LGBTQ Affirming Biweekly Yoga Series Launches Sa. June 22nd 12-1 pm

Join us June 22nd 12-1 pm for the launch of a biweekly LGBTQ Affirming Yoga Series facilitated by Yoga Instructor, Diona Akens, at Guilford Green Foundation & LGBTQ Center located at 121 N. Greene St. GSO, NC 27401. Diona Akens, RYT, CMT is a certified yoga and meditation teacher, registered through Yoga Alliance. She received her 200hr certification in Power Vinyasa from Yoga Habit and 40hr Trauma-Informed certification from My Vinyasa Practice in 2022, and her 100hr Meditation Teacher certification in 2024. Before diving full time into the wellness industry Diona spent years as a frontline fundraiser, and now blends her love of service and community engagement with her passion for sharing the practice of yoga. She is currently on the board of Karma Yoga Circle and teaches at Embodhi Yoga Studio in Downtown Greensboro. As a Black Queer Woman, Diona aims to provide a safe and inclusive space for folx to explore mind, body, and spiritual healing through trauma-informed movement, meditation, self-inquiry, and connection to community. She is dedicated to providing accessible yoga, meditation, & spiritual wellness services, particularly to those in the LGBTQ+ & BIPOC communities, to share mindfulness with those who have historically experienced marginalization and erasure within the wellness space. The yoga series runs through September on the following dates: June 22nd, July 6th, July 20th, Aug. 3rd, Aug. 17th, Aug. 31st, Sept. 14th, and Sept. 28th 12-1 pm. Diona's Yoga Practice combines elements of both Baptiste Power Vinyasa and trauma-informed restorative yoga. The three roots of this class are movement, meditation, and self-study, with some key methodical differences to a typical Baptiste practice. No external heat will be used as a traditional Baptiste class is heated to 90-100 degrees. However, the first part of the sequence is designed to build heat (tapas) from within for a slower flow w/ more modifications and a trauma-informed and restorative approach. This series will deviate slightly from Baptiste sequence to incorporate more gentle, restorative poses. This class incorporates elements of a trauma-informed practice with the goal of creating a safe and inclusive environment for all through a flow that is sensitive to the different experiences of each student. In the first part of class, we’ll flow at a quick-ish pace to build heat, focusing on foundation, alignment, and breathwork. The backend of class will consist of more seated poses with a focus on stretching out the muscles we’ve just worked and grounding back into our bodies. Class will end with a five-minute savasana. While this is a movement-heavy practice, Diona provides a range of modifications suitable for all levels beginner to advanced, as well as a level of physical ability. Participants are asked to return a signed waiver and bring a yoga mat, towel, and water. Optional items to bring are a block, bolster, or strap to support your practice.