085: Reclaiming African Roots: Kemetic Yoga, Safe Spaces, and Spiritual Parenting

In this episode, Lauren and Rashida dive into the impact of hot weather on moods and introduce their guest, Dr. Auburn E. Ellis. Dr. Auburn is an experienced registered yoga teacher and founder of Studio 5400. She shares her spiritual journey from a Baptist upbringing to discovering yoga, with a special focus on Kemetic yoga, an ancient Egyptian style that honors African heritage. Together, they discuss the importance of cultural representation in yoga, the underrepresentation of African culture, and how global colonialism has erased contributions from marginalized communities.

The conversation also highlights the importance of changing historical narratives, creating safe spaces for women of color, and advocating for diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in wellness spaces. Dr. Auburn shares her experience as a DEI consultant and her work to create inclusive environments in the yoga industry. The episode concludes with reflections on art in the African diaspora, preserving history, and the spiritual path of gentle parenting.

Chapters:

•00:00 Introduction and Hot Weather Challenges

•03:26 Exploring Spirituality and Self-Discovery

•11:11 The Journey from Baptist Upbringing to Yoga

•16:26 Understanding Kemetic Yoga and African Culture

•21:35 The Origins of Yoga and Cultural Perspectives

•25:36 The Omission of African History

•27:46 The Impact of Colonialism

•33:35 The Effects of the Political System

•36:33 Creating Safe Spaces and Affinity Groups

•45:05 Consulting with Experts and Considering Perspectives

•51:14 Advocating for DEI in the Wellness Industry

•53:52 The Power of Art in Conveying Truths

•01:00:08 Exploring Art from the African Diaspora

•01:01:36 The Spiritual Path of Conscious Parenting

Takeaways:

•Spirituality is about connecting with oneself and nature, beyond religion.

•Kemetic yoga emphasizes African cultural heritage and incorporates symbolic hieroglyphs.

•It’s essential to question historical narratives and teach children a more inclusive history.

•Safe spaces and affinity groups help women of color navigate wellness spaces.

•Advocacy for DEI is necessary in the yoga industry to ensure inclusivity for underrepresented communities.

•Art in the African diaspora conveys truths often lost in written histories.

•Conscious, gentle parenting can be a powerful spiritual practice.