Gratitude to These Women

International Women’s Day (IWD) is celebrated annually on March 8.

Did you know about it before the hashtag started circulating all over the social media universe?!

Probably not – we didn’t – but guess what? The day has occurred for well over a century, with the first IWD gathering in 1911.

Gloria Steinem, world-renowned feminist, journalist and activist once explained “The story of women’s struggle for equality belongs to no single feminist nor to any one organization but to the collective efforts of all who care about human rights.”

So here we are, yoginis.

What can we, as a yoga community, do for International Women’s Day?

We found this list from Love Has No Labels – ways we can challenge stereotypes, fight bias, improve situations and celebrate women’s achievements.

1. Start a conversation to create deeper connections. Welcome, engage, and then STAY connected.
2. Ask yourself – “who’s voices aren’t represented?”If you don’t feel that diverse perspectives are being represented in your community, have a conversation with whomever is in charge to see if you can brainstorm solutions together.
3. Consider your actions and reactions. Use inclusive language.
4. Support businesses owned by underrepresented groups.
5. WORK TOGETHER.

There is so much more we can do, and amazing voices with incredible wisdom to share. We recommend following Tejal, Dianne, Kerri, and so many of the women they connect with and promote.

Now, onto a few NJ voices that have deeply inspired us in the last few days and weeks – and a huge thank you to them for tagging us.

We  love you!

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You can't pour from an empty cup

A post shared by Niki (@nikilgyoga) on Jan 31, 2020 at 6:09am PST

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May you never forget the power of loving yourself. By sending the love inward we are able to radiate it even stronger to those around us. ⁣ ⁣ Join us for the 2nd annual Self Care Sunday, Feb. 16th at @honoryoganorthbrunswick ⁣⁣ with @bridgetriepl @s.favs and myself, @yogi_goddess ✨ plus all the the healing, self-loving vibes from @dailydosecbdinc @bel0.cryotherapy @coco.glow.airbrush and more. Did you grab your ticket yet?! This event sold out last year and we expect a full house on the 16th from 12 PM to 4 PM. Early 🕊 tickets are still available, so don’t wait. We want you there for all the yoga, meditation, sound healing, reiki, essential oils, relaxation, restoration, soul soothing, and more ✨

A post shared by P H Y L L I C I A BONANNO (@yogi_goddess) on Feb 5, 2020 at 5:17am PST

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Today’s portraits of my perspective on present day Black History, I’ll be highlighting another awesome Black Woman. Historically, black men and women have kicked down the doors and shined all throughout sports and that has not changed. Yasmin Obie (@yo_obie ) is an amazing certified yoga instructor at Powerflow Yoga in Hoboken. In addition leading classes she’s also the manager of the yoga studio. Shes also ran more marathons than I can count. She is a true athlete. With all of her accomplishments and awesomeness in sports, it’s her humble heart and amazing smile, and meticulous attention to detail that makes her a great leader. She’s well respected by all of her yoga peers, an industry that’s grossly underrepresented with African Americans. She is truly walking black history. She has not allowed any obstacles to dictate her outcome. Thank you every day for your example. Continue to #BeBlack #BeBold #BeProud. 📷 by @karter_photos ……. #sonya7III #blackhistorymonth #BeBlackBeBoldBeProud #blackwomen #ebony #blackandbeautiful #njphotography #blackyogis #njyogacollective

A post shared by Korey Carter (@koreyca) on Feb 18, 2020 at 6:03pm PST

 

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Accessible is putting the intention and outcome of class above aesthetics, accomplishments and adoration. It’s choosing activities that all bring you closer to the intention and outcome desired. Accessible is more than adding a way prop under a hand. It’s more than using the wall or finding a new way to make an old shape. Accessible is a reimagining of what it means to do yoga in a class setting. Those of us who practice know yoga is much more than the movements we do, alone or together. Accessibility isn’t a buzzword. It’s a way of teaching that removes hierarchy. It’s true inclusivity in the practice.

A post shared by Jennifer | NJ (@jennifereliseyoga) on Mar 3, 2020 at 8:36am PST

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“Imagine with all your mind. Believe with all your heart. Achieve with all your might.” You are empowered my girl, and you make a difference 💜🧡 Wearing @athleta 📸 @wanda.photography #standingbow #wedostufftogether #yogamom #yogadaughter #momanddaughterteam #aimsharp #believe #imagine #goforit #purplelipstickfordays #smile #havefun #iloveyou #njyogacollective #powerofshe #athleta #athletagirl #yogarevivenj

A post shared by Shire Mac Lo (@shiremaclo) on Mar 3, 2020 at 6:15am PST

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abhyasa & vairagya // yoga is the stilling of the fluctuations of the mind. And how do you calm the mind? With practice (abhyasa) & non attachment (viaragya). • It’s about finding a balance between making things happen and letting things happen. • During the day, I’m a career coach for college students. I can’t tell you how many come into my office asking how they can get hired at [inset Fortune 100 company]. They got good grades & volunteered in high school so they could get into a good college. They study to get good grades and interview for leadership positions on campus so they can get their dream job. It’s persistent effort toward a goal. • And here’s the thing, feeling a sense of accomplishment is great and wonderful! But an outcome-attached mindset can set you up for a very narrow field of success and a greater chance of unhappiness when the results don't match your expectation. What happens if the don’t get that dream job? Or maybe worse, they get it and realize they hate it? • If you can detach from your predetermined idea of what success looks like, and redirect your focus to becoming curious about the process of the work, being open to new opportunities, enjoying the practice, you’ll find yourself much more at ease.

