Yogi Spotlight Series - Gabi Z.

Gabi Z.

Instagram ID: namastegabi

Location: South Florida

Occupation:  Yoga Instructor

Gabi is of Haitian background and besides her passion for yoga, she enjoys hanging with her friends and doing fun stuff.  She has many interests including looking at beautiful art in all forms, writing, singing, playing the guitar, painting, crocheting, and any creative expression.  She has always felt connected to mama luna so she likes going to the beach at night when the moon is out.   
"I could stare at her forever. "  says Gabi.

Please read more about this awesome and inspiring yogi.

Yoga is freedom, connection, and love  ~ Gabi Z.

How long have you been practicing yoga?  
I have been practicing yoga for over a year now.

Do you attend classes?  

 I taught myself at the beginning but I try to attend classes as much as I can.  It is always good to keep inspired and learn from others.

How did your yoga journey begin?  
I discovered yoga, like many, in a time of need. I was really sad and depressed at the time because I was going through a break up.  A friend, who I hadn't really talked to in years, told me to take a yoga class. At first, I wasn't too excited about it because I had tried yoga before when I was like 13. My grandma had a DVD lying around and I did not enjoy it one bit! I thought it was too slow and super boring.  However, I gave the class a chance and I absolutely loved it! I loved everything about it and how it made me feel. I wanted to keep coming back to feel that blissful "yoga high". From then on, it was a wrap. I was addicted.

 

What type of yoga do you practice?
I practice vinyasa flow and sometimes yin.

How often do you practice?  
It depends. Yoga to me is more than a practice. It's a lifestyle. It's a part of me and so I practice yoga honestly every chance I get. Everyday is different. It could simply be taking 10 minutes to just focus on my breath and do some mindful breathing.  Some days I don't practice any asanas or won't do a full hour practice at all. Then there are some days that's all I'll do for hours and hours.  Other days I just meditate and sometimes I'll practice Ahimsa or Satya which are some of the 5 yamas. Each day is different but not a day goes by without practicing in some way.  

Is yoga more mental or physical?
I feel like yoga is more mental and spiritual. The physical poses are just 1 part out of 8 sections or "limbs" that help you reach the main goal.

                 

What do you think about the increase of black women getting into yoga?

It's amazing! I think that it's breaking such a huge stereotype and I love that we are finally opening up to practicing yoga. I know a lot of us come from religious/Christian upbringings and for some reason yoga makes a lot of them uncomfortable or they think they're betraying their religion when in reality it's not true because yoga doesn't belong to any religion! Yoga is for everyone and it makes me so happy to see the change. 

How important is it for you to see diversity in yoga?

It's super important to me because if there was only one race or culture practicing then that would mean only a fragment of our whole entire population is receiving the benefits of the practice and I believe that every single being on this planet needs yoga in one way or another. Even if they aren't physically able to perform asanas. Just sitting and meditating or pranayama or any of the 8 limbs they can do. The world would honestly be a much better place. Everyone needs yoga. It's good for the soul. 

                  

Any advise for someone new who is curious about getting started doing  yoga?

Just do it! Just start. Whether that's going to a studio to take your first class, or even a gym. If you can't afford to take classes regularly there are endless videos on YouTube! A lot of people think social media is the devil, which it can be, but it can also open up so many doors and teach you so much! Go on instagram and start a yoga page just to track your progress. That's what I did. Also starting yoga challenges. Google any questions you may have because EVERYTHING you ever need is on Google. It's crazy how much we have at our fingertips. 

Don't let anything discourage you from starting or keeping your practice. You are enough and you are more than capable of practicing yoga. No matter your size, skin color, height, sex, even species (I've seen dogs practice!) lol. So honestly the only thing stopping you from beginning your journey is you. Once you decide in your mind that you want it, you will get it!!! Feel free to DM or email me with any questions you may have. I'm here to help! Good luck to everyone on their journeys. Love and light. Namaste.

  

Thank you Gabi for sharing a little of yourself. 

I really enjoyed reading!  

Namaste.

Contact Gabi:

Email:  Gabriellezamor@yahoo.com

     

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Edited by Vanessa L.