Well, the month of February has come and gone. Yes, I am a little late with this post, but it was intentional. As a woman of color yoga teacher holding both African, South Asian and East Asian Ancestry, honoring Black History Month through the practice of yoga holds a special place in my heart.
This post is for everyone. It’s for anyone who cares and who wants to stand in solidarity with those of us who carry this history in our blood. However, for those of us who happen to carry this history within ourselves, and within our souls, the month of February is not just a chapter within a textbook or a collection of stories from the past. It is a compilation of lived experiences and strength passed down from one generation to the next. It is resilience that holds on tightly every single day and that cannot be undone. The month of February is one month – but it is a time to remember, to honor and pay homage to our ancestors, to cherish our story – our journey and more important – to continue the work and to never forget any of it. In reality, Black History Month for us is every day.
Even though Black history month is a time of reflection, remembrance and celebration it can also be a time of embodiment. Through yoga, we can honor the wisdom, determination and power of those who came before us – not just in words, but in breath, movement and even in stillness. Yoga can be more than a practice. It can be a source of healing, ceremony, unity selfcare, and sovereignty.
Setting an Intention Rooted in Ancestral Wisdom
Intention is everything. It shapes the way that we move through life and how we show up for ourselves and others. The yogic concept of Sankalpa is often described as a deep and heartfelt resolution that aligns us with our truth and purpose. Black history is rich with individuals who embodied purpose – ancestors who carried wisdom across generations, visionaries who fought for liberation, and everyday individuals whose quiet resilience created ripples of change. Their legacies are woven into the present moment, and into our futures.
Before stepping onto your mat, try taking a moment to breathe and set an intention. What do you wish to carry forward? What wisdom are you honoring today? Perhaps it is the strength of your ancestors, the power held in resilience, or a simple moment of gratitude for the breath that sustains you.
Here are a few affirmations for Black History Month to guide you:
- “I move with the strength and wisdom of those who came before me.”
- “I breathe as an act of liberation, presence and peace.”
- “I honor the journey, both seen and unseen, that brought me here today.”
Hold these expressions of Sankalpa close as you move, breathe and flow through your next practice.
Breath as an Act of Liberation
Breath is sacred. It sustains us, nourishes us and reminds us that we are alive. But breath has also been a symbol of struggle, resistance and resilience throughout Black history. From the forced labor of the enslaved, to the breath -centered traditions of spirituals, gospel and rhythmic movement, breath has long carried both hardship and hope. Even today, we hear the echoes of breath as a call for justice – reminding us that to breath freely is both a right and an act of power.
Meditation as a Source of Inner Strength
History teaches us that strength is not only physical- it is also the unwavering steadiness of the mind and spirit. Dhyana (meditation) is the practice of deep inner reflection, and of finding stillness even when the world around us is in utter chaos. Meditation has long been present in Black cultural traditions-whether in the form of prayer, song, or communal gathering. It is in these moments of stillness that we cultivate resilience, allowing ourselves to sit with both the joys and the sorrows of our history.
A Meditation for Connection
Find a comfortable seat and close your eyes. Breathe deeply and settle into the present moment. Once you are comfortable, silently repeat to yourself the following:
” May I be strong. May I be free. May I honor those who came before me. May my ancestors be at peace. May their wisdom guide me forward.“
Rest in this space of stillness, and allow the weight of your history to be acknowledged with deep love and reverence.
Movement as a Reflection of Strength
Our bodies hold memories. They carry imprints of our ancestors and hints of their stories. Asana (yoga postures) are more than physical movement – they can serve as a way to tell stories, express emotion, and honor the journeys of those who have gone before us. Through movement, we can connect to the strength, grace and resilience embedded in Black history. Through movement we can embody the courage of those who stood firm, the fluidity of those who adapted and reorganized, and the heart -opening presence of those who held space for healing and reconnection.
Try this 5 minute quick flow with asanas inspired by resilience and liberation and hold each pose for 1 – minute :
- Mountain Pose (Tadasana): Stand tall, grounded in the wisdom of those who came before you.
- Warrior II (Virabhadrasana II): Embody the strength and determination of Black leaders and visionaries. (Practice for 30 seconds on each side)
- Camel Pose (Ustrasana): Open the heart in gratitude for the wisdom and endurance of our Black ancestors.
- Child’s Pose (Balasana): Bow in reverence to our ancestors, surrendering in gratitude for the path that they paved.
- Add a relaxing and restorative Savasana at the end.
- Modify as needed and feel free to add to this short flow or incorporate it into one of your favorite yoga sequences.
Move gently through each pose, breathing deeply, and allowing yourself to feel the presence of history and connection throughout your body.
Reflection
Yoga teaches us that our practice is never separate from our daily lives, but a reflection of how we show up in the world. Honoring Black history through yoga for me is not just about looking back; it is about carrying all that we have discovered about ourselves and the world we live in. It’s about the light within that keeps carrying us forward. It’s our connection to a higher power, its about our sense of community and togetherness and so much more. As we move through the remainder of the year, may we continue to move with purpose and tell stories past and present of joy and perseverance through our practice.
Salubrity + Soul Yoga 