Black on the Mat

blackonthemat

Step onto the mat with us, not just to practice but to belong. ’Black on the Mat’ brings a fresh lens, emphasizing the often overlooked journey of black yogis. Through candid conversations and enriching content, Danielle and Saisha, two certified yoga teachers, bridge the gap between ancient practice and contemporary experiences. Our mission? To let folks know that we’re here and that there’s space for you to come through!

  1. 06/13/2024

    Mindfulness Practices for Busy Black Lives

    In this enlightening episode of Black on the Mat, hosts Danielle and Saisha sit down with Timothy, a mindfulness coach. Listen in as they discuss the true essence of mindfulness—being present without judgment—and how it can be a transformative practice for busy Black lives. They explore the challenges Black men face within societal filters and how mindfulness can open doors to new perspectives and choices. Timothy also debunks the myth that mindfulness requires copious amounts of time, introducing practical and quick mindfulness practices to help you manage stress and find clarity in the chaos of daily life. Stay tuned until the end as Timothy guides us through a brief, but powerful mindfulness exercise. Timothy Lewis Bio Timothy is a certified mindfulness coach and educator at heart with over 15 years of dynamic experience honoring unique individuality and nurturing innate curiosity. An avid researcher of epigenetics, human psychology, and the new human biology, he allows a love for learning and growth to fuel his zest for life. Timothy is a 200-h certified yoga teacher with training in the foundations of Yin and trauma-sensitive yoga. Timothy teaches an Everyday Mindfulness & Meditation course, works with individuals and groups looking to explore how mindfulness can neutralize effects of stress and modern living, and offers embodied movement classes including yoga and capoeira. Timothy enjoys training and teaching, travel, and exploring the contrast of being deeply drawn to nature while embracing the hustle and bustle of New York City ~~~~~~ Black on the Mat Podcast: https://linktr.ee/blackonthemat  Instagram:  @ blackonthemat_ :https://www.instagram.com/blackonthemat_/  @hellawellwithdanielle : https://www.instagram.com/hellawellwithdanielle/  @thickthighyoga : https://www.instagram.com/thickthighyoga/  Tiktok: blackonthemat : https://www.tiktok.com/@black.on.the.mat?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc  Hellawellwithdanielle : https://www.tiktok.com/@hellawellwithdanielle?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc   Thickthighyoga : https://www.tiktok.com/@thickthighyoga  Twitter: hellawelldani : https://twitter.com/hellawelldani  Thickthighyoga: https://twitter.com/thickthighyoga  Youtube: @BlackOnTheMat / @HellaWellWithDanielle / @ThickThighYoga  For business and sponsorship opportunities please contact BlackOnTheMat@gmail.com

    32 min
  2. 06/06/2024

    Yoga Therapy Demystified

    In this episode of Black on the Mat, Danielle Washington shares her journey from yoga teacher to yoga therapist, shedding light on the transformative power of yoga therapy. She discusses the profound difference between yoga classes and yoga therapy sessions and how yoga therapy is tailored to meet the unique physical, mental, and emotional needs of each individual. Danielle highlights the rigorous certification process and how yoga therapy can help manage conditions like cancer, addiction, burnout, anxiety, and chronic pain, providing a holistic approach that complements medical treatment. She emphasizes the importance of looking at the whole person rather than just symptoms. Tune in to discover how yoga therapy can be a powerful complement to medical treatment and a path to deeper self-care and empowerment. Don't miss Danielle's upcoming retreat in November, where you can experience an immersive weekend of yoga therapy, drawing from her extensive knowledge of Kundalini yoga, Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), and other holistic practices. For more details about the retreat or to hellawellwithdanielle.com or contact Danielle directly via email or Instagram. Book a Yoga Therapy 15-min Consultation Call: https://calendly.com/hellawellwithdanielle/yoga-therapy-consultation Travel is My Therapy Journal on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Travel-My-Therapy-Self-Care-Journal/dp/B08C9D73ZY   ~~~~~~~~ Black on the Mat Podcast: https://linktr.ee/blackonthemat  Instagram:  @ blackonthemat_ :https://www.instagram.com/blackonthemat_/  @hellawellwithdanielle : https://www.instagram.com/hellawellwithdanielle/  @thickthighyoga : https://www.instagram.com/thickthighyoga/  Tiktok: blackonthemat : https://www.tiktok.com/@black.on.the.mat?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc  Hellawellwithdanielle : https://www.tiktok.com/@hellawellwithdanielle?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc   Thickthighyoga : https://www.tiktok.com/@thickthighyoga  Twitter: hellawelldani : https://twitter.com/hellawelldani  Thickthighyoga: https://twitter.com/thickthighyoga  Youtube: @BlackOnTheMat / @HellaWellWithDanielle / @ThickThighYoga  For business and sponsorship opportunities please contact BlackOnTheMat@gmail.com

