail. However.
In June 2020, as the world grappled with the pandemic and renewed cries for social justice, I was in the middle of my own personal and professional crisis. I resigned from my position as Director of Brand + Social Impact of a wellness non-profit, protesting the mishandling of critical discussions around equity and allyship.
The resignation left me without a steady income. Yet, in this period of uncertainty, I tapped back into a unique set of skills that I’d always owned, but had dismissed in lieu of structured business mindset. My journey is a testament to the resilience and innovative spirit that cannot be taught in a business school, but is rather a gift of the direct and communal lineage from which I’m sourced. Since that day, I’ve embraced my ability to innovate, to "make a dollar out of fifteen cents."
More importantly, I focused on restoring my well-being to avoid burnout and continue being a self-directed leader.
Less than a month later, in July 2020, something miraculous happened—I received a check for $15,000. It’s the proof of concept that not only inspired my work and to capture my story, but to find a way to pay it forward.
Over the past four years, I've worked tirelessly to imagine and create wellness opportunities that step outside traditional capitalist and colonialist systems, focusing instead on equity + sustainability.
My growth through these challenging times has equipped me to support others, nurturing not just individual well-being but also fortifying our collective resilience.
I cannot—I will not—wait for my liberation. It is in my giving freely that I found a simply + elegant solution to what I had previously seen as my biggest obstacle by removing moving as the key barrier to practice. Your dollar is a vote, a sword, a cheer, an affirmation — but it is no longer a gatekeeper to what we need most — the ability to connect in community.
I am willing to mirror exactly what I’ve been asking those around me to do — deeply recognize and consider their own privilege — and then take radical action from that place.
This is my practice, embodied. When we reframe this conversation — I have invested and received so much from wellness. I have so much abundance I can pay forward that in a manner which eases the burden of those around me — is this not the thing I prayed for?
This is why I'm giving away $15,000 of wellness. It's more than a monetary gesture; it's an embodiment of my journey and the "WELLTH" I've accumulated - a wealth of knowledge, community, and resilience.
Maternal Wellness Initiative: Empowering Mothers through FEMININE Wisdom
Recognizing the unique challenges and strengths of motherhood, our Maternal Wellness Initiative is dedicated to empowering mothers by centering womanist beliefs. This initiative is grounded in the philosophy that embraces and uplifts the experiences, wisdom, and leadership qualities inherent in all women, particularly in their roles as mothers. We aim to create a nurturing environment that celebrates and supports the feminine energy of mothers, enabling them to lead with strength and grace.
Our vision is to cultivate a world where maternal wellness is prioritized, and mothers are empowered to lead in their communities while embracing their femininity. We seek to create a supportive network that recognizes the diverse experiences of motherhood and provides tools and resources for mothers to thrive both personally and professionally.
Key Principles:
Womanist Empowerment: Inspired by the womanist movement (Walker, 1983), we encourage mothers to embrace their unique identities, strengths, and leadership abilities, affirming their role in shaping future generations.
Feminine Energy: We emphasize the importance of maintaining and celebrating feminine energy, recognizing it as a source of strength, intuition, and nurturing.
Community Support: Understanding the power of collective support, we foster a community where mothers can find solidarity, share experiences, and uplift each other.
Holistic Health: We advocate for a holistic approach to wellness, encompassing physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual well-being tailored to the needs of mothers.
Leadership Development: Through workshops and mentorship, we empower mothers to develop leadership skills, enabling them to make impactful contributions in their families and communities.
Initiatives:
Wellness Workshops: Conduct workshops focusing on physical health, mental well-being, emotional resilience, and spiritual growth, specifically designed for mothers.
Support Groups and Circles: Establish regular support groups and circles that provide a safe space for mothers to share their experiences, challenges, and triumphs.
Leadership and Empowerment Seminars: Organize seminars and talks that inspire and equip mothers to embrace leadership roles in various spheres of life while maintaining their feminine essence.
Resource and Information Hub: Create an accessible hub of resources, including articles, podcasts, and videos, covering topics pertinent to maternal wellness and womanist empowerment.
