Still Rising: Reflections from the Black Yoga Teachers Alliance Conference

Last weekend, I traveled to Columbia, Maryland, for the Black Yoga Teachers Alliance Conference, a gathering that brought together Black yoga teachers, practitioners, entrepreneurs, scholars, healers, and community builders. I arrived looking forward to learning from the sessions, but I left most impacted by something less tangible: the wisdom of the people in the room and the power of being in community with others who understand this work from lived experience.

Yoga often teaches us to look inward, but it also reminds us that we do not practice in isolation. Sangha, or community, is an essential part of the path. Throughout the weekend, I was reminded that there is tremendous value in gathering with people who are willing to share not only what has worked for them, but also what they have learned through change, uncertainty, failure, growth, and years of practice. Some of the most meaningful moments happened outside of formal instruction, through conversations, introductions, shared meals, and the simple experience of being surrounded by people committed to using yoga in service of others.

That sense of community feels particularly meaningful as I consider the future of Noir Yoga. From the beginning, my intention has been to create more than a studio where people come to take a class. I want Noir Yoga to be a place of belonging: a space where mindful movement can foster connection, where Black joy and healing are nurtured, and where people can experience yoga as something that extends beyond physical postures. The conference affirmed that vision while also challenging me to think more deeply about what it means to grow that work responsibly.

During The Modern Yoga Entrepreneur, Ava Taylor and Pamela Stokes Eggleston explored what it means to remain adaptable in an industry and a world that are constantly changing. One idea that stayed with me was the need to acknowledge and even grieve what no longer works before we can truly reimagine what comes next. In many ways, that reflects the yogic principle of aparigraha, or non-attachment. We can have a clear vision while remaining open to how that vision takes shape. Building Noir Yoga has required exactly that kind of flexibility: knowing when to stay the course, when to develop new skills, and when to let go of an old idea in order to make room for something better.

The session also introduced the concept of “co-opetition,” the idea that cooperation and competition do not have to be opposites. That resonated deeply with me because wellness spaces can sometimes become overly focused on differentiation, ownership, and scarcity. The truth is that there is room for many teachers, studios, and approaches to this practice. Supporting another person’s work does not diminish our own. In fact, collaboration can strengthen the ecosystem for everyone. The conference was a reminder that meaningful growth does not have to happen at the expense of connection.

Nazaahah Amin’s session, Yoga in the Village: Teaching Beyond the Studio, expanded that idea of community even further. She introduced four pillars of community-based yoga: access, relationships, adaptability, and dignity. Those words have stayed with me because they offer a useful framework for thinking about where Noir Yoga can go next. One of the questions posed during the session was deceptively simple: What does the community actually need? That question shifts the focus away from what we want to offer and toward the people we hope to serve.

For me, that is an important form of svadhyaya, or self-study. It requires us to examine our assumptions and our intentions. As Noir Yoga grows, I want us to continue finding ways to bring the practice beyond the walls of the studio and into schools, workplaces, community organizations, public spaces, and other environments where people may benefit from movement, breath, rest, and connection. Access should not simply mean inviting more people into our space; sometimes it means being willing to take the practice to them.

I also appreciated Kimberly Richardson’s session on grants, contracts, donations, partnerships, and other ways of sustaining yoga programs. It reinforced something I continue to learn as an entrepreneur: sustainability is part of service. There can be a tendency in wellness spaces to treat financial viability and mission as competing priorities, but a business or program that cannot sustain itself cannot continue serving its community. Building healthy systems, cultivating partnerships, and identifying new resources are not distractions from the work; they are part of what allows the work to endure.

Sydnea Lewis’s session on branding and messaging brought many of these themes together by asking three foundational questions: Who are you? Who are you here for? What do you want to say? They may appear to be branding questions, but they are also questions of satya, or truthfulness. In reflecting on them, I wrote a sentence that has continued to stay with me: I help cultivate community through mindful movement so that Black joy and healing can thrive.

That statement feels like a clear expression of where I want Noir Yoga to continue heading. Growth is important, but growth does not always mean becoming larger. Sometimes it means becoming clearer about who you are, more intentional about how you serve, and more aligned with the values that brought you to the work in the first place. I want Noir Yoga to continue evolving as both a strong, sustainable business and a meaningful community institution, one that creates opportunities for practice, connection, collaboration, joy, and healing.

