Society of Kemetic Yoga: Why S.K.Y?

[Yirser Ra Hotep]

The Society of Kemetic Yoga is working hard to create awareness of the unique and powerful health and wellness benefits of Yoga. Our goal is to make Yoga relevant to as many as possible by presenting it scientifically, without false mysticism and within a cultural context that anyone can relate to regardless of their religion or spiritual beliefs. In fact Yoga is not a religion. It is a science of self development that was created in various of regions of the world including Africa as a means of bringing out a person's ability to reach their higher potential. In the 1970's Kemetic Yoga was first re-discovered and developed in Chicago by those of us studying under Dr. Asar Ha-pi. We saw a need to remove Yoga from the cultural, spiritual and religious contexts being imposed upon it by adherents of the Hindu religion in India. Many people were not able to embrace Yoga practice because they saw it as foriegn due to the use of Indian language terminology and other cultural practices that had nothing to do with the original intent of Yoga. Black people in India developed and practiced Yoga long before the religion and culture of Hinduism was imposed upon them by people called Aryans. Africans not only in Kemet (ancient Egypt) but all over Africa engaged in practices and spiritual culture that we can now relate to Yogic science. The concept of Breath as life force, meditation, movement and energy flow, spiritual transcendence, the ability to heal from within, control of mind and body, the division of the human into various aspects such as physical, mental, soul, spirt, energy, etc. are all concept present in African thought from the earliest of times and indeed are found throughout the world in original Black lands of Asia and the western hemisphere.

Today the Society of Kemetic Yoga has certified over 100 instructors across the US, the Carribean and Africa. We see the need to have people become certified as instructors because of the crisis that confronts our communities in health and wellness. We need trained, qualified and expert instructors in the community centers, local schools, social service agencies, churches, prisons and jails and not just in the health clubs high end Yoga studios.

Our communities are in crisis that is bought about by stress related illness, ignorance of correct life style choices and lack of access to holistically based health resources. Kemetic Yoga and YogaSkills are uniquely positioned to play a powerful role in the resolution of this health crisis because of the power to relieve stress and improve the functioning of the entire body, mind, energy complex.

Scientifically Kemetic Yoga and the YogaSkills Method are designed to activate the parasympathetic aspect of the autonomic nervous system. This system stimulates your body's internal ability to heal itself and restore homeostasis. There is nothing more powerful within the human complex than this internal system of healing. When we begin to really practice Yoga we alter our old patterns of thinking and behaving. We lose desire to consume unhealthy substances, drink and foods. We remove patterns of stress, anxiety, anger and inadequacy that move us to engage in self-destructive behaviors. The movements and postures tone, strengthen and cleanse the organs and all internal systems of the body. They improve blood circulation, stimulate digestion, improve elimination, lower blood pressure and increase flexibility. Kemetic Yoga movements and the YogaSkills Method are designed to move the internal life force through the energy channels of the body. They remove blockages from these energy channels and help to balance, energize and cleanse the energy centers called Chakras.

The real science of our Kemetic Yoga and the YogaSkills Method goes far beyond simply engaging in philosophical discussion of "ancient Egyptian spirituality" or performing obscure rituals. The most important thing is to learn the techniques of inner transformation in a manner that is scientific and based upon a precise understanding of the body, mind, energy complex. Reply to Your Post
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[Maurice]

Your post resonated with me. I agree that the practice has been obscured by people who profit from the mystery. Not that I have anything against profit mind you. But, untill I discovered a black (African/African American) perspective on the subject I was not as interested. I'm glad I've discoverd S.K.Y.

[Yirser Ra Hotep]

Yes, there is no reason why you can't bring your daughter and your husband.

[Chassidy]

Are the facilites for the teacher training suitable for a small child? My daughter will be 2 around that time and she and my husband may travel with me.

[Chassidy]

I appreciate the quick response with the details. My husband works everyday (literally) while I take care of the home and our daughter. Right now it all depends on wether my husband can incorporate this into our budget. I'm staying positive. Im excited because if all goes well I will be certified on the day that I gave birth to my daughter, March 10th :-) I happened to get a little extra cash today so I purchased your 3 set DVD. I figured it would be a good way to start prepping. Bikram's Hot Yoga is about the only yoga I've done( also did lots of prenatal yoga when I was pregnant) but after I had my daughter I slacked off considerably. My intentions for learning Kemetic Yoga and being certified.....first and foremost.....is to Master Myself in some of the areas you've mentioned in the second paragraph from the bottom. Second, I would like to be self employed. Third, I would much rather teach our people through a practice with a history they can relate to. They wont have to feel out of place or like a visitor when they come to class. I have a natural passion for wholistic health and living and my ultimate goal is to create a Seneb Center within my community. It seems like I always have to wait until there is some kind of cultural or health festival in order to be surrounded by like minded (black)people. Ok, I better finish making dinner and stop rambling :-) Until next time.

Love and Light

[Yirser Ra Hotep]

Thank for taking out the time to read this. I would like to know some of your thoughts in more detail. The Kemetic Yoga teacher training will take place in Montego Bay Jamaica for 7 days. We will engage in practice of movments, postures, breathing and meditation; teaching techniques, the philosophy and science of Kemetic Yoga, stress management, nutrition, anatomy and physiology and how to market and run your business. The cost is $1,500.00. It include everything except for airfare to Jamaica. The dates are March 3 to 10, 2010.

[Chassidy]

Thank you for breaking this down. Just earlier today the thought had crossed my mind to get certified and open a studio for the people in my community. Then you sent me the info on teacher training and certification and I also happened to read this blog. No coincidence.

[nadia pillay]

Well said Yirser,

Thank you.