Sinikiwe Dhliwayo, Revolutionary: Naaya and Creating BIPOC-Centered Yoga Teacher Trainings
Sinikiwe Dhliwayo and I met in an elevator in a building off of 5th Avenue.
As we made our ascent to our destination, a Diversity in Wellness dinner hosted by the brilliant Maryam Ajayi, I sort of marveled that we even had the opportunity to meet. I live in LA, Sinikiwe in NYC, and I happened to be in Philly when Maryam invited me to dinner. A two-hour bus ride later, I was in my beloved Manhattan, meeting a woman who I’d admired over the internet for the last year. Fate, you’re funny.
That night, Sinikiwe articulated her mission to the group — to build Naaya to create BIPOC-centered wellness spaces and experiences. She’s been doing this work for a while. Her voice and vision are clear, but she’s not just platitudes and theory. Sinikiwe is actually doing the work. In December 2019, she opened the doors to her first BIPOC-centered, inclusive, and accessible yoga teacher training. [Training begins on January 30th, apply here to join!]
In a wellness world that tends to be myopic, out-of-touch, and welp, flat out racist, leaders like Sinikiwe and Maryam prove that creating an inclusive and accessible wellness space isn’t just possible, it is absolutely necessary.
Please meet Sinikiwe.
Inner Alchemy —
What was your catalyst for starting Naaya?
The idea that we have all been inculcated in through white supremacy. That only white people deserve to be well. This shows up in medical racism, no access to fresh food (people of color living in food deserts), and fitness training certificates (yoga teacher trainings that cost $3500 to partake in).
What's a mantra or idea that continues to drive you forward as you build Naaya?
My work with youth really keeps the fire under me. I spent New Year’s soaking up the magic that was working with a group of 58 teens on a mindfulness retreat (with the organization IBme). It was an honor to bear witness to their willingness to cultivate a practice of mindfulness.
My mantra is
Fuck it up.
What's the biggest limiting belief that you had to overcome in order to begin Naaya?
That a person like me who doesn’t come from the safety net of generational wealth can succeed in our capitalistic society. I look at what I’ve built in the last year and a half and I’m astounded. Like I thought about shit and I FUCKING DID IT. Then I get discouraged when I reconcile with the fact that I’m just getting by physically, financially.
Mystical Metaphysics —
How do you care for yourself as a leader?
When I first started Naaya it was NaayaNaayaNaaya all the time. Honestly, I don’t know that I even had thoughts that were not Naaya-related. I realized quickly that way of being wasn’t sustainable. I decided I would make a concerted effort to do things and be with people that bring me joy (like read books, dance interludes when I walk in the door, and deep dives with my sister Tinashe about You).
What does yoga mean to you?
Yoga to me is Chitta Vritti Nirodha, or “the calming of the fluctuations of the mind.” Yoga serves as a mirror into myself and has shifted my perspective on outside challenges; while the challenges may remain, my reaction to them has shifted. Yoga has become a means for me to become not only physically strong but also mentally and emotionally resilient.
Why is yoga particularly grounding for marginalized populations?
On the daily people who occupy marginalized identities (because we're all inculcated in the water that is white supremacy) have to navigate oppression.
What's your take on spirituality?
I used to really f*ck with God. I was a counselor at Vacation Bible School and I did monthly bible quizzing. Then we had a falling out because of the hypocrisy of people doing whatever they want every other day of the week and then praising Jesus on Sunday. I would say my current stance is definitely spiritual. I believe in some kind of higher power. I say blessedt on the regular because I truly believe despite a lot of fuck shit that I am blessedt!
Supernatural Systems —
How do you get everything done (because OMG you do a lot)?
Yo, I wish I knew though. I think I’m just really driven by the idea that all we have is this moment. I don't know that there will ever be enough time to get done all that I want to do in the world but real talk so if not when. Then again calendar invites are the GOAT. I live by mine. I put dates (ha, its been a hot minute), time with friends, and time to do nothing on it.
What's a book, podcast, or video that shaped your thinking recently?
How to be Antiracist by Ibrahim X. Kendi is on my mind as of late. He skillfully describes that there is no such thing as “ Antiracist”.
“The opposite of racist isn't 'not racist.' It is 'antiracist.' What's the difference? One endorses either the idea of a racial hierarchy as a racist, or racial equality as an anti-racist. One either believes problems are rooted in groups of people, as a racist, or locates the roots of problems in power and policies, as an anti-racist. One either allows racial inequities to persevere, as a racist, or confronts racial inequities, as an anti-racist. There is no in-between safe space of 'not racist.”
*Editor’s note: Also a favorite of Holisticism’s and one of the first books members of The North node are reading this year. Strongly recommend you add to cart.
What are you learning about?
How to actively allow myself to be loved. I’ve taken a really long pause from dating. Because I’m really seeking someone to be my partner. The people I was dating weren’t “ hitting right” and I realized after having a crush recently how good it felt. To quote Moses Sumney, “ I don’t want to go to bed with you, I just want to make out in my car.”
What do you wish more people were learning about?
Antiracism for sure. We’re all swimming in the waters of White Supremacy and so often when people thing Inclusion, Diversity, and Equity they neglect straight-up racism. Allyship—which, I don’t love that word—isn't just the above. It’s giving up power to allow BIPOC people opportunities white people have garnered solely based on their skin color.