Yogi Spotlight: Skai B.
We all started somewhere. Before we made amazing progress in our yoga practice we had to learn how to start.
Every month I am sharing the spotlight on yogis who I've met over the years. I hope their stories will inspire and motivate you in your yoga practice. This Month the spotlight goes on ……. Skai B. She is an amazing yogi who I've connected with on Instagram. We started our yoga journey around the same time 4 years ago.
SFCY: Tell us a little bit about yourself :)
Skai: Hi! I’m Skai, I live in LA. I'm 27 and a Cali girl born and bred! I’ve been practicing for about 4 years, 1-2 of serious practice. I absolutely love to read. I'm married ( 2 years down!) I have a Frenchie named Suge. I have my Doula cert, although I haven’t put it to use yet as I’m currently doing my 200 hr YTT! I hope to one day mesh my doula work with my yoga training to help my fellow WOC get the care they need.
SFCY: How did you get introduced to yoga and when did yoga get serious?
Skai: I got introduced to yoga in several ways but I think one of the biggest things that really pushed me to start my own practice was seeing my cousin start her own practice. She would post on IG all of the time and I was already wondering about it so I went ahead and found a yoga app to start a home practice. Yoga got serious for me when I got a job at a yoga studio and could then practice as much as I wanted for FREE! haha
SFCY: Can you share your biggest challenges within practicing yoga?
Skai: My biggest challenge is my damn self! lol, Ego, attachment and being present. Wanting to do a full split or put my leg behind my head etc just because it looks so cool or I'll feel "accomplished" once it's done. Comparing my practice to those around me in class. Not wanting to take the class because my fav teacher has a sub. Worrying about my grocery list and if I forgot something in the middle of a tree pose lol The list goes on and on.
SFCY: Where do you find your motivation to keep practicing?
Skai: Everywhere. In my everyday life. I start to wilt without my practice so it's easy to want to keep practicing. I notice I'm more tense, more irritable, less patient and just all around not myself when I don't practice regularly so my mental and spiritual health is key motivators. SFCY: What was your most embarrassing moment during your yoga journey?
Skai: Probably my very first class. I was totally spacey and very nervous and the teacher said to lift your left foot and I, of course, raised my right. She's standing directly in front of me saying " Your other left, honey" over and over but I was so spacey I didn't realize she was talking to me lmao.
SFCY: How did yoga influence your life beyond the mat?
Skai: Yoga influences every aspect of my life beyond the mat. It's made me a better person. It challenges me and forces me to put my ego aside. I'm learning to truly breathe through tough situations. Honestly, I could go on forever lol.Â
SFCY: What does your typical day look like?
Skai: My typical day consists of an early morning walk with my pup, breakfast, a quick tidy of my apt and depending on the day, yoga class and homework or homework and work. In between those activities is a lot of reading. I love reading. SFCY: Who is your inspiration?
Skai: If I'm being completely honest, all yogis of color. I appreciate every yogi, but I have a deeper love and appreciation for my yogis of color. It takes a lot to step into a room full of people that don't look like you, to take part in an activity that isn't necessarily inclusive in its marketing. Obviously, when you take a deeper look into yoga, these things shouldn't matter but we live in the world we live in, and realistically, yoga is marketed to young, fit, rich white women. With all that being said, I'm inspired by ANYONE who faces their fears and anxieties and steps on that mat for the first time. SFCY: What are your future plans/goals/dreams for your yoga practice?
Skai: I just want to continue spreading the gift that is yoga forever and ever. I hope to bring more affordable yoga (and Doula) services to communities that are in need. Overall I hope to make as many people as happy and healthy as I can before I leave this Earth.Â
SFCY: Where can they find you?
Skai: LA! I don't teach yet but soon come ;)
SFCY: Anything else you want to add?
Skai: Namaste, lovelies.
Well, that sums up this Week's Yogi Spotlight. If you want to be featured send an email to Info@Simplyfitandcurvyyoga.com Namaste!
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Don't forget to join the Elevated Yogis Facebook group to share your journey and get extra support
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About the Author:
Kenya Marsh is the founder of SimplyFitandCurvyYoga (SFCY) and Author of several books including Your Yoga Journey: A Great Way to Start. As a wife, stay-at-home mom of two, and yoga teacher. Kenya knows how challenging and beneficial a steady yoga practice can be. She understands it can be hard to start a new yoga journey alone. She created this website, along with courses, books, and more materials to help provide support to busy yogis elevate their yoga practice.