Rooted in Respect: My Evolving Yoga Practice
Yoga: A Practice of Respect, Union, and Cultural Awareness
Yoga is more than just a physical practice; it’s a profound journey of union, derived from the Sanskrit word Yuj, meaning "yoke" or "union." With deep roots in South Asia, yoga has transcended cultures and is now embraced across the globe. However, as we continue to grow in our practice, it’s essential to acknowledge a conversation that’s often overlooked: cultural appropriation, especially in the Western context of yoga.
As a yoga teacher here in Texas, I carry a deep awareness of the paradox that comes with being a white practitioner in a diverse cultural landscape. My introduction to yoga began in my teenage years, during meditation sessions led by my Buddhist high school coach in a small Texan town. Since then, I have had the privilege of learning from a lineage of dedicated practitioners who have taught me not only the physical aspects of yoga but also its cultural and historical significance. Among my teachers are Shawn Kent, Kielly Wolters, Shanti Kelley, Iva Drtina-Hall, Jenn Wooten, Colette Ouseley-Moynan, and Deb Flashenberg, each of whom has shaped my understanding of yoga’s rich history.
Yoga is not just an hour on the mat for me. It’s a way of life—a sacred philosophy that deserves our deepest respect and commitment to understanding. In this journey, I remain committed to being a lifelong learner, always evolving my practice while honoring the roots of yoga and its cultural significance. The more I learn, the more I realize the importance of cultural responsiveness and the need for respect in all aspects of my practice.
As a coach, my focus is on nurturing givers and healers—creatives, parents, and educators—who have been touched by trauma. This includes individuals with disabilities (like myself, as an adult-diagnosed ADHDer), people of color, and members of the LGBTQIA+ community (I identify as a late-blooming bi-gal). I strive to create a space where these diverse groups can come together, offering them the tools and wisdom of ancient practices to facilitate healing and growth.
My aim is to build a community of inclusion, healing, and shared growth, where yoga serves as a bridge—one that connects us to both ancient wisdom and to each other. In my practice and coaching, I am continually reminded of the privilege of sharing these teachings while also carrying the responsibility of honoring yoga’s origins and its rightful place in its ancestral context.
Together, we can create spaces that are not only transformative but also deeply respectful and culturally responsive, where everyone—regardless of their background or identity—can find healing, solace, and growth through yoga.
— H. E. Wong
