Yoga is personal. Your practice is what you make it.
Meet Romnie Cesar. She is currently pursuing her Doctorate of Nursing Practice and slaying as a passionate yoga teacher in New York City. We met last year and instantly clicked. We quickly learned that we are both dedicated to creating space for Black people in the wellness arena and immediately knew we wanted to join forces to do so. I sat down with Romnie to pick her brain about her yoga journey and how others can find their own. We talked about spirituality and how some may question whether yoga is right for them because of it. Romnie definitely dropped some major gems.
Tell us about your interesting background and what you do outside of teaching yoga
My introduction to health and wellness was through my nursing background. This year marks 10 years since I became a nurse. I’m a board-certified nurse practitioner, which means I’ve been trained to diagnose and treat acute and chronic health conditions, and to promote health. I enjoy teaching. My journey with teaching started as a nursing professor.
What brought you to the practice of yoga?
I started attending yoga classes in college through invitations from friends. I started being intentional about deepening my yoga practice as I realized that every time I finished a yoga class I left feeling better than when I started. In 2020, NYC became the epicenter of the COVID-19 pandemic. I was a healthcare provider on the front lines and leaned on yoga and my spiritual practice to overcome the physical, mental, and emotional effects of the pandemic. In 2021, I completed yoga teacher training. It was a transformative experience and I decided I wanted to share what I learned to help others.
What are your thoughts on religion in the Black community and yoga? I’ve heard many concerned about this…can they coexist?
Yoga is personal. Your practice is what you make it. Historically, Black people in the U.S. have been overlooked and excluded from the wellness industry. The lack of representation and belonging has been one of the reasons why the Black Community has been hesitant. I believe with more exposure and education, Black people and other underrepresented groups will be more open to exploring what yoga is all about.
Black people do practice yoga and have been for a long time. Kemetic Yoga is a style of yoga that originates from Africa. I encourage everyone to do their own research and look for their own answers to come to their truth.
Yoga has some principles and teachings that come from different spiritual leaders. Yoga is not a religion. Yoga also doesn’t teach anyone to follow any specific religion. It instead deepens whatever spiritual practice you have.
What is your advice to someone who’s interested in yoga, but doesn’t feel that they’re good at it?
Your yoga journey is deeply personal and is uniquely yours. It will not look like anyone else’s. Yoga poses only make up ⅛ of a yoga practice. You don’t need to perform. You just need to be present. Start where you are and the rest will come. All you have to do is show up.
What is your advice for starting and maybe maintaining a relationship with yoga?
Take it slow. Take your time. Listen to your body. Keep breathing. Keep practicing. Yoga will be there if you are.
Romnie is so right! Yoga has been there for me whenever I need it. I’m rarely consistent, but I know that my mat will always be there when I’m ready. Like Romnie mentioned, yoga is what you make of it. It has so little to do with flexibility and difficult poses. It can be a space to pray, meditate, or even just be still (I love a good Savasana). Romnie and I encourage you to make yoga your own practice. You deserve it!
For more info and to join a class with Romnie, visit VivanVinyasa.com
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SLFSHLY 