Finding Balance & Celebrating Black Yogis with India Shawn
Los Angeles born songbird and songwriter India Shawn has been lending her musical talents to the industry for over 10 years, including collaborations with Anderson Paak, 6LACK and James Fauntleroy.
With a smooth voice that connects to listeners immediately, lyrics that resonate with your heart, and fearless experimentation with R&B elements, India’s music has spiritual and emotional components to it.
In addition to her passion and talent for music, she is a dedicated yogi. We recently caught up with her to discuss how she achieves balance within a grueling industry, and how the legacy of Black yogis have inspired her practice.
In her words ...
For over a decade now yoga has been my safe place, my peace, and my sanity. In 2019 while out on a national tour, I decided to find a studio in each city and begin each day with an hour of yoga. That hour a day was time dedicated to honoring myself and my body; it was the balance I needed to be able to perform at a high level night after night.
One of the biggest challenges of 2020 was not being able to start my days in my favorite studio or sweat profusely with my yogi friends. Like many others, I've had to make my home a place of comfort, -- but also a place to work and continue my practices. My ritual rug is a lovely addition to my home. It reminds and invites me to my daily practice of honoring myself and stretching my body through the discomfort of life's unexpected changes. I'm simply grateful.
I have so much love, respect and gratitude to all of the Black yoga practitioners and educators who made the practice of yoga accessible to Black communities, especially during a time when it was needed most. One of my heroes, Krishna Kaur, known to many as the “Yoga Lady” was highlighted in the September 1975 issue of Ebony magazine for teaching Kundalini yoga, breathwork, and meditation to underprivileged communities throughout South Central LA. I’m grateful to be a part of the Black yogi lineage, dedicated to a revolution of mindfulness through yoga.
Listen to India Shawn's music HERE!
Ma Wovens is donating 10% of all sales of the Ritual Rug to Black Lives Matter until the end of February in honor of Black History Month.