Ultimately, the greatest gift of the BYTA Conference was the reminder that none of us has to build alone. The collective knowledge in that space was powerful because it came from people who have practiced, taught, studied, served, adapted, and persevered in different ways and across different generations. It reminded me that wisdom is not something we accumulate simply for ourselves; it is something we share, receive, and carry forward.

I returned to Brooklyn with ideas for Noir Yoga, but more importantly, with a renewed sense of purpose. I want us to continue expanding access without sacrificing dignity, building sustainably without losing the heart of the practice, collaborating instead of operating from scarcity, and remaining students even as we teach. Yoga may begin as an individual practice, but its fullest expression continually brings us back into relationship with others.

That may be the lesson I am carrying most strongly from Columbia: the practice matters, but so do the people with whom we practice it.

~Dr. Mason, Founder of Noir Yoga

How to Start Your Yoga Journey

Embarking on a yoga journey is a powerful step towards self-discovery, healing, and transformation. Whether you're curious about yoga's physical benefits, seeking mental clarity, or looking to deepen your spiritual practice, the path begins with a single breath. At Noir Yoga, we understand that starting something new, especially something as personal as yoga, can feel daunting. But it doesn’t have to be. We’re here to guide you through every stretch, breath, and moment of stillness, offering a welcoming space tailored to the unique experiences of our Black community.

1. Begin with an Open Mind

One of the first and most important steps in starting your yoga journey is to approach it with an open mind. Yoga is not just about flexibility or physical postures; it’s a holistic practice that integrates the mind, body, and spirit. Allow yourself to be open to new experiences, new sensations in your body, and new ways of thinking. Remember, yoga is a journey, not a destination.

2. Start Where You Are

There’s no need to be flexible, fit, or even calm before you begin yoga. Start exactly where you are. Whether you’re dealing with stress, tension, or simply looking for a way to move your body, yoga meets you where you are. At Noir Yoga, we offer a variety of classes, including our upcoming Noir Beginnings, designed for those who are new to yoga. This class focuses on the basics and foundations of yoga, making it the perfect starting point for beginners.

3. Embrace the Breath

In yoga, breath is everything. It connects the body and mind, anchors you in the present moment, and fuels your practice. As you begin your yoga journey, focus on learning how to breathe deeply and mindfully. This simple practice can have profound effects on your overall well-being, reducing stress and increasing mental clarity. At Noir Yoga, our Noir Breath class is specifically designed to help you master breathing techniques that can transform your practice and your life.

4. Find a Community

Yoga is a personal practice, but it’s also a communal experience. Finding a supportive community can enhance your yoga journey, providing encouragement, inspiration, and a sense of belonging. At Noir Yoga, we’re more than just a studio—we’re a community. A place where you can connect with others who share your values and experiences, particularly within the Black community. Our space is dedicated to celebrating Black culture and fostering an environment of healing and growth.

5. Commit to Consistency

Yoga is a practice, and like any practice, it requires consistency. You don’t need to practice every day, but committing to a regular schedule will help you see progress and deepen your understanding of yoga. Start with one or two classes a week, and gradually increase as you become more comfortable. At Noir Yoga, our schedule is designed to offer flexibility, so you can find classes that fit into your life.

6. Be Patient with Yourself

Yoga is a journey that unfolds over time. It’s important to be patient with yourself and honor your body’s limitations. Progress in yoga is not measured by how quickly you can achieve a pose, but by how present and mindful you are in your practice. At Noir Yoga, our instructors are here to support you, offering modifications and encouragement as you grow in your practice.

7. Stay Grounded in the Practice

As you continue your yoga journey, remember to stay grounded in the practice itself. Yoga is about more than the physical postures; it’s about cultivating awareness, compassion, and connection—both to yourself and to others. At Noir Yoga, we integrate these principles into every class, ensuring that your practice is not only physical but also spiritual and emotional.

Start Your Journey at Noir Yoga

There’s no better time to start your yoga journey than now. At Noir Yoga, we’ve created a space where you can explore yoga at your own pace, surrounded by a supportive community that understands your unique experiences. Whether you’re completely new to yoga or looking to deepen your practice, we’re here to guide you every step of the way.

Visit us at Noir Yoga, located at 109 Ralph Avenue in Bedford-Stuyvesant, and take that first step on your journey. Your mat is waiting for you.