A post shared by Emily Behn Yoga (@emilybehnyoga) on Mar 3, 2020 at 4:18am PST

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My body doesn’t like wheel pose after two large babies (which caused diastasis recti) plus asymmetry and imbalances due to scoliosis. But there are options when you start to play with props and think outside the box (or mat). Join me Tuesdays at 9:30-10:45 for a slow flow class with lots of options to honor your body and your breath, however you show up. Always taught through a trauma-sensitive lens, with replenishing restorative yoga at the end. Hope to see you soon for some movement and healing at @elevateyoga 💕💕💕 #yogatherapy #yogatherapist #wheelpose #dhanurasana #yogachair #yogaprops #traumasensitiveyoga #athletashrewsbury #njyogacollective 📷: @findorion

A post shared by Jamie Hanley, LPC, C-IAYT (@jamiehanley_) on Mar 2, 2020 at 8:26pm PST

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Goddesses! It’s officially here and registration is open. Thank you for all your messages – I am beyond grateful! Since I began mentioning this new opportunity I had many of you reach out to me. One of my favorite things I’ve heard consistently. . . "This is exactly what I need right now!" Private mentoring is so special and necessary – but what if you are not ready – or able at this point – to take the next steps? I wanted to create something that was more accessible to help you continue to grow your business and continue the valuable work you do. And I wanted to make this a special space – goddesses only! Below are some of the details for my new online mentoring program! 💛 𝙈𝙤𝙙𝙚𝙧𝙣 𝘿𝙖𝙮 𝙂𝙤𝙙𝙙𝙚𝙨𝙨 𝙈𝙚𝙣𝙩𝙤𝙧𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙊𝙣𝙡𝙞𝙣𝙚 𝙂𝙧𝙤𝙪𝙥 𝙋𝙧𝙤𝙜𝙧𝙖𝙢 𝙛𝙤𝙧 𝙔𝙤𝙜𝙖 𝙏𝙚𝙖𝙘𝙝𝙚𝙧𝙨 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙃𝙚𝙖𝙡𝙚𝙧𝙨: 𝘾𝙡𝙚𝙖𝙧 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙋𝙖𝙩𝙝 + 𝘿𝙞𝙨𝙘𝙤𝙫𝙚𝙧 𝙔𝙤𝙪𝙧 𝙎𝙖𝙘𝙧𝙚𝙙 𝘼𝙡𝙞𝙜𝙣𝙢𝙚𝙣𝙩 + 𝙈𝙖𝙣𝙞𝙛𝙚𝙨𝙩 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙈𝙖𝙜𝙞𝙘𝙠 𝙐𝙣𝙞𝙦𝙪𝙚 𝙩𝙤 𝙔𝙤𝙪 We meet online every Tuesday for 6 weeks from April 7th until May 12th from 6 pm until 7:30 pm EST via Zoom. You can attend from anywhere! ​🦋Each 90-minute session will include: Opening Circle * Meditation, clearing and energy work * Divine Feminine Card Draw for guidance * Assigned reading and discussion * Selected Weekly Topic * Q & A * Sacred alignment cues for your business and self-care Check out the link in my bio or DM me for more info, curriculum, bonuses and to register! I'm so excited to get started. 🌸 Again, I’m limiting enrollment to 6. (2 spaces are already filled!) Once you have enrolled, you will receive optional, additional reading and a questionnaire to help guide us through each week's session so I can make it special for our group of goddesses. Please let me know if you have any questions! – 📷 @findorion – #njyogacollective #njyoga #yogamentor #yogamentorship #modernmystic #dcyogateacher #meditationteacher #meditationmentor #divinefeminine #unboundpotential #yogateacherlife #moderndaygoddess #beyondom #onlineyogaschool #yogatools #yogateacherinspiration #womenwhorunwiththewolves #wildwoman #sacredfeminine #selfcare #yogateacheradvancedtraining

A post shared by April Puciata | Yoga Teacher (@aprilyoga_beyondom) on Mar 2, 2020 at 4:02pm PST

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There are definitely times that I am unsure of what to do next and wonder if what I’m doing is enough. Since the day I started teaching Yoga all I wanted to do was share the practice because it has changed my life in so many ways . Its moments like this that make me realize — it is enough. Just by following my heart I’ve been able to touch so many people and share the power of Yoga. Maybe even inspire some to follow their dreams too. Yoga is far beyond what we do on our mat . It’s how we move through life. If I can continue to listen to my heart and stay true to myself—I know I will be guided to the next thing. That’s the magic of the practice. The more connected we are to ourselves … the more we are in tune with the rhythm of the universe. ✨✨✨ I am honored that someone would want to write an article about me and take time to hear my story . Thank you @adamutza for acknowledging me and for spreading so much joy and love ❤️ #tulayoganj #njyogacollective

A post shared by Jennifer Cavalieri (@jcav602) on Mar 1, 2020 at 6:52pm PST

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“There are things known and things unknown and in between are the doors.” – Jim Morrison – Thanks @wanda.photography for encouraging me to open some new doors. How do you sit and notice yourself? 🌈🌈🌈🌈🌈 #rainbow #lotus #sitinlotusandnoticeyourself #doorsfan #weareallthings #accept #findingmysofterside #feelsweirdbutgood #letitout #feelthecolors #feelthepeace #thereispowerinpeace #embraceit #abovealllove #yoga #yogamom #infernohotpilates #infernomom #letmygirlknowsheiseverything #youareworthy #youareworthit #youhaveeverythingyouneedinsideyou #njyogacollective #athleta #athletagirl #yogarevivenj

A post shared by Shire Mac Lo (@shiremaclo) on Mar 1, 2020 at 6:45pm PST

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For nearly a year now I’ve been coming to @trinitywellnessemporium I can’t express how much I love this place! @thequirkyyogi is such an amazing teacher and person! #crow #crowpose #yoga #mytrinity #trinitywellnessemporium #monmouthcounty #monmouthcountynj #njyogacollective #njyoga #njyogi #njyogastudio #yoganj #unionbeachnj #crowposeyoga #newjersey #newjerseyyoga

A post shared by Christina Burden (@christinab114) on Mar 1, 2020 at 7:50am PST

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I took class yesterday @theshalanyc with @barbaraverrochi 💞 I had taught there for a year – years ago – at a time when I wasn’t in the best place in my life. I remember feeling generally unhappy, dissociated and disconnected from my body, and I had no idea how to articulate what I was feeling. #trauma does that. I knew I needed my practice, but what I know now is that I probably would’ve benefited from some #traumainformed practices. But at the time, I was just fighting to keep my head above water. And not many people knew, just how much I was struggling. Yesterday was quite remarkable, being in Barbara‘s class. Thank YOU @barbaraverrochi 😘 It’s a different space from the one I taught in, but same sweet vibe. I felt good yesterday, even with my modifications. And these days it’s always a pleasure to be in a class – in a studio 🌟it’s not so easy with the pull ❤️ of a toddler at home. I felt G O O D in class. Felt strong. No feeling weighed down by all the stuff. The stuff is still there, it’s simply better managed, worked out… and still working out some of it 😉 as life goes… 🖤 remaining classes this week! TH: 12:30pm @yogavidanyc noho & 4pm @yogavidanyc un sq F: 1pm @satsangyogastudio <— new class!! #trauma #traumainformedyoga #yogavida #yogavidanyc #satsangyogastudio #njyogacollective #solemarch #healing #empowered #empathy #balance #peace #love #selflove #selfcare #time #space #woc

A post shared by Sangeeta Vallabhan (@sangeetavallabhan) on Feb 26, 2020 at 4:58pm PST

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I used to have horrible acne. I used to deal with chronic fatigue. I used to experience thyroid issues. I used to suffer from depression and cyclical moods. I used to be in a mentally and verbally abusive relationship. I used to build my home in these places. I used to be stuck there. I used to be a victim. It was not an ideal way to live. I remember the constance cycle of blaming my internal and external problems on everything outside of my existence so that I didn’t have to take accountability for my own healing. I blamed my moods on others. I blamed my acne on genetics. I blamed my chronic fatigue on the depression, and I blamed the depression on the chronic fatigue, and I blamed the thyroid issues on both of those. I blamed my choice to stay in abuse on the other person’s control. I blamed and blamed and blamed. I don’t recall when it was exactly, but there came a point when I just became tired of my own shit. I realized that relinquishing the victim mentality did not mean that I hadn’t experienced trauma or hardship, it just meant that I was ready to take my autonomy back. I no longer identify with the things that have happened to me, but I now reflect upon my experiences from a place of hope for what is possible. I feel healed from many things these days. And I’ve noticed that true healing comes in the form of not needing my internal or external circumstances to be absolutely perfect in order for me to feel at peace. I separate now and watch the things I experience – but I do not become them. Within that space of separation, we find discernment, and within that discernment we have the choice to take back the reigns and course correct. You are not what has happened to you. You are something deeper. You are unbreakable. You are unchanging. You are the true Self. You are the Ātman.

A post shared by Yoga & Meditation Instructor (@megfromwithinyoga) on Feb 21, 2020 at 11:51am PST

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She remembered who she was and the game changed. ✨Lalah Delia

A post shared by K E I S H A L E I A L (@keishaleial) on Feb 10, 2020 at 7:24am PST