Taking up Space: The Wellness Industry
How do you feel about taking up space in a room?
I wasn't eager to do so at the start of my wellness journey!
This post shares a reflection on my past, present and future experiences. Plus my plans on working on promoting to diversity and inclusion in the wellness space.
The Past - Lacking Self-Belief
Before 2020, I wouldn't have thought that I would be confident, and brave, enough to teach a yoga class to a room full of students. Or even simply feel ‘enough’ to become a yoga teacher. I thought it was an unrealistic ambition for me to have.
Firstly, I didn't think I could memorise all the yoga postures that I had practised in different yoga classes over the years. Secondly I hadn't attended an in person yoga class by a Black yoga teacher before. Edinburgh appears diverse when you're walking around the city centre streets. However, when you step into a yoga studio there often isn't much diversity in the room.
I finished my 200 hour yoga teacher training in early summer 2021. I had attended many yoga classes in the past yet I hadn't thought about becoming a teacher. I was conscious that when I attended classes 99% of the time, if not every time, I was the only Black person in the room.
On a subconscious level, which I am now aware of, I didn't believe that I could become a yoga teacher as I hadn't seen a teacher or fellow student in the class who looked like me.
For a while when I attended yoga classes by myself I would always put my mat near the back row. I had practised yoga many times before but being seen at the front of the room made me feel uncomfortable.
Taking Action
It wasn't until I decided to train to become a yoga teacher, then subsequently a mindfulness teacher and coach, that I recognised that I should be taking up more space. Taking up space in terms of physical space and not being afraid to be seen. Plus, taking up space by using my authentic voice and being heard.
I knew that there would be people who would want to see more diversity and inclusion in the wellness space. I had a feeling that there were probably Black and POC people who were too nervous to attend a yoga class due to being the only “one” in the room.
I had an inner knowing that by starting to share yoga and mindfulness with others that my confidence would increase, and it would help me reach diverse communities.
That inner knowing was confirmed.
One evening while teaching my weekly class in a studio, a couple of new students joined my class. When speaking to them they shared that they had travelled from outside of Edinburgh to come to my class because they were looking for a Black yoga teacher and I was the closest person they could find.
In that moment I felt a sense of joy that we were able to connect through yoga. We had all shown up in the same space and felt a sense of belonging and community in a wellness space.
However, at the same time I felt saddened that there were so few Black yoga teachers in central cities in Scotland.
Have you attended a yoga or meditation class where the teacher looks like you?
When I discovered that it wasn't only Edinburgh that didn't have diverse wellness spaces, I knew I wanted to keep showing up and taking up space. Not only for myself to step out of my comfort zone but for other Black people and POC to highlight that they deserve to take up space too.
Present - A Mindful Space
I haven't come across as many mindfulness classes compared to yoga classes, but I knew that the lack of diversity wouldn't be limited to yoga. It was across other wellness disciplines. I remained passionate about contributing to increasing representation within the wellness space.
I worked in the voluntary sector for the last 15 years, I'm currently a Trustee on a Board in the sector, and during that time I was mindful that I hadn't come across diverse books to share with children and young people.
Similar to the wellness space, there are barriers to access to youth and community spaces for Black and POC families. That means many families will miss out on receiving support and exploring ways to look after their wellbeing.
That's why I decided to continue taking up space by publishing my children’s mindfulness picture books in The Mindfully Slow Down Series.
I have shared author visits with schools, libraries and other educational settings to introduce children to diverse books, while sharing mindfulness tools to support their wellbeing.
You can find out more about my author visits below:
This summer, I was delighted to be invited to share a yoga session with Body Remedy for Black and POC women and non-binary people. It is fantastic knowing about programmes that are available for ethnic minority people to get involved in activities to support their wellbeing, that are delivered by people who look like them.
Lastly, recently I was excitedly surprised to discover that I'm a finalist in the Inclusion Award category for the Creative Edinburgh Awards 2024. It is heart warming knowing that my work has been recognised by an external panel of creative industry professionals. I'm really looking forward to attending the awards ceremony on the 15th November!
Future - Promoting Inclusion
For the rest of this year, and beyond, I aim to reach more people and share ways to increase diversity and inclusion in the wellness industry.
Last Friday, I delivered my half day training on ‘Creating a Racially Inclusive Wellness Business’ to a group of trainee life coaches. It was great to help increase their awareness on diversity and inclusion in the wellness industry.
Next spring, I will be sharing two yoga classes at the Art and Spirituality Centre in Edinburgh for minority ethnic women. I'm looking forward to sharing these sessions and reducing barriers to accessing yoga. I'll share more details closer to the time!
If you are interested in finding out more about my training or enquiring about a yoga/meditation session for a group who may face barriers to accessing the wellness space, I'd love to hear from you.