

There’s nothing like keeping your body in movement while reducing stress, strengthening your full body, and cultivating a new level of mindfulness. While you might think you have to find five different exercises to experience all of these benefits, yoga is a practice that can provide these and more.
Yoga is a holistic practice that combines physical postures, breathing exercises, and meditation, to promote overall well-being through movement. There are countless benefits to practicing yoga that extend to the physical, mental, and spiritual aspects of our health and well-being such as improved flexibility, strength, and mental clarity. While some may think of yoga as a one-size-fits-all practice, one might be surprised to learn that there are different forms of yoga that can meet your needs.
Through a range of positions and postures, breathwork, and the utilization of blocks and props, there’s a style of yoga that’s sure to suit your specific needs and goals, and today we’re here to guide you to the one that’s just right for you.
Hatha Yoga:
Hatha yoga is a traditional form of physical yoga practice that focuses on harmonizing the body and mind through various postures (asanas), breath control (pranayama), and meditation techniques. The term "hatha" is derived from two Sanskrit words: "ha," which means sun, and "tha," which means moon. It symbolizes the balance and integration of opposing forces within oneself.
Hatha yoga aims to create a state of balance and unity between the physical body, energy channels (nadis), and the mind. It involves holding asanas (postures) to improve strength, flexibility, and balance while promoting the flow of energy throughout the body. These postures are often combined with conscious breathing techniques to deepen the experience and help calm the mind.
You should try this if:
You’re a beginner looking to create balance between strength and flexibility and understand the fundamentals of yoga.
Vinyasa Yoga:
Vinyasa yoga is a popular style of yoga that emphasizes the synchronization of breath with movement. The term "vinyasa" refers to “a flow” and in Vinyasa yoga, practitioners flow through a series of poses in a smooth, continuous manner, connecting each movement with a breath.
Unlike some other styles of yoga that have a fixed sequence of poses, Vinyasa yoga offers more flexibility and creativity in structuring a class.
While there are foundational poses and sequences that are commonly used, Vinyasa classes often vary in terms of the specific poses, pace, and sequences employed by different teachers.
You should try this if:
You like a more dynamic style of movement that will result in increased strength, stamina, toning, and endurance.
Ashtanga Yoga:
Ashtanga yoga is a dynamic and physically demanding style of yoga that refers to the “eight limbs" in Sanskrit. This style is made up of a specific sequence of postures (asanas) that are practiced in sequential order. This sequence is designed to purify and strengthen the body, improve flexibility, and cultivate mental focus and discipline.
You should try this if:
You’re looking for a challenge as it is physically demanding and recommended for more advanced individuals in the practice.
Hot Yoga:
Hot yoga consists of a series of 26 postures practiced in a heated room. The high temperature helps to warm and stretch muscles, enhance flexibility, and promote detoxification. The sequence of postures is designed to provide a full-body workout and improve strength while building endurance and mental clarity.
You should try this if:
You’re looking to turn up the heat on your yoga practice, relax, and give your body a good detox.
Yin Yoga:
Yin yoga is a gentle, slow-paced practice that targets connective tissues, joints, and deep fascial networks in the body. It is a meditative practice that focuses on holding poses for an extended period aiming to improve flexibility, increase circulation, and cultivate relaxation.
You should try this if:
You’re looking for a calming yoga experience. This style is perfect for beginners who are looking to cultivate mindfulness and inner stillness.
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Aley Arion is a writer and digital storyteller from the South, currently living in sunny Los Angeles. Her site, yagirlaley.com, serves as a digital diary to document personal essays, cultural commentary, and her insights into the Black Millennial experience. Follow her at @yagirlaley on all platforms!
'He Said, She Said': Love Stories Put To The Test At A Weekend For Love
At the A Weekend For Love retreat, we sat down with four couples to explore their love stories in a playful but revealing way with #HeSaidSheSaid. From first encounters to life-changing moments, we tested their memories to see if their versions of events aligned—because, as they say, every story has three sides: his, hers, and the truth.
Do these couples remember their love stories the same way? Press play to find out.
Episode 1: Indira & Desmond – Love Across the Miles
They say distance makes the heart grow fonder, but for Indira & Desmond, love made it stronger. Every mile apart deepened their bond, reinforcing the unshakable foundation of their relationship. From their first "I love you" to the moment they knew they had found home in each other, their journey is a beautiful testament to the endurance of true love.
