Yoga classes to address stresses and health issues affecting blacks

By Constance Garcia-Barrio

For The Philadelphia Inquirer, Friday, Feb. 07, 2003

In the spirit of Black History Month, some area yoga instructors are offering classes to get more African Americans acquainted with yoga.

Their goal: to provide a tool for relieving the physical and emotional effects of racism.

"By practicing yoga, you can begin to undo dysfunctional patterns," said Maya Breuer of Providence, R.I., who trains yoga teachers.

Yoga, a practice that promotes physical flexibility, mental balance and spiritual clarity, "can help in virtually all circumstances and situations," according to Breuer, who also said yoga can help alleviate illnesses that disproportionately affect African Americans.

Throughout February, Movement Arts of Mount Airy (MaMa), Yoga Schelter in East Falls, and the Yoga Garden in Narberth are hosting classes and workshops for adults and children at five sites in and around Philadelphia.

Jennifer Schelter, owner of the Yoga Schelter, said she came up with the idea for the project, called Heal the Legacy, after she and one of her black students were discussing why more African Americans don't take yoga classes. Schelter, Breuer, and members of the International Association of Black Yoga Teachers see Black History Month as the perfect time to get the message out.

While the sessions are open to all races, , they will emphasize specific postures that address health issues and stresses that African Americans face, the organizers said. Although cknowledging that people of all backgrounds experience stress, Schelter and Breuer noted that thatracial disparities can compound daily struggles.

Experts agree. "Living in a society that devalues you puts you under pressure," said Morris Chandler, a psychologist in Wyndmoor. "Yoga encourages us to reflect on and appreciate ourselves, and lets us make better decisions." "Researchers like Herbert Benson, a physician and faculty member of the Harvard School of Medicine, have documented the physiological benefits of a relaxed state," Chandler added. "African Americans, especially, need these benefits due to dietary and stress factors that lead to high blood pressure and other coronary diseases, shouldn't take yoga classes.

Schelter, along with Breuer, Krishna Kaur and members of the group Kaur founded, the International Association of Black Yoga Teachers, see this month as the perfect time to get the message out. Some of the classes will incorporate live music, as guitarists Mark Garrett and Taka Moro bring the sounds of jazz, blues and original compositions to the studio.

Other classes will feature the pouring of libations - an African tradition that honors ancestors and asks for their blessings on those present - and include discussions of the African and Egyptian roots of yoga.

There will also be readings of inspirational passages from famous blacks. Sessions are geared to individuals, families to attend as a group, and children. (The instructors said that introducing young children to yoga can give them a lifelong tool for handling anger and frustration constructively.) "It's a practice to renew body, mind and spirit" for everyone, said Breuer, who credits yoga with helping her adopt a healthier lifestyle. "I was overweight, raising three children alone, and trying to stay sane when I started my yoga practice 18 years ago. Today, my children have grown into successful adults."

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