My Philosophy
All of the knowledge we have about ourselves and the world around us is fundamentally embodied. Our bodies are the our first and most important teacher in this life. Within our flesh and bone there is a wealth of knowledge that most people don't have access to due to the fact that they don’t regularly engage with their bodies.
All About Me
It's the middle of 2020, at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. Lockdown orders have sequestered everyone into their private bubbles, glued to their screens to escape the uncertainty that existed beyond the N95 mask, and the imaginary 6-foot wall that separated them from their neighbors. That evening was spent like any other evening, lying in shavasana on my yoga mat, with tears welling in my eyes. It was reported by the WHO that the global prevalence of anxiety and depression increased by 25% during the pandemic, and I was not immune. This, combined with the mental health issues that I was already experiencing before the pandemic, left me in a pretty dark place. I found solace in my body — a space where I could connect, heal, and grow.
Yoga was my first gateway into moving my body. I came to my yoga mat with no movement background, unless you count my failed attempts at running track in high school. Through various YouTube videos and online articles, I learned the fundamentals of discipline and flow. Over time, repetition began to draw familiar grooves in my body. I grew stronger and more flexible. I discovered a special kind of joy in the process of improvement, and an exhilaration in discovering what my body could do.
Circus and Pole came next. Like a bird who just got its wings. I took flight, or at least I tried to. It was clumsy at first, due to my lack of upper body strength, but I persisted. With each practice, my skills improved and my passion deepened. This commitment inspired me to deepen my knowledge, earning certifications in yoga (200-hour YTT) and personal training (NASM). These disciplines laid the foundation for a movement practice that has become integral to my identity
Through this journey, I have developed a profound belief in the connection between mental and physical health. Today, as a circus artist and first-year MSW student with a background in psychology and philosophy, my work explores the intersections of movement, healing, and identity. I use my body to explore the resilience, creativity, and traditions of African descended peoples. This lens informs both my academic work and my art.
For me, movement is play — a chance to express, explore, and connect. Whether it's through the air on a trapeze or grounded in yoga and dance, my goal is to inspire others to find joy and freedom in their bodies. I believe that when we move with intention, we unlock not only physical strength but emotional clarity and resilience.