The Heart of My Practice: Toward Shared Liberation
Sharing yoga in community at the inaugural Future Front Creative Retreat at The Line Hotel. Photos by the wonderful Yvonne Uwah
Yoga: A Practice of Respect, Union, and Cultural Awareness
Yoga is more than a physical practice; it is a profound journey of union, rooted in the Sanskrit word yuj, meaning “to yoke” or “to unite.” Originating in South Asia, yoga has transcended cultures and now touches lives around the world. As our practice spreads, it’s important to engage in conversations often avoided: honoring its cultural roots and avoiding appropriation.
As a yoga teacher in Texas, I am deeply aware of the paradox of being a white practitioner in a diverse cultural landscape. My journey began as a teenager, during team meditation sessions led by my Buddhist high school soccer coach. Since then, I’ve had the privilege of learning from teachers such as Shawn Kent, Kielly Wolters, Shanti Kelley, Iva Drtina-Hall, Jenn Wooten, Colette Ouseley-Moynan, and Deb Flashenberg—practitioners who have guided me through the wisdom of long-standing lineages and yoga’s rich historical traditions.
Yoga is a philosophy that demands respect and thoughtful practice. I remain committed to being a lifelong learner, evolving my practice while honoring its origins and cultural significance. Cultural responsiveness and respect are central to how I teach and practice.
As a coach and somatic practitioner, I support creatives, parents, educators, and leaders navigating change, burnout, or life transitions. Many of those I work with hold intersecting identities—people of color, LGBTQIA+ community members, neurodivergent individuals, and those living with visible or invisible disabilities. I offer a space for reflection, restoration, and reconnection—drawing from both ancient wisdom and modern tools—to help people reclaim energy, clarity, and creativity.
My aim is to cultivate a community of inclusion, healing, and shared growth, where yoga serves as a bridge connecting us to ancient wisdom and to each other. I strongly believe community yoga is a practice of collective liberation—a path toward moksha, freedom that is not only individual but shared. Rooted in satya, my practice honors the truth and dignity of each person, guided by the intention of lokah samastah sukhino bhavantu—may all beings everywhere be happy and free. Together, we can co-create spaces that honor culture, embrace inclusivity, and foster respect as we move toward collective freedom.
— H. E. Wong
