Let’s be real. Every month should be Black History Month. But regardless, we’re continuing to compile resources that educate and support equality, social justice and empowerment. If you missed our resource guide last month—check it out. In the meantime, here’s a fresh list of reading material, podcasts and other resources that have been curated by the Urban Sanctuary tribe. What We’re Reading Do Better: Spiritual Activism for Fighting and Healing from White Supremacy by Rachel Ricketts Egyptian Yoga: The Philosophy of Enlightenment by Muata Ashby Egyptian Yoga: Postures of the Gods and Goddesses by Muata Ashby Hood Feminism: Notes from the Women That a Movement Forgot by Mikki Kendall Mediocre: The Dangerous Legacy of White Male America by Ijeoma Oluo ...
Soly first discovered yoga as a teenager with severe health problems. Both then and now, yoga has been her favorite form of therapy and self-love. She has studied both Sacred Hot Yoga and Vinyasa Yoga and has completed 500 hours of training since 2017. Her goal as a teacher is to gift every student with a sense of peace and belonging in their body and in the world around them. 1. How did you first discover yoga? How did it shift your life? I first discovered yoga as a 16 year old in very poor mental and emotional health. About a month after realizing that I had a brain tumor, an endocrinologist recommended that I incorporate yoga into my life...
Taking action can come in many forms and we welcome them all. Last year was a year to take stock in yourself and how you showed up in the world. This year is an extension of that. Work still needs to be done, not just for the individual but for the collective. One of our favorite ways to stay connected, educated and mindful of ourselves is by learning. When our eyes are opened by knowledge of a good book, podcast or documentary, we want to share it with you in hopes that you will read it, get inspired and share it with someone else. Spreading the word about decolonization, anti- racism, hope and joy is what will help us heal...
1. What does the Urban Sanctuary community mean to you? The Urban Sanctuary community is so special to me because it is a safe space where I feel I can be my most authentic self, which allows me to share my yoga with community in such a beautiful, honest way. It is a space that has allowed me to create and move without fear. 2. How did you get into yoga? I love physically activities and was always athletic but yoga stood out to me because although it was movement, it was also a meditation for me. After doing yoga, I glowed different. I got certified to teach yoga soon after I started my practice when I was 17 years...
Q&A with Mona Lisa Xuxuchel Mona Lisa has been teaching yoga since 2015 and has received over 1,500 hours of additional training. Since her certification, she has had the privilege to facilitate yoga to thousands of people across 15 countries. Her consistent exposure to a physically and culturally diverse group of humans challenged and inspired her to create balanced, functional classes accessible to ANY body choosing to share her practice. Mona Lisa has extensive training and experience with trauma and has worked with victims of sexual assault and domestic violence within the military and civilian sectors. She teaches Shamanic Power Yoga, Metamorphosis Level 2 & 3 Vinyasa Flow and Afternoon Delight Mellow Vinyasa Flow. What is your favorite class to...
