Frequently Asked Questions about Yoga for People of Color Sangha
I heard there is a “You are never late” policy. Is that right?
It depends on the gathering! Make sure to read about arrival and leaving times for every gathering. Some of our special gatherings require arriving before time is listed and committing to the entire time; for some gatherings, you can come and go as it is convenient for you. This is to accommodate varying schedules as well as to our relationship to “CP time” (colored people time)!
What should I wear to the meditation and yoga gatherings?
Dress comfortably for movement and lying down. Don’t let your clothes stop you from coming! It’s important to us that yoga and meditation gatherings do not get caught up on consumerism of special props and fashion.
What should I bring to the weekly yoga and meditation gatherings?
Overall and most importantly, we just want you to focus on getting here – don’t worry about what to bring. These are suggestions about what to bring if it is in your ability and desire:
· Water bottle would be good if you have one. Most of our venues will have access to water and cups so no worries if you don’t have one!
· For meditation gatherings, anything that will help you to sit comfortably. Some people bring their own meditation cushion. We have chairs, bolsters, and pillows. For yoga gatherings, bring your mat if you have one. If not, no worries!
· It’s good to bring cash to support the teacher and space. You can also donate ahead of time or afterwards with Venmo: yogapoc. We also have a square for credit cards though remember it has fees. You can read more about Dana in this section.
· If it’s in your ability, you can bring a gluten-free, vegan, healthy snack to share with others. After our meditation or yoga practice, we share in conversation and light refreshments to avoid abrupt shifts as we go into the next moments of our day.
What will the donations be used for?
Donations will go towards compensating teachers, venues maintenance, critical trainings for regular teachers, workshops, snacks and food, meditation and yoga supplies, to name a few things. You don't have to attend a gathering to donate! If you love this community, you can also Donate anytime.
I identify as a person of color. I am a meditation or yoga teacher. How can I be a guest teacher and/or join the team?
Great! Part of our mission is to provide space for teachers of color to have a chance to teach to people of color. We suggest you read our blog and links posted throughout our website to better understand the relationship between yoga and racism. Use the Get Connected page to send us a message.
How can I support the Yoga POC Sangha if I can’t make it to the gatherings because I identify as white, I live outside of Albuquerque, or I am not able to make it to due to my schedule?
Please spread the word to the people of color in your life – family, friends, co-workers, at your gym or yoga studio or community center, in your sangha, etc. Think about us and send us positive vibes during the time of the class. Post on Facebook or email words of gratitude and encouragement! And of course, all economic dana is greatly appreciated. Please see our Dana page!
Can you provide some online resources for us to better understand the need for yoga and meditation spaces designed by and intentionally for people of color?
Yes! These are some key articles:
Open Letter To POC Who Need Clarification About Yoga POC Sangha By Raquel Andrea González Madrigal, December 29, 2019.
Why People of Color Need Spaces Without White People by Kelsey Blackwell, August 9, 2018.
No One Like Me by Lama Rod Owens, August 8, 2018.
The Work of Diversity: Getting Messy, Getting Uncomfortable by Lama Rod Owens, Interview 2016.