18 Comments
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Priti ("Pr-ee-thee") Nemani's avatar

Love this. I was taught yoga as part of my cultural heritage growing up. It is baffling to me to see how whiteness gatekeeps an initially non-western practice.

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L'Oreal Thompson Payton's avatar

Whew, exactly that! I'm so grateful my 300-YTT was taught by an Indian woman and had more of the history/origins of the practice. 🙌🏾

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Priti ("Pr-ee-thee") Nemani's avatar

Throw in a flip side, the Indian PM exploits the cultural heritage of yoga to gain traction for his ethnonationalist agenda that isolates religious minorities. It’s hard bc I want to call out the whitewashed popularization but then I don’t want to add to the flawed and inaccurate view that only Hindus can practice Yoga and/or dictate who can as espoused by Hindu nationalists.

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L'Oreal Thompson Payton's avatar

Well, shit 🫠🫠🫠

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Alisha Robertson's avatar

I am SO EXCITED FOR YOU!! You are so needed in both of these spaces and I cant wait to see you teach more classes in the future!

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L'Oreal Thompson Payton's avatar

Thank you so much, friend! LMK when you’re ready to take Mind Body Brand on the road and we will link up in Chicago 🧘🏾‍♀️💜

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Alisha Robertson's avatar

Yes!! Chicago is absolutely on my list!!

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Nicole Langford's avatar

I love this! I tried getting into yoga years ago in my 20s and even cleaned at Core Power in exchange for free classes. I loved their classes, but had one racist encounter - a microagression - and it turned me off from going there ever again. I've tried to get back into it over the years sporadically, but struggle with how white the space is too. Also, I used to work at Pulling Down the Moon as an office manager! Way back in 2014. lol My sister worked there as a massage therapist for awhile too. I love what they stand for, but I did notice just how white and wealthy infertility is, although it effects every one. It's great to see you taking up space!

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L'Oreal Thompson Payton's avatar

Whew, the microaggressions are REAL! A white woman once asked me to move my mat, even though I'm the one who got to class early and claimed my space. They really tried it!! And white and wealthy is a WHOLE word! Also I love how much our worlds overlap, we def need to meet up for coffee one day!

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Nicole Langford's avatar

Oh man. I could talk about entitlement to space all day. I have to work through that daily and just claim my damn space! I would love to meet up for coffee soon for sure!

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noella williams's avatar

congrats!!

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L'Oreal Thompson Payton's avatar

Thank you, love! 💜

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Sharon's avatar

L'Oreal, I am so excited for you! You will be an amazing and inspiring yoga teacher. NAMASTE.

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L'Oreal Thompson Payton's avatar

Thank you so much for the vote of confidence, I really appreciate it!

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Danyel Smith's avatar

congratulations!

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L'Oreal Thompson Payton's avatar

Thanks so much! 💜

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Martini's avatar

Not turning in your homework for 300 hour is very relatable. At this point I doubt I will ever turn mine in but I’ve been teaching for years. You’ve got this!!!

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L'Oreal Thompson Payton's avatar

Okay, this makes me feel better! Thank you, friend 💜

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