Think Flow Grow

Code-Switching and Cultural Appropriation, a conversation with Las Brujas Ch*ngonas

In this wine-drenched episode 18, Tamika discusses cultural appropriation and code-switching with co-hosts — la brujas chingonas — fellow yogis trying living with today’s issues and implications while attempting to respond in less reactionary ways. They discuss the difference between cultural appreciation and appropriation, the of the N word as an attempt to re-appropriate it, code-switching as a method of connection with those with a common understanding, and the importance of resolving issues within one’s shadow to choose responses in situations that often challenge minority communities. Thoughtful, funny, and compelling, check out the conversations that happen within communities of color when people are comfortable with one another.

Chef Sandra Medrano may be found on IG: @wordsofayogi and FB: Bites of a Yogi.

Artist Lenie Caston-Miller may be found on IG: @leniecm and www.leniecastonmiller.com

Have comments? Send them to tamika@asheyoga.com

Follow @thinkflowgrowpodcast and Tamika @diva_transcending on Instagram, and Ashé Yoga on FB.

Beyond “Nice”: Surviving the Holidays LGBTQ+ and Political Divide Edition

In episode 17, Tamika discusses coexisting with family members with whom you don't agree during the holidays, separation and strife because of disagreements on politics and/or coming out as an LGBTQ person, creating an opportunity out of difficult conversations, how to know when to walk away from friends and family members, and how to recognize the people who are meant to be in your life. A lovingkindness meditation follows, beginning at 34:54.

Yoga, Religion and Spirituality -- Mutually Exclusive? A talk with Davina Davidson

In episode 16 recorded just before the US holiday season, Tamika and Davina Davidson discuss yoga, religion, and spirituality. This is the first of many talks on religion that focuses on perceived religiosity, the answer to the question: "Can you be a Christian and a yogi?" the dichotomy of people worshipping brown gurus abroad yet being racist against people of color at home, and, of course, a wee bit of history on religion and its changing roles over time. A breath awareness meditation on unity follows, beginning at 44:58.

Answering the Ancestral Call to Purpose

Episode 15: In this episode recorded on Halloween, Tamika discusses tapping into the concept of dressing up for a vision, as well as the lifted veil between the ancestors and ourselves during this time. Listen to gain insight on how to create a vision, find and voice your purpose, and step into the highest version of yourself. A visioning meditation begins at 39:01.

Body Positivity, Colorism, Santosha

Episode 14: In this episode, Tamika discusses the body positivity movement, her own relationship with her body, and how the movement is missing a crucial part of the picture — colorism. She gives a history on the changing views of what was traditionally accepted, including an overview of how colorism was seeded into American culture, and discusses how santosha — contentment — is a yogic approach of acceptance of self, which is different from desiring to enlighten. A meditation on healing follows.

On Tribes, Trials, and Manifestations

In real and raw episode 13, Tamika reveals her personal story of overcoming adversity, discusses manifesting a life of design amidst trials and tribulations, and describes how the path is always being laid whether or not you realize it. She also discusses the importance of finding and maintaining a good set of friends and support system. A visioning, solar plexus chakra meditation follows beginning at 51:06.

Consent, Human Touch and Asteya

Episode 12: In this episode, Tamika discusses the issue of consent and human touch--a response to the idea that no one can be touched appropriately when in a student-teacher or authority-mentor situation; #metoo and men; and how this relates to the concept of asteya--non-stealing. Following the reflection is a sacral chakra mediation on abundance and adequacy.

On Being Wild, Rooted, and Real

Episode 11: In this episode, Tamika shares her thoughts after having spent time in the mountains. She discusses how we are wild by nature and don masks because of conditioning. She reads from the book “Women Who Run with the Wolves” at the beginning of this episode and ends with an Ancestral Root Chakra & Grounding Meditation.

Special Edition: Friends on Friends on Friends

In this wine drenched and chocolate laden 2 hour special edition of Think Flow Grow, Tamika invites some of her friends, the Brujas, to chat about friendship in general, how to be a good friend during rough times, gaslighting, and what happens when you're evolving but your friends aren't. This is one to put on play and listen to all day long with a glass of wine or sparkling lemonade. Listen or share with friends, discuss, and message me to tell me your thoughts. With whom do you resonate? Guests include Joie: IG @miss_caston from "Challenge the Norm" on Afrovibes Radio, Sandra IG @wordsofayogi, Katy IG @casadorakitzuneyoga, and Jackie IG daydream.flow.

Saucha, Kondo, and Creating Space for Joy

Episode 9: How do you go beyond the platitude of "letting go" to actually creating space for joy in your life? What happens when we hold onto situations and people beyond their expiration date in our lives? In this episode, I discuss the process of cleansing your life — the yogic concept of saucha — and clearing space for good, affirming relationships with others, jobs, and yourself to move beyond ways in which we suffer and to open the door to true joy. A throat & heart chakra meditation follows (min. 37)