Episode 2: Jay & Tia – A Love Story Straight Out of a Rom-Com
If Hollywood is looking for its next Black love story, they need to take notes from Jay & Tia. Their journey—from an awkward first date to navigating careers, parenthood, and personal growth—proves that love is not just about romance but also resilience. Their story is full of laughter, challenges, and, most importantly, a love that stands the test of time.
Episode 3: Larencia & Mykel – Through the Highs and Lows
A date night with police helicopters overhead? Now that’s a story! Larencia & Mykel have faced unexpected surprises, major life changes, and 14 years of choosing each other every single day. But after all this time, do they actually remember things the same way? Their episode is sure to bring some eye-opening revelations and a lot of laughs.
Episode 4: Soy & Osei – A Love Aligned in Purpose
From a chance meeting at the front door to 15 years of unwavering love, faith, and growth, Soy & Osei prove that when two souls are aligned in love and purpose, nothing can shake their foundation. Their journey is a powerful reminder that true love is built on mutual support, shared values, and a deep connection that only strengthens with time.
Each of these couples has a unique and inspiring story to tell, but do their memories match up? Watch #HeSaidSheSaid to find out!
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There’s caviar, and then there’s Black-owned caviar. With the recent explosion of #CaviarTikTok, this luxury delicacy seems to be everywhere these days. I can’t scroll through my feed without seeing our favorite celebs and influencers diving headfirst into extravagant caviar spreads.
From Rihanna pairing her caviar with chicken nuggets (I wonder if our Fenty queen shares with RZA and Riot Rose or if this is just for mama) to Bethenny Frankel educating us on caviar with her series "Caviar University," there’s just no escaping it.
And let’s not forget the elite king himself, DeAndre Brown, indulging in fried chicken and caviar! From videos with caviar-topped burgers, potato latkes, deviled eggs, and pasta dishes—folks are topping everything with caviar. Yet, I had not come across any Black-owned caviar brands until I discovered Caviar Dream.
My Introduction Into Caviar
I started off eating caviar in undergrad on top of sushi, exploring with a variety of roe and tobiko but as an adult, I knew I was ready to try something a little more refined. The first time I fell in love with caviar was in grad school at a southern Italian restaurant in Flatiron.
I tried an appetizer that featured caviar on bruschetta, served with thick garlic bread and burrata cheese, and from that moment, I was hooked. That has become my favorite way to enjoy caviar next to this filet mignon crostini appetizer that I served recently at a dinner party.
Everything You Need To Know About Caviar Dream
Caviar Dream
Courtesy of Yasmine Jameelah
Caviar Dream is the first nationally distributed Black- and woman-owned caviar business, redefining how people experience caviar. Founded by Kendra Anderson, a Chicago-based chef and sommelier, the company’s mission is to make caviar more accessible and inclusive, breaking down barriers and demystifying this delicacy.
What Caviar I Tried
Caviar Dream Kaluga Hybrid ($105-$420 depending on the ounce)
How I Experienced The Caviar:
For this review, I opted for a more traditional approach by pairing Caviar Dream's Kaluga Hybrid with crème fraîche, blinis, and my favorite Black-owned champagne, Le KOOL Champagne by Robert Kool Bell.
My Caviar Dream spread
Courtesy of Yasmine Jameelah
My Honest Review:
I do not say this lightly - this was by far the best caviar I’ve ever had in my life. It was buttery, had no aftertaste, and truly felt as luxurious as it looked.
Prior to this, my favorite caviar was Imperial Caviar. I’ve tried many brands, from well-known to affordable, while recreating my favorite decadent appetizers at home or enjoying caviar bumps at parties with my friends and they were my favorite until now.
Caviar Dream boasts that chefs are obsessed with this versatile hybrid, which tastes more expensive than it actually is—and they were right. This buttery caviar would pair well with any recipe, especially if you’re looking to impress someone or even treat yourself.
As a Black woman, a business owner, and someone who understands that an extension of financial wellness is circulating our dollars, I recognize the importance of incorporating Black-owned businesses throughout every aspect of my life. From my skincare to my favorite sustainable wine, my bank, