Starting the Conversation: Being Close to Blackness

Being close to blackness is the deepest, most personal aspect of working with systematic racism. Svadhyaya is the yogic practice of self-study and self-reflection.  Through self-reflection we can identify and root out our habits, biases, and histories that are holding us back from being close to others. Through self-transformation, we can transform the world around us.

Many white-identified folks may not consider themselves racist and yet may have hidden or underlying biases that are creating a barrier between themselves and black people in their community. These barriers, prevent us from really truly seeing blackness, from being close to blackness, and from advocating for true change. Aaron Johnson will facilitate this group, helping white-identified folks to reflect and discover personal, community, and cultural barriers particularly as they effect our yoga communities. What is preventing black people from participating in highly white-dominated yoga spaces, no matter how well-meaning the community is?

Start the conversation with us. Work to understand and include blackness as part of your personal work, your yogic journey and your commitment to dismantle systemic racism in your community and beyond.

Aaron is well-known in the East Bay, working closely with Jennie Pearl and Porsha Breed as part of Holistic Resistance.  He regularly facilitates meetings on “Getting Close to Blackness” for Wake Up and the teachers at Adeline Yoga.

This workshop is for any student or teacher of yoga who wants to cultivate awareness and develop the courage to act.  This conversation will be geared towards white identified people, AND ALL ARE WELCOME.  No experience needed.