We can’t wait to see you in the studio!

Peace and blessing,

~Mason

Reflections on the 2024 Black Yoga Teacher Alliance Conference

From August 22 through August 25, I had the privilege of attending the 2024 Black Yoga Teacher Alliance (BYTA) Conference at the Kripalu Center for Yoga and Health in Stockbridge, Massachusetts. It was an inspiring and transformative experience, surrounded by over 80 Black yoga teachers from across the United States. This gathering not only deepened my practice but also reaffirmed the importance of the work we do as Black yoga practitioners and educators.

One of the highlights of the conference was the opportunity to honor Dr. Gail Parker, former BYTA Board President. Dr. Parker’s contributions to the yoga community, particularly in advocating for the inclusion and recognition of Black voices, have been monumental. Seeing her recognized for her many years of service was a powerful reminder of the impact one individual can have in shaping a more inclusive and compassionate yoga community.

The sessions I attended were both insightful and thought-provoking. "Making Liberation & Freedom Happen in Music, Meditation, Movement & Life" explored how we can integrate these elements into our practices and our lives, creating spaces of healing and empowerment. The session "Yoga in the Black Community: Healing Practices and Principles" resonated deeply with me, as it emphasized the unique needs and experiences of our community, offering practices rooted in our cultural heritage to support our healing journeys.

Another session that stood out was "Your Yoga Teacher is not Your Therapist." This discussion was crucial in clarifying the boundaries between yoga instruction and therapy, emphasizing the importance of recognizing the distinct roles that yoga teachers and therapists play in supporting mental and emotional well-being.

Beyond the sessions, the conference offered opportunities for reflection and connection through sunrise yoga each morning and a meditation hike. These experiences, coupled with the serene beauty of the Stockbridge Bowl, the local lake, provided a perfect backdrop for contemplation and renewal.

Attending this conference was a reminder of the power of community and the importance of spaces like BYTA that center Black experiences in yoga. As I return to Noir Yoga, I carry with me the lessons, insights, and energy from this incredible gathering, eager to continue fostering a space where liberation, healing, and inclusivity are at the heart of our practice.

Namaste.

Say Namaste To Noir Yoga, Bed-Stuy's New Black-Owned Yoga Studio

Noir Yoga opened this month on Ralph Avenue in Bed-Stuy.

[This story first appeared on Patch.com on August 29, 2024, and was written by Local Editor, Miranda Levingston.]

BED-STUY, NY — Bed-Stuy local Mason Mason has been practicing yoga for 20 years, and he has almost always been the only Black man in his classes, he told Patch.

That's why he opened Noir Yoga, his own yoga studio, this month on Ralph Avenue in Bed-Stuy.

His studio, which opened on Aug. 1, prioritizes diversity and making yoga accessible to everyone.

In service of this mission, Noir Yoga has classes for all different skill levels and price points, even "pay-what-you-wish" classes on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

Soon, he said he plans to add a hip-hop yoga fusion class, a heated class and a breathwork class.

"I want people to know that this space is for everyone, for all body types, for all gender expressions, for all sexualities, and for all ethnicities and races," Mason told Patch. "We truly are inclusive. Our staff represents that, and this community represents that."

Many studios claim to be inclusive, but Mason said he's noticed that the demographics of the teachers and clientele often tell a different story.

When it comes to Noir Yoga, he is walking the walk — he has a workshop called "Yoga for Black Men" coming up in a few weeks, and most of his teachers are people of color.

Though he's been practicing yoga for most of his life, he said he never thought he would open his own studio.

Mason has a PhD in education and has taught schoolchildren for many years. Now, by day, he works in big tech in addition to running Noir Yoga.

"About two years ago, I was just going to these different studios and trying to find a yoga community I could connect with, and I wasn't really able to find it," Mason said. "Then I started to think seriously, What if I created the community I wanted to see?"

His professional background has helped him create a thriving studio, he said.

He's in talks with a local preschool to bring his yoga classes to the youngest Brooklynites, and the studio is outfitted with high-tech touches like iPads, a mobile app and top-of-the-line speakers.

"I'm kind of building the plane as I'm flying it," he said. "But I love it."

Noir Yoga is located at 109 Ralph Avenue in Bed-Stuy.