Nasirah Denisse Gaines

Nasirah Denisse Gaines​ is a yoga instructor and former middle school teacher in Atlanta, Georgia, USA. In this interview, she shares her yoga journey and motivation for practicing yoga.

"After a few months of practicing yoga consistently and listening to my body, my joint inflammation and pain ceased... I also found clarity and balance in the mental, emotional and spiritual aspects of my wellbeing.​"

What does yoga mean to you?

For me, yoga means self-care. It is where I tune into my SELF and understand that mind, body and spirit are one — individually and universally. It is the time that I set aside for myself. It is where my total being works together, for me, to be me.

​When did you first start practicing yoga and why?

Initially, I was introduced to yoga through my daughter's after-school program. She took classes in primary school. However, I did not begin to practice yoga until I started to experience joint pain. Doctors told me that I had some deterioration of cartilage in my knees and hips which could be the onset of osteoarthritis. This “diagnosis” forced me to look for an alternative method of exercise with less impact and stress on my body. Enters yoga. I knew that I could stay fit doing yoga without the “wear and tear” on my body and joints. After a few months of practicing yoga consistently and listening to my body, my joint inflammation and pain ceased. In addition to the physical benefits, I also found clarity and balance in the mental, emotional and spiritual aspects of my wellbeing.​

Were you ever resistant to learn yoga?

No, I was never resistant to yoga. Yoga has been practiced for centuries by millions of people, globally. What is there to resist? Sometimes, when we pre-judge and jump to conclusions (without research), we miss out on a good thing.

"Doctors told me that I had some deterioration of cartilage in my knees and hips which could be the onset of osteoarthritis. This “diagnosis” forced me to look for an alternative method of exercise with less impact and stress on my body. Enters yoga. I knew that I could stay fit doing yoga without the “wear and tear” on my body and joints."

How has yoga impacted your life?‍

Yoga stretches every part of me and keeps me flexible — literally and figuratively. It has made me calmer, more grounded and self-aware. On my mat, I can take my time with my thoughts and feelings, with each breath. This allows me to process them more clearly off my mat. Yoga has also introduced me to the importance of breathing and meditation, movement versus stillness.‍

Aaaaannndddd now, I’m transitioning this whole thing into a business and primary income. From practicing for myself to teaching throughout the Atlanta metro area to curating self-care yoga events!

"Yoga has been practiced for centuries by millions of people, globally. What is there to resist? Sometimes, when we pre-judge and jump to conclusions (without research), we miss out on a good thing."

Why should someone practice yoga?

I suggest practicing yoga as a means of self-care, as a self-investment. Yoga has so many benefits but it’s important that each individual find their own 'why'. You will only enjoy it and be consistent if you find your own reason to invest in yourself. Whether it be for the physical gains, mental, emotional, spiritual benefits. Yoga can be whatever you need it to be. That is why I became a yoga instructor.

What are your favourite asanas and why?

My most favourite asana is Virabhadrasana III (Warrior 3). I love this pose because it requires me to be grounded, strong, stretched, and balanced. When I am in Warrior 3, I have to find quiet and stillness.

I also enjoy half-moon, crow and side-crow for the same reasons.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

If you are new to yoga, find an instructor and a style that you like and see what happens. It may change your life :)

Nasirah's yoga journey teaches us that when sports and athletics cause injury and seemingly irreparable damage to the body, yoga offers us a solution not only for staying fit but also healing inflammation, relieving pain, and achieving mental clarity and balance. Namaste!