Today we’d like to introduce you to Toure` Akela.
Toure`, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
I began practicing yoga in 2004 and chose to become a certified instructor in 2016, a move which sparked a life-altering awakening I could not see coming. I chose to dive deeper into the esoteric realms of yoga, to be tested and then chosen to work in a new world for me as a Christian Yoga practitioner. I knew this request or spark of enlightenment was not spoken to fall on deaf ears, and the new idea of me aiming to guide Christian yoga required a willing space that would allow me to stretch my wings. The result was Southwest Atlanta Yoga.
Southwest Atlanta Yoga was created to be a safe space where the vast black hole that yoga is can be safely explored. I wanted to create a home for teachers whose offerings need a studio bold enough to support their perspective as yoga students and yoga leaders within our Southwest Atlanta community. We strive to offer a balance of yoga classes, meditation, reiki and other spiritually-attuned courses that go beyond what you find in most studios.
My path deviated from the secular 200-hour teacher training to a 200-hour faith-based yoga training, which I completed in 2017. I completed 10 months of Shamanic training and have also become a certified Usui Reiki Master Teacher. Currently, I am enrolled in a two-year professional Shamanic program as well as pursuing my 300-hour faith-based yoga certification. I am currently offering one Restorative Christian Yoga class at Southwest Atlanta Yoga and looking to expand my Christian Yoga Offerings as the year comes to a close. Another place where my shamanic training shines is my Contemporary Hatha Fusion course. Punctuated by progressive, urban sounds, this alignment-based class combines postures meant to build strength flexibility and stillness with spiritual elements – from astrology to chakra balancing. It’s truly an offering that feeds your body and soul. I also accept clients seeking energetic or holistic rejuvenation through the art of Usui Reiki, sound and crystal therapy. All of this beauty was Divinely shown to exist within me as I actively pursued a yoga certification in 2016. I have a degree in Health Information Management and specialize in Oncology Informatics. I work independently in Oncology Informatics for the great state of California. I am an Army Veteran, single mother of a high school sophomore and we have two dogs. Somewhere along the way in April 2017, I chose to become a Minister of the Universal Life Church. Today I enjoy Metaphysics, Biblical Studies and most importantly, practical application of the two.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
The road has been as smooth as I have allowed it to be – more so when I have trusted the process of God revealing His plan on His time. I’ve learned, being on this road, that the sooner one learns how to apply a practical application of surrendering to one’s faith without worry, the better. The greater one worries the more struggles one should expect to experience along the way.
With that said, of course, there were many obstacles, many tests and many occasions where I could not verbalize the manner in which I was being called to task by my Creator. I am grateful for the opportunity and am no longer struggling with the decision to be a faith-based teacher. This decision has only expanded my ability to aid others on their healing journey.
Please tell us about Southwest Atlanta Yoga.
Southwest Atlanta Yoga is a studio created with a deep intention of being a sacred healing space located proudly in Atlanta’s Historic West End. Our studio strives to reflect the pulse of our international city by specializing in diverse yoga classes in an environment curated to feed the body and soul.
As the founder of this company, I am most proud of the instructors who opened their hearts to the studio and its intent for the Southwest Atlanta community. They too are great leaders and builders, bringing many neighbors together for the first time, acting as both bridge and vessel to soften perceived barriers within the Southwest Atlanta community. Witnessing our neighbors coming together in a welcoming, inclusive space of compassion – where a whole lot of yoga is experienced and expressed – has been transformative. Healing is the yield which makes this company a yoga studio to be proud of.
Southwest Atlanta Yoga is founded by a Christian Mystic and Shamanic Usui Reiki Master who takes a great effort to ensure the historic grounds on which our studio rests are balanced and spiritually well cared for. There is no separation in yoga so personally, I am uncertain of an “apart from others” – there is no divide and conquer in yoga. Personally, I am inspired by so many experiences in my day-to-day living there is complete awareness to stay in my lane and on my path in order to hear and see clearly what is being revealed. For the studio, God is the leader and with yoga being the commonality we all can live authentically and in peace. What greater inspiration is there when we are striving for healing and peace?
Do you look back particularly fondly on any memories from childhood?
I grew up wanting to be a comedian! But my biggest thing was dance. My favorite memory as a child is dancing full-on choreographed dance routines for my family. I was often told I was too tall to dance, so I never took and lessons as a child.
I still dance all day if time permits. Some nights my 15-year-old son plays DJ and I just dance. Taking weekly dance classes is one thing still on my bucket list.
Pricing:
- New Students 30 days for $30
- Drop-in $15
Contact Info:
- Address: 785 West Whitehall ST SW
Atlanta, GA 303010 - Website: www.swatlyoga.com
- Phone: 404.494.6230
- Email: swatlantayoga@gmail.com
- Instagram: @southwestatlantayoga
Image Credit:
Lytlefoto Photography, LaDee X
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