Today we’d like to introduce you to SA-RA.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
My spiritual awakening or Nehast began in 2010 and in 2013, after obtaining certifications in “How To Reduce Stress in The Work Environment,” I became a Yogi with certifications in Integral + Kripalu Yoga. Though the practice was peaceful & meditative in all forms, there was still a void. Being that I was on a journey of finding self, I needed a practice that had representation and connected me to the spiritual practices and traditions of my ankhcestors. As I would regularly visit my Aunty for counsel and spiritual guidance, one day, her library was calling me. It was there that I was introduced to Smai Tawi (Kemetic Yoga), the 1st system of Yoga founded and developed in Ancient Kemet, which is modern-day Egypt. With not only physical but cultural and spiritual representation; empowering philosophy, Medu Neter – the language of Kemet that once pronounced properly activated my 1st Eye (Pineal Gland), a dietary system and postures of Gods & Goddesses for every aspect and level you’re on, I instantly felt connected as if it is in my DNA already. Shortly after I became a Sami Tawi Basu (practitioner) and with the foundation of my mentor, whom taught me the mastery of breath control and time-under-tension, I founded and developed YogaSthenics®️- a self-healing practice that balances the physical and spiritual through fusion of Smai Tawi & Calisthenics.
Alright, 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?
As the living legend & Reggae artist Buju Banton sings, “It’s not an easy road…” and the same goes for the spiritual journey. In fact, the more light you seek, darkness will follow as the balance of life. Growing up in a predominantly Christian environment, anything not relating to Jesus or especially teaches about Egypt was a taboo. Due to biblical text on the story of Moses & Pharaoh, my loved ones felt as if I was going down the wrong path or even that I was going against them because of my newfound awareness & practices. It was confusing to me how a peaceful and balanced practice such as Smai Tawi or Yoga can offend anyone. However, it was through the same principles and philosophy of Smai Tawi, one being MA’AT (balance, harmony, justice), that I was able to honor their perspectives to neutralize the energy. Compassion has thus been the biggest lesson in challenging times. It taught me to live the faith that I profess.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
Over the years my practices in the realm of health & spiritual wellness as a Smai Tawi Basu, founder of YogaSthenics®️ and OduYeFo (Medicine Maker) lead me to an elevated life of a SABA, the Kemetic term for Spiritual Adviser/Teacher or Guru. Taking notice that as my clientele grew in quality and quantity, they were so pleased with my services & my energy that they would share a need for a community with this level of spiritual practices & wisdom. So in 2015, I established Culcha Foundation – a spiritual, skill-based volunteer, 501(c)3 non-profit organization. Inspired by our heritage and core values, Culcha Foundation is on a journey to transcend human experience through the development, preservation & restoration of traditional and spiritual practices. These practices provide us with a blueprint that enrich how we govern ourselves, the cultural perspective of our projects, allowing us to innovate while learning from our fore-parents. We believe reconnecting with nature + both indigenous and contemporary individuals through the tradition of music, art, design, fashion, health, symbolism and spirituality can further influence cultural leadership, empowerment + impact. CULCHA Foundation serves as an essential resource that honours & explore our origins in all its depth and dimensions.
Alright so before we go can you talk to us a bit about how people can work with you, collaborate with you or support you?
For anyone interested in working with me as a SABA (Spiritual Adviser), collaboration or supporting my community initiatives there’s a few options; 1) Send an email to Support@Culcha.org, 2) Visit Culcha.org/sa-ra to chat wit me directly, 3) Contact via social media @YogaSthenics or @CulchaSociety.
Contact Info:
- Email: Support@Culcha.org
- Website: Culcha.org
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/YogaSthenics/, https://www.instagram.com/culchasociety/
- Facebook: https://facebook.com/yogasthenics
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/yogasthenics
- SoundCloud: https://soundcloud.com/morglobal
Image Credits
Mor Global
