Meditate with 808

On a scale from one to awkward, I am awkward AF. If that isn’t enough, the extent of my flexibility is being able to sit criss-cross applesauce with my two-year-old son as we watch “Baby Shark” for the nine-hundredth time.

Except when the “run away” part of the song starts, he is up running and I am still trying to uncross my applesauce.

I’ve done my fair share of trying and then ultimately avoiding yoga. Every time I work up the nerve, I walk into a class full of strangers who don’t look like me and who do things that I have no idea how to do, and they do it in pure, unnerving silence. So, needless to say, my hesitation was real. But, this upcoming yoga experience was one that already sounded more intriguing than any that I had dabbled in before. I was going to attend “Trap Yoga,” one of many exceptional classes offered at Raw Yoga 614.

Co-Owners Derrick Bond and Yaizmen Fayne opened the Raw Yoga studio less than a year ago in April 2018, after the pair attended a yoga class in a popular yoga studio and noticed they were the only people of color. Both armed with education—Fayne with a bachelor’s degree in business and financial management and a master’s degree in education, and Bond, with a degree in communication and African-American history, the two set off on a less conventional path.

The synthesis of brains, passion, and experience motivated the couple to both earn certifications as yoga instructors, which Bond could then affix to his previously-earned title as a certified personal trainer. Together they created a space that was needed in the black community, but also welcomed any group of people who were interested in pursuing mental and physical health.

“We wanted to create a space for people of color, and everyone else to feel comfortable and welcome, regardless of age, social, racial or financial demographic or skill level,” said Bond.

“We wanted to create a space for people of color, and everyone else to feel comfortable and welcome, regardless of age, social, racial or financial demographic or skill level.”

Before class, I searched the website, scouring for any information that would put my less than flexible nerves at ease, and I was pleased to find disclaimers or a friendly “heads up” about every class that was offered. Friday night arrived and I was ready, well ready-ish, having reservations about what to cloak my mom-bod in. Should I wear something super stretchy or super loose? Deciding to split the difference and go top loose, bottom stretchy, I was finally dressed.

A short drive later, I’m parked and sitting (so much sitting). The space is quaint and soft. The lights are dim and soothing. The vibe is like entering a kickback littered with old and new friends. Everyone greets me with smiles and hellos. The space finds a balance of intimacy—without encroaching on personal space—while remaining versatile enough to accomodate the 10+ different types of classes that are offered, including R&B Slow Flow and Abs and Ass. As Fayne offers yoga mats and soft blankets for our knees, I felt like a friend had invited me over for girls night and she just happened to be a dope-ass yoga instructor.

“Just a disclaimer. This is Trap Yoga, so we will be playing hip hop music. Some lyrics are explicit. But it’s all good,” she beams.

Fayne was right. it was all good. As my nerves began to re-emerge at different points of my child’s pose, I hear a voice ooze through the sound system. Cardi B! Bye anxiety, I’m a bad bitch now. Cardi said so.

Midway through the gradually challenging class, my heart rate began to match the accelerated tempo of Kendrick Lamar & Jay Rocks “Kings Dead,” 2 Chainz, and a hosts of other artists. As impressive as this playlist was, it couldn’t overshadow the instruction. At no point during the class did I lose Fayne’s serene and self-assured tone, creating a little capable bubble of space for everyone in the room.

Gradually, Fayne warmly coached us into the cool down portion of the practice whose playlist was just as fitting. I had finally learned that even I could do yoga, and I discovered (as I suspected) that I wasn’t the only learner in the room.

“We are as committed to learning and open to learning as [our clients] are supposed to be,” said Bond. Fayne nodded in agreement. “We don’t claim to know everything there is to know, but we want to share and teach what we do.”

Raw Yoga Studio is located at 7339 E Main St. in Reynoldsburg. Book classes at mindbodyonline.com.

BROUGHT TO YOU BY