L'Oreal Thompson Payton on falling in love with yoga, the unique spaces Black women teachers can create, and how to find a practice that serves your body and brain [audio available!]
I am a TWW but I think it’s a shame that movement practices has been co-opted by white people of privilege. The ballet world I grew up in was predominantly white; thankfully the modern dance culture I delved into in college embraced many bodies.
These are great resources and I’m going to explore them. I’ve never totally embraced yoga either, because I found it too static for my energy. I crave movement and rhythm!
I loved listening to this and then reading it again after because this was a fantastic conversation. So much of what you both brought up landed with me. And also partially why I no longer call myself a yoga teacher -- although I still use the word "yoga" to describe, to a degree, what I teach, it would not be fair or accurate to use that term to exclusively describe what I teach. It's a tricky balance between giving people context and misleading people.
And thank you for sharing my essay here. I really appreciate that.
This was very inspiring! I really wish there was more body diversity in the free yoga resources available online, for example on YouTube.
My first gateway to yoga was a book called MegaYoga by Megan García, aimed specifically at plus-size bodies. She writes matter-of-factly about "moving the flesh" when it's in the way of a pose, or adjusting the pose if your belly or breasts make traditional poses uncomfortable or impossible. The overarching message was "yours is not the wrong body" (for yoga or anything else), and it was really refreshing and empowering.
What a great interview.
I am a TWW but I think it’s a shame that movement practices has been co-opted by white people of privilege. The ballet world I grew up in was predominantly white; thankfully the modern dance culture I delved into in college embraced many bodies.
These are great resources and I’m going to explore them. I’ve never totally embraced yoga either, because I found it too static for my energy. I crave movement and rhythm!
Thanks, Anne!
I loved listening to this and then reading it again after because this was a fantastic conversation. So much of what you both brought up landed with me. And also partially why I no longer call myself a yoga teacher -- although I still use the word "yoga" to describe, to a degree, what I teach, it would not be fair or accurate to use that term to exclusively describe what I teach. It's a tricky balance between giving people context and misleading people.
And thank you for sharing my essay here. I really appreciate that.
Thank you so much, Naomi! That means a lot. I love your work and I'm so glad this interview resonated with you.
This was very inspiring! I really wish there was more body diversity in the free yoga resources available online, for example on YouTube.
My first gateway to yoga was a book called MegaYoga by Megan García, aimed specifically at plus-size bodies. She writes matter-of-factly about "moving the flesh" when it's in the way of a pose, or adjusting the pose if your belly or breasts make traditional poses uncomfortable or impossible. The overarching message was "yours is not the wrong body" (for yoga or anything else), and it was really refreshing and empowering.
Ugh, hard to put into words how much I love & appreciate you. Thank you, friend, for everything! 🫶🏾