In the exciting third quarter of 2023, we brought a burst of wellness and community connection through 21 dynamic yoga events, including the much-awaited second set of Soul Salutations, festivals and themed classes. Check the events out below!

Our journey this quarter began with the second set of Soul Salutations, featuring the soothing vibes of Aaliyah. Following that, we dove into the DC Soul showcase, highlighting artists from Washington DC. Keeping the Tuesday lineup going strong, Lauryn Hill graced us with her presence to close out the month of July. Finally, in August, we wrapped up the series with a fantastic lineup including Tems, Amapiano, and Dirty Souf Soul Salutations.

Experience Soul Salutations by checking out the event recap reels below.

Read more about each Soul Salutations class in this blog.

Soul Salutations: Anacostia Park’s Summer Wellness Experience

Soul Salutations is a unique 10-week themed outdoor yoga sunset series held in the serene setting of Anacostia Park. The 2023 season brought together yoga enthusiasts, music lovers, and seekers of holistic well-being. Read more.

This quarter I had the opportunity to collaborate with Becky's Fund, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit committed to eradicating domestic violence through education, advocacy & service. The Men of Code initiative empowers young athletes to champion change, fostering respect & healthy relationships. I led a therapeutic and transformative yoga class for three local high school teams, promoting healing & mental health. The schools included Bell High School, Jackson Reed High School and Friendship Heights.

Read more about Men of Code and how to get involved in this blog.

Beyond the Mat: Yoga's Impact on Mental Health Advocacy for Domestic Violence

At the core of Becky's Fund lies a dedicated collective of volunteers, patrons, and sponsors, who serve as the backbone of the organization's mission. It is through these shared endeavors that Becky's Fund creates an avenue for positive change in the realm of domestic violence. Read more.

In July, our voice resonated through virtual speaking engagements with Mental Health America. “We Take Care of Us: BIPOC Led Community Spaces Providing Healing and Support” discussed how BIPOC-led community spaces provide healing and support for individuals struggling with mental health issues and feeling pressured to conform to societal standards including perfectionism. The panelists including Latoya Torrance (Founder, Human Over Perfect) and Megan Soun (Yellow Chair Collective) highlighted the importance of finding safe spaces and communities, focusing on the mind-body connection, and creating spaces that cater to diverse experiences and needs. Watch the webinar recap here.

The BlackBone Project Summit took place on July 22, 2023 at the new venue Sycamore and Oak. As a keynote speaker of the summit, I inspired others to breathe on purpose and hydrate their souls through a self-love motivational talk titled "Tapping into Your Personal Star Power." Watch the full recording here and share with a friend or colleague who may need some inspiration!

I was thrilled to be a panelist at the Capital One Supplier Diversity Summit on September 14th! The event showcased key procurement and diversity trends, along with Capital One's strategies. We had engaging panel discussions, a fireside chat, and an awards ceremony. Connecting with diverse business owners, Capital One leaders, and partners was invaluable. Many thanks, Allison Roser Kube and Reuben Essandoh, for this opportunity to discuss the Mentorship Program and promote economic growth for diverse-owned businesses. Check out the recap here.

One of a kind fitness experiences took center stage at FITDC's recent events, leaving participants invigorated and connected. On August 12, 2023, at National Museum of African American History and Culture (NMAAHC) Hip Hop Block Party, I led two Standing Hip Hop Yoga sessions that brought together attendees to groove, stretch, and find balance amidst the uplifting beats of hip-hop music. It was a dope blend of culture and wellness that left everyone feeling excited for the Block Party.

Check out the event recaps below

At the tailend of August, FITDC hosted its second annual FITDC YogaFest, a grand celebration of yoga and holistic well-being. Attendees gathered to explore various yoga instructors, deepen their practice, embrace a sense of community and vibe to the playlists featuring DC artists. I had the honor of curating a Mya themed playlist featuring the best of Mya’s soulful hits. After the flow, there was a guided meditation hosted by instructors from SKY Breathwork and Meditation.

These FITDC events exemplify the power of fitness to bring people together, fostering unity and a shared commitment to health and wellness. They serve as reminders that in the pursuit of a healthier lifestyle, we can also find a stronger sense of connection with others in our community. FITDC continues to inspire and unite individuals on their fitness journeys, making our city a healthier and more harmonious place to live. I’m proud to be a part of this dynamic community!

Click here to view the recap.

Building Bridges: Strengthening Community Collaboration

We furthered our community bonds with our local partners who are doing amazing work
in our own community.

This quarter welcomed three Namastay by Jay Wellness events including two in Washington, DC and one partnered with Shopify in New York. In July, Yasmine and I co-instructed the Soulful Sunday Flow on top of the Cambria Hotel at the signature Perch Rooftop. The August Vibes and Flow, instructed by me, was situated outside and offered serene moments of self-discovery through a juicy slow flow focusing on the heart and hips.

A unique fusion of wellness and entrepreneurship came alive during the Summer Vibes & Wellness Experience with Namaste By Jay and Shopify NY on July 29, 2023. This event included an energizing vinyasa yoga flow led by me, meditation led by Sydney Noelle , sound bath by Soleil Atiles, juice tastings and goodies from LUSH! Watch the recaps below!

Check out our Vibes & Flow Wellness event recaps

Get Fit Brunch DC was an incredible event hosted at the Selina Hotel in Washington, DC, during the month of August. The event offered a dynamic fitness experience, starting with 30 minutes of high-intensity interval training (HIIT) led by Diamond, followed by 30 minutes of rejuvenating restorative yoga, personally guided by yours truly. To top it all off, attendees enjoyed a delightful brunch on the scenic rooftop.

Diamond, the driving force behind Bliss Lifestyle, served as the event's HIIT instructor. Bliss Lifestyle is a vibrant community centered around health and wellness. Diamond's expertise extends to strength and conditioning, weight loss, women's health, and nutrition, making her a true inspiration in the fitness and wellness realm.

Follow Diamond for fitness inspiration here!

The Cherish the Day Yoga Session Saturday, August 26th, at the picturesque Anacostia Park, was a day of community connection, wellness, and breath work. This event, in collaboration with TheLinkUpDC for their inaugural skate weekend, embodies our unwavering commitment to building a strong and supportive community. Our belief in the power of enjoyment and unity was beautifully illustrated as participants experienced a day that nourished both body and soul with sultry sounds of Sade.

Check out the recap of the event here.

Learn more about The Link Up DC here.

In collaboration with Friends of Anacostia Park and REI, it was a true pleasure to lead a wonderful yoga flow that deepened the connection between breath and body.

As a supporter of REI's Outside in 5 Declaration, I was thrilled to have contributed to our shared mission of encouraging our community to embrace the outdoors, reconnect with nature, and reshape the perception of what it means to appreciate the great outdoors.

We gathered on the front lawn of the Anacostia Park Skate Pavilion and immersed ourselves in a practice that allowed us to relax, focus on our breath, and nurture our inner landscapes while enhancing alignment, strength, and balance.

Playlists for Your Enjoyment

This quarter we launched 20 new playlists for you to vibe out and find your own sense of enjoyment.

Soul Salutations: featured curated playlists of artists that have brought me soul fulfillment within my lifetime. The artists include Erykah Badu, Jhene Aiko, Lauryn Hill, Outkast, Aaliyah and Tens just to name a few. There were also curated playlists from local DJs including DJ Heat, DJ Two1Five, and Tristan Alexander.

Open Hips, Open Heart.

Throughout this quarter, our playlists offered a blend of sultry and smooth tunes, carefully curated to guide you in opening both your heart and your hips. Sounds of artists like Sade, Cleo Soul, Snoh Allegra, Floetry, and Tems, will help you not only fall in love with yourself, but your soul.

Check out the blog with all of our playlists here!

Sharing Playlists is My Love Language

Soul Salutations featured curated playlists of artists that have brought me soul fulfillment within my lifetime. The artists include Erykah Badu, Jhene Aiko, Lauryn Hill, Outkast, Aaliyah and Tems just to name a few. Read more.

A MOMENT OF GRATITUDE

As we reflect on these incredible experiences, we're excited to nurture the connections we've made and inspire even more individuals to join us on this journey of wellness, self-discovery, and unity. Continue to check out our events page for more events and information!

Schedule a meeting with Rooted in Radiance to champion your well-being journey.

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