Community Events and Collaborations: Host community events that celebrate motherhood and collaborate with organizations that support women’s health and empowerment.
The Maternal Wellness Initiative is a movement that recognizes and honors the power of community through the lens of feminine and maternal wisdom. By empowering mothers to lead, we not only support their personal growth but also contribute to the development of healthier, more resilient communities. This initiative is a tribute to the strength, wisdom, and leadership of mothers everywhere, affirming their crucial role in shaping a better world.
-Siha
Founder, Yellow Mat Wellness Collective
Mindful Allyship Initiative: Embracing Inclusivity and Community Wellness
Our Mindful Allyship Initiative is founded on the transformative power of mindfulness in healing and uniting communities. This initiative seeks to extend mindfulness beyond individual practice, recognizing its potential to address social inequities and foster a culture of inclusivity and wellness that resonates throughout society.
Our vision is a society where mindfulness is a bridge to understanding, empathy, and action towards social equity. We aim to create an environment where every individual, regardless of background, can engage in mindful practices and contribute to a healthier, more inclusive community.
Key Principles:
Democratizing Mindfulness: We are committed to making mindfulness accessible to all, especially marginalized communities, by breaking down barriers and promoting inclusivity in wellness practices.
Trauma-Informed Education: Recognizing the widespread impact of trauma, our programs are designed to be sensitive to the diverse experiences of participants, providing a safe and supportive space for healing and growth.
Community Support and Development: Our collective support model offers free and low-cost workshops and continuing education programs to inspire personal and community development in a supportive framework.
Paying It Forward: We encourage participants to 'pay it forward', creating a ripple effect of wellness and mindfulness that extends beyond our immediate circle, fostering a culture of empathy and mutual support.
What this looks like:
Inclusive Mindfulness Workshops: Host workshops that focus on mindfulness practices accessible to diverse communities, emphasizing inclusivity and cultural awareness.
Community Healing Circles: Facilitate regular community circles for shared experiences, support, and collective healing, fostering a sense of belonging and understanding.
Educational Series and Talks: Offer series of talks and educational resources that explore the intersections of mindfulness, social equity, and community wellness.
Mindful Allyship Training: Provide training programs for individuals and organizations to develop skills in mindful allyship, emphasizing empathy, understanding, and active support for marginalized groups.
Collaboration with Community Leaders: Partner with community leaders and organizations to broaden the reach and impact of mindful practices, ensuring they are tailored to the needs of various communities.
The Mindful Allyship Initiative is a commitment to using mindfulness as a tool for social change and community healing.
-Siha
Founder, Yellow Mat Wellness Collective
Black + Indigenous Wellness Initiative: Embracing Our Truths, Healing Our Community
In a world where the wellness narrative often excludes the unique experiences of Black, Indigenous, and racialized communities, this initiative seeks to reclaim and re-imagine what wellness looks like. Inspired by the profound teachings of black and indigenous authors & educators, our mission is to create a wellness movement that is rooted in the truths and experiences of Black, Indigenous, and racialized individuals. We strive to decolonize wellness, moving away from mainstream, Eurocentric models, and towards practices that resonate with our heritage, culture, and individual needs.
Our vision is a world where Black + Indigenous wellness is recognized, celebrated, and integrated into everyday life. We aim to create spaces where individuals can explore wellness in a way that is empowering, healing, and affirming of their identity.
Key Principles:
Authenticity and Vulnerability: With a deep belief in the power of truth, we encourage individuals to embrace their authentic selves and share their stories with vulnerability and courage.
Self-Care as an Act of Political Warfare: Inspired by Audre Lorde's teaching that caring for oneself is not self-indulgence but an act of political warfare, we promote self-care as a vital tool for empowerment and resistance against systemic inequalities.
Decolonizing Wellness Practices: We commit to exploring and integrating wellness practices that honor African, Afro-diasporic, and Indigenous traditions, moving away from Western-centric perspectives.
Community Healing: Recognizing the interconnectedness of our struggles and wellness, we foster community spaces that support collective healing and upliftment.
