observant, ambitious, a vibe lol
Where are you from?
I’m from Baltimore, MD, but I am currently living in Atlanta, GA.
What is yoga to you?
Yoga is spaciousness for self-inquiry.
How did you feel after your first yoga class and how do you feel this influences or impacts the space you create for your students?
I honestly did not feel welcomed in my first yoga class. I felt “othered”. It makes me so much more
intentional about how I facilitate and how I hold space for people who take my classes.
Who were you before you started practicing and how have you changed, evolved, and transformed?
I don’t think I was anyone different. For me yoga has allowed me to shine brighter in who I am, dissolving some societal and cultural blockages.
Why did you decide to start teaching yoga and what qualities do you feel are important to
build and work on as a yoga teacher?
I decided to lean into teaching yoga (focusing more on stillness practices like meditation, Yoga Nidra, sound healing) as a means for personal exploration for others. For me, I like to create those opportunities for folks to listen deeply to themselves and inquire deeply about beliefs, power, and authenticity.
What has been your biggest struggle and your biggest milestone in the practice, in teaching
and within the yoga community?
My biggest struggle is not letting the superficial side of the practice that is sometimes promoted dampen my own practice and perspective on the work. I think my biggest milestone has just been the ability to connect with larger platforms, to share practices from a unique perspective. For me, representation is important.
What has been the most inspirational moment you’ve experienced as a yoga student?
As a student – just sticking with the practice past some of the microagressions I experienced.
What has been the most inspirational moment you’ve experienced as a yoga teacher?
Inspiring my students at Morehouse College (I teach full-time) to get involved in meditation and yoga.
Why do you practice?
I practice being in alignment with Self. For me, practice is practical, spiritual, and developmental.
Why do you teach?
Representation matters. I teach so people that look like me know that these practices are for them and
beneficial to them.
What is the single most defining issue facing the global yoga community today?
Authentic safe spaces. I think oftentimes, people promote studios and offerings as inclusive and equitable. As someone that is explorative to studios and practices, I know that it isn’t always to case. It is harmful, traumatizing, and damaging to BIPOC and LGBTQ+ plus communities. I know this as a Black, gay man.
Do you have any recommended yoga reading?
My Grandmother’s Hands by Resmaa Menakem
Comfortable with Uncertainty: 108 Teachings on Cultivating Fearlessness and Compassion by Pema Chödrön
Through your own personal journey, what do you feel is your path and offering to the
community- local and global?
Residing at the intersection of leadership and mindfulness, my work, whether yoga or otherwise, creates sacred spaces for self-inquiry and personal discovery.
What advice would you give to someone who is just starting out on their yoga journey?
Approach the practice from a place of exploration.
What’s your Favorite Book?
Siddartha by Herman Hesse
What’s your favorite meal at a restaurant?
Pizza…. I am a happy camper with PIZZZZZZA! lol
What’s your favorite meal to make at home?
ummm…. still pizza… I am not above making it at home lol
What do you like to do for fun that’s non-yoga related?
I am a gamer, through and through!
Who is your greatest inspiration?
Kid Cudi
Do you have a favorite podcast?
The Gary Vee Experience
If you were stranded on an island what 3 things would you bring with you?
My dog, iPad, and a singing bowl lol
When you were a child what did you want to be when you grew up?
a paleontologist
What’s your favorite movie?
Jurassic Park (see: what I wanted be when I grew up) lol
What’s your favorite TV series?
The Office
Do you have a favorite band/singer?
Kid Cudi and Daft Punk
Favorite song to dance to?
Oasis – Wonderwall
What’s your favorite quote/affirmation/mantra?
“Such as I am, I am a precious gift.” – Zora Neale Hurston
What is your life’s biggest question?
What is legacy?
Mindfulness has been an integral part of Shawn J. Moore’s life. In 2019, he decided to take his refuge vow (a formal commitment to the Buddhist Path) in the Shambhala lineage. He is a Registered Yoga Teacher (RYT-200), sound practitioner, meditation teacher, Yoga Nidra Teacher, reiki practitioner, and Gallup-Certified Strengths Coach, with trainings in Mindful Communication and Brand Identity.
Take classes taught by Shawn J. Moore on Omstars.