    35 min
  3. 05/30/2024

    Finding Your Voice on the Mat: From Student to Yoga Teacher

    We sat down with Kat, a new yoga teacher, to discuss her journey from student to teacher. Kat shares how she initially started practicing yoga to spend time with friends but eventually found a deep love for the practice. She opens up about her experiences feeling unseen in yoga spaces and how she was inspired to become a teacher. Kat reflects on a shocking moment from her first class and yoga’s impact on her personal growth. Join the hosts as we discuss the rewarding, challenging, and transformative aspects of being a yoga teacher. Kat Lee's Bio Kat Lee is a passionate Bay Area yoga instructor and entrepreneur. Certified by Yoga to the People and Lotusland Yoga SF, she views yoga as a love letter to the body, emphasizing inclusivity. As a plus-size Black autistic woman, Kat advocates for underrepresented communities and creates welcoming spaces for all. She specializes in gentle flow vinyasa, yin yoga, and playful classes. Kat is launching LightofMine, a business focused on creative expression through play, mindfulness, and movement for youth and those young of heart.  IG: @kathleezzzy and @lightofmineyoga https://bio.site/kathleezzzy ~~~~~~~~ Black on the Mat Podcast: https://linktr.ee/blackonthemat  Instagram:  @ blackonthemat_ :https://www.instagram.com/blackonthemat_/  @hellawellwithdanielle : https://www.instagram.com/hellawellwithdanielle/  @thickthighyoga : https://www.instagram.com/thickthighyoga/  Tiktok: blackonthemat : https://www.tiktok.com/@black.on.the.mat?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc  Hellawellwithdanielle : https://www.tiktok.com/@hellawellwithdanielle?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc   Thickthighyoga : https://www.tiktok.com/@thickthighyoga  Twitter: hellawelldani : https://twitter.com/hellawelldani  Thickthighyoga: https://twitter.com/thickthighyoga  Youtube: @BlackOnTheMat / @HellaWellWithDanielle / @ThickThighYoga  For business and sponsorship opportunities please contact BlackOnTheMat@gmail.com

    25 min
  4. 05/23/2024

    How Online Yoga is Changing the Game

    Online Yoga has opened up a world of possibilities for practicing in your own individual way. In today’s episode, we discuss everything from the practicalities of setting up your home practice area, using everyday items like towels and books as props, to the vast benefits of incorporating online yoga into your routine. We explore how online yoga offers flexibility, accessibility, and the freedom to tailor your practice to your specific needs, whether you're managing stress or focusing on physical health. We share some ideas on how to make the most of virtual classes, choose the right sessions for your goals, and even how to bring a piece of the studio atmosphere into your home.  ~~~~~~~~ Black on the Mat Podcast: https://linktr.ee/blackonthemat  Instagram:  @ blackonthemat_ :https://www.instagram.com/blackonthemat_/  @hellawellwithdanielle : https://www.instagram.com/hellawellwithdanielle/  @thickthighyoga : https://www.instagram.com/thickthighyoga/  Tiktok: blackonthemat : https://www.tiktok.com/@black.on.the.mat?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc  Hellawellwithdanielle : https://www.tiktok.com/@hellawellwithdanielle?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc   Thickthighyoga : https://www.tiktok.com/@thickthighyoga  Twitter: hellawelldani : https://twitter.com/hellawelldani  Thickthighyoga: https://twitter.com/thickthighyoga  Youtube: @BlackOnTheMat / @HellaWellWithDanielle / @ThickThighYoga  For business and sponsorship opportunities please contact BlackOnTheMat@gmail.com

    33 min
  5. 05/16/2024

    Overcoming Self-Doubt in Your Yoga Practice

    Imposter syndrome on the yoga mat is more common than you think. In today’s episode, Saisha and Danielle discuss the feelings of inadequacy that many of us experience when stepping onto the yoga mat. They share their personal journeys and struggles with imposter syndrome in the world of yoga, where it can often feel like you're not enough or don't quite belong. This episode unpacks the challenges and insecurities many have faced starting out as beginners, seasoned yoga practitioners, and even as instructors. They explore how these feelings can act as barriers to embracing the practice fully, and how overcoming them through self-compassion can lead to profound personal growth and healing. ~~~~~~~~ Black on the Mat Podcast: https://linktr.ee/blackonthemat  Instagram:  @ blackonthemat_ :https://www.instagram.com/blackonthemat_/  @hellawellwithdanielle : https://www.instagram.com/hellawellwithdanielle/  @thickthighyoga : https://www.instagram.com/thickthighyoga/  Tiktok: blackonthemat : https://www.tiktok.com/@black.on.the.mat?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc  Hellawellwithdanielle : https://www.tiktok.com/@hellawellwithdanielle?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc   Thickthighyoga : https://www.tiktok.com/@thickthighyoga  Twitter: hellawelldani : https://twitter.com/hellawelldani  Thickthighyoga: https://twitter.com/thickthighyoga  Youtube: @BlackOnTheMat / @HellaWellWithDanielle / @ThickThighYoga  For business and sponsorship opportunities please contact BlackOnTheMat@gmail.com

    28 min
  6. 05/09/2024

    To Guru or Not to Guru: Essential Guidance or Misplaced Trust?

    Whether you've ever felt torn between different yoga styles or pondered the hierarchical dynamics of spiritual mentorship, this episode offers fresh perspectives on the role of a guru in contemporary yoga practice. The hosts tackle challenging questions about cult-like behaviors in yoga communities, the ethical pitfalls of blind allegiance, and the potential financial motivations of modern-day gurus. More importantly, they discuss the empowering concept of the inner guru, advocating for a yoga practice that emphasizes self-awareness and internal guidance over external authority. So, do you need a guru? And is there a difference between a teacher and a guru? Tune in to find out. We're eager to hear your thoughts too—have you ever encountered a guru, and what was that experience like? Stick around, share your stories, and let's explore these questions together here on 'Black on the Mat'.   ~~~~~~~~ Black on the Mat Podcast: https://linktr.ee/blackonthemat  Instagram:  @ blackonthemat_ :https://www.instagram.com/blackonthemat_/  @hellawellwithdanielle : https://www.instagram.com/hellawellwithdanielle/  @thickthighyoga : https://www.instagram.com/thickthighyoga/  Tiktok: blackonthemat : https://www.tiktok.com/@black.on.the.mat?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc  Hellawellwithdanielle : https://www.tiktok.com/@hellawellwithdanielle?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc   Thickthighyoga : https://www.tiktok.com/@thickthighyoga  Twitter: hellawelldani : https://twitter.com/hellawelldani  Thickthighyoga: https://twitter.com/thickthighyoga  Youtube: @BlackOnTheMat / @HellaWellWithDanielle / @ThickThighYoga  For business and sponsorship opportunities please contact BlackOnTheMat@gmail.com

    33 min

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
2 Ratings

About

Step onto the mat with us, not just to practice but to belong. ’Black on the Mat’ brings a fresh lens, emphasizing the often overlooked journey of black yogis. Through candid conversations and enriching content, Danielle and Saisha, two certified yoga teachers, bridge the gap between ancient practice and contemporary experiences. Our mission? To let folks know that we’re here and that there’s space for you to come through!