Educational Empowerment: Through workshops, talks, and resources, we educate our community about holistic health practices, mental health, and the importance of nurturing the body, mind, and spirit.
What this looks like:
Wellness Workshops and Retreats: Organize workshops and retreats that focus on various aspects of wellness, including mental health, physical health, and spiritual practices, rooted in Black & Indigenous traditions.
Community Healing Circles: Regular community circles guided by Black teachers, offering a safe space for sharing, healing, and connecting.
Educational Series: A series of talks, seminars, and resources that explore themes from the work of Black and Indgenous scholars and elders, connecting them to contemporary wellness practices.
Mentorship and Support Networks: Establish mentorship programs and support networks that empower individuals through shared experiences and guidance.
Collaborations with Black Wellness Practitioners: Partner with Black + Indigenous wellness practitioners to offer diverse and culturally relevant wellness services.
Our Black + Indigenous Wellness initiative is more than a program; it's a movement towards reclaiming our narratives, healing our traumas, and empowering ourselves through wellness practices that honor our truths and identities. We not only pay homage to our cultural heritage but also pave the way for a future where true collective care and wellness is understood, embraced, and celebrated.
We look forward to you joining us.
-Siha
Founder, Yellow Mat Wellness Collective
The Quieter You Become, The More You Can Hear.
✨The quieter you become, the more you can hear.✨
A 2015 article from the University of Buffalo states that noise changes the way our brain receives information.
Researchers from UB and John Hopkins University studied the effects of living in noisy habitats. When testing a group of mice that had received prolonged loud sound exposure, they discovered that their nerve and brain cells changed significantly in response to environmental factors.
“When the ear is exposed to a noise, cells in the auditory nerve release chemicals called neurotransmitters. These chemicals tell the brain that the ear has been stimulated. That’s how we hear.”
Constant exposure to noisy environments can cause these chemicals to deplete at a faster rate. In response to this, the brain will adjust the release of rate of these chemicals—essentially changing what and how you process background noise, so it can have chemicals available for alerting your brain when a new sound appears in your environment.
The researchers also learned when the mice were returned to quiet habitats, the auditory nerves adjust back *down* to be more efficient and sensitive to sounds in the new environment.
Amazing, huh.
Interested in a short practice? Take 1 minute to mute your phone, TV, music, etc. and tune into this sound meditation, which helps to restore balance to our senses, especially hearing.
If you want to learn how to quiet a noisy mind, and other cool stuff — follow @yellowmatwellness on Instagram.
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Finding (Well)th
Why I took a year away from teaching.
I took a year away from teaching public classes because it felt inauthentic for me to talk about wellness when I was suffering from a lack of self-care that had affected every area of my life.
Physically - I wasn’t exercising or practicing yoga and my body felt stiff and sore.
Mentally - I stopped meditating and was unfocused and unproductive.
Emotionally - I was unable to regulate myself and often yelled, cursed, and argued to feel seen & heard by a person I felt wounded by.
Spiritually - I had stopped studying and praying and was pretty pissed at “the Universe” about my dire position.
Financially — I was flat broke.
So— as I’ve done many other times in my life, I had to decide what is essential. I had to end painful personal and business relationships. Move states. Quit jobs. Look at my own flaws. Ask for help. Pray for ease. Start therapy. Stop complaining. Eat better. Take naps. Raise my self-esteem. And most of all — find my own meaningful, consistent, genuine practice of all that.
It’s been extremely challenging and confronting for me to let go of the coping mechanisms that I’d used for so long. Healing from your trauma is not for the faint of heart. But worth it.
So I’m just here to say that well-being is priceless. It’s the only thing I believe you can actually own—the awareness of your own life and how you’ll choose to show up to it.
I spent my entire life wishing to be Rich. But now, I understand the genuine meaning of being (well)thy. I hope you will now see and feel this in everything I do. ✨✨
Self-Inquiry: What does wellness feel like to you?
(Answer this question on Facebook or Instagram and tag @yellowmatwellness)