hi! my name is ekaette. i am the editor in chief of woke.magazine, a writer, artist and yoga teacher. you can follow my projects, misadventures in quarantine, musings and inspirations here: wearewoke.com I have a Bachelor’s degree in Art History from the American University of Paris. I am first generation Nigerian-American, born in California. I have lived in Paris, London and Japan. I currently reside in Los Angeles. I began practicing yoga 20 years ago and became a certified teacher in 2007. I taught for 15 years, leading daily classes, teacher trainings and workshops. I have thousands of hours of study and a bunch of certificates, but Yoga is much more than that. When I’m not writing or dismantling white privilege, I enjoy reading and collecting books, classic films, libraries, music, a good cup of coffee, and studying history and pop culture. I look forward to getting to know you!
By Ekaette Ekong on Aug 18, 2022
This is a mindful flow where the pace is sweet and steady and the focus is on the shoulders. We'll build some heat and open up across the chest, shoulders and whole front body, including the quadriceps. We'll engage the core and play with standing balance including crescent pose, and find our way into some twists. Two blocks, a strap and a blanket will be helpful!
By Ekaette Ekong on Jul 15, 2022
This is a mindful, steady practice that targets heart opening both physically and emotionally. Can you be present with whatever is in your heart from moment to moment? The peak pose is Lord of the Dance and you are welcome to use a wall to help with balance. This practice is open to beginning students, just please listen to your body!
By Ekaette Ekong on Jun 23, 2022
This is a mixed-level grounding hatha class where we focus on breath and sensation to quiet the mind, and make shapes mindfully to open the body. Great for days when you're feeling a bit anxious or overwhelmed. Detailed cues will give your mind plenty to focus on, and smart sequencing will leave you feeling good.
By Ekaette Ekong on May 10, 2022
A sweet, steady hatha class that builds some heat so you can open your heart! Shoulders and hip flexors get extra love. If you feel like you're carrying the weight of the world on your shoulders, here is your antidote!
By Ekaette Ekong on Mar 23, 2022
A beautiful, mindful, delicious way to start your day, open up your body, and quiet your mind. Hips, shoulders and hamstrings get some love, and two blocks, a strap and a blanket will be helpful, though you can always improvise! Have a wonderful day, yogis!
By Ekaette Ekong on Feb 7, 2022
Finding balance within your body, mind and breath is really the thing, isn't it? That's what this practice is all about. Can you breathe calmly and steadily even if you're feeling unsteady? Can you stay balanced in your mind even when you're a little wobbly in your body? Grab a block or two and let's work on it!
By Ekaette Ekong on Jan 21, 2022
This practice is about your "back body" which simply means we'll be targeting your shoulders, upper back, glutes and hamstrings, but we'll also be balancing things out by opening across the chest, and strengthening the core and quadriceps. We'll be working toward dolphin pose and dolphin plank pose. Two blocks and a strap will be helpful as we build strength and breathe together!
By Ekaette Ekong on Dec 18, 2021
This is a gentle but deep practice for all levels that focuses on forward folds. This is a beautiful class do to at the end of your day, or anytime you want to deeply calm your nervous system and open your hips, hamstrings and shoulders. Forward folding is an invitation to tune in, slow down, and be with yourself in a curious and compassionate way. Please breathe deeply and mindfully and have two blocks, a strap and a blanket handy. Enjoy, yogis.
By Ekaette Ekong on Nov 28, 2021
A mindful, steady, gentle practice that targets shoulder, hip and hamstring-opening with a special emphasis on gently and safely opening the heart space. Long holds and deep breathing round out the practice as we cool down and move into a restful savasana. Perfect for an end-of-day practice, or anytime you want something deep, steady and mindful to calm your nervous system and open every major muscle group. All levels welcome. Enjoy, yogis!
By Ekaette Ekong on May 21, 2021
This is an all-levels class where beginners are welcome and experienced yogis will also get a deep and mindful practice. Some poses will feel wonderful and others may bring up resistance. Resistance often happens when we approach a place where we carry tension, whether it's physical or emotional. Resistance is different from pain. If you experience pain, that is a signal to back off, use props or modify in order to find a variation of the pose that works for your body so you can breathe deeply. Resistance is the emotion that might creep up if you find yourself in a shape that offers you the opportunity to soften and unwind. Sometimes we're scared to let go. See if you can breathe deeply into any resistance and give your body the chance to release so you create the space to receive.
