In this episode, Lauren and Rashida dive into the impact of hot weather on moods and introduce their guest, Dr. Auburn E. Ellis. Dr. Auburn is an experienced registered yoga teacher and founder of Studio 5400. She shares her spiritual journey from a Baptist upbringing to discovering yoga, with a special focus on Kemetic yoga, an ancient Egyptian style that honors African heritage. Together, they discuss the importance of cultural representation in yoga, the underrepresentation of African culture, and how global colonialism has erased contributions from marginalized communities.

The conversation also highlights the importance of changing historical narratives, creating safe spaces for women of color, and advocating for diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in wellness spaces. Dr. Auburn shares her experience as a DEI consultant and her work to create inclusive environments in the yoga industry. The episode concludes with reflections on art in the African diaspora, preserving history, and the spiritual path of gentle parenting.

Chapters:

•00:00 Introduction and Hot Weather Challenges

•03:26 Exploring Spirituality and Self-Discovery

•11:11 The Journey from Baptist Upbringing to Yoga

•16:26 Understanding Kemetic Yoga and African Culture

•21:35 The Origins of Yoga and Cultural Perspectives

•25:36 The Omission of African History

•27:46 The Impact of Colonialism

•33:35 The Effects of the Political System

•36:33 Creating Safe Spaces and Affinity Groups

•45:05 Consulting with Experts and Considering Perspectives

•51:14 Advocating for DEI in the Wellness Industry

•53:52 The Power of Art in Conveying Truths

•01:00:08 Exploring Art from the African Diaspora

•01:01:36 The Spiritual Path of Conscious Parenting

Takeaways:

•Spirituality is about connecting with oneself and nature, beyond religion.

•Kemetic yoga emphasizes African cultural heritage and incorporates symbolic hieroglyphs.

•It’s essential to question historical narratives and teach children a more inclusive history.

•Safe spaces and affinity groups help women of color navigate wellness spaces.

•Advocacy for DEI is necessary in the yoga industry to ensure inclusivity for underrepresented communities.

•Art in the African diaspora conveys truths often lost in written histories.

•Conscious, gentle parenting can be a powerful spiritual practice.

Hey Besties,

In this insightful episode, Lauren and Rashida discuss their experiences explaining menstruation to their young daughters and touch on the topic of eco-anxiety and its impact on mental health. They are joined by Rachael Cohen, author of 'Self-Care for Eco-Anxiety,' who shares her personal journey with eco-anxiety and offers practical solutions for coping with it. Rachael emphasizes the importance of developing a relationship with nature and practicing self-care. The conversation explores ways to manage anxiety through nature connection, the influence of societal imprints, and the role of spirituality in finding everyday moments of magic.

Episode Summary:

In this heartfelt solo episode, Lauren shares an important update about the podcast's future. Due to recurring technical issues and the need for personal time, Lauren and Rashida have decided to take a short break from their weekly recording schedule. This pause will allow them to focus on their lives as busy moms, business owners, and individuals on their spiritual journeys. Lauren emphasizes the importance of rest and the need to go inward during this time. Despite the break, two pre-recorded interviews will be released in August and September, and regular weekly episodes will resume in October.

Key Takeaways:

• Technical Challenges: The podcast has faced technical issues recently, prompting a decision to take a short break.
• Need for Rest: Both hosts are feeling overwhelmed and recognize the importance of rest for their mental, emotional, and spiritual health.
• Future Plans: Two pre-recorded interviews will be released in the coming months, with a full return to the weekly schedule planned for October.
• Community Appreciation: Lauren and Rashida express gratitude to their listeners for their continued support and involvement in the community.

Call to Action:

• Subscribe: Make sure to subscribe to the podcast so you don't miss the upcoming episodes in August and September.
• Follow on Instagram: Stay updated by following "Your Spiritual Besties Podcast" on Instagram.
• Share Feedback: Lauren and Rashida would love to hear from you about what you'd like to see in future episodes.

Final Note:

Lauren encourages listeners to take their own sacred pauses when needed and to listen to their bodies, minds, and spirits. Rest is vital, and taking a moment to breathe can lead to greater clarity and focus.

Connect with Us:

• Instagram: Your Spiritual Besties Podcast

Thank you for being part of our community. We love you and look forward to reconnecting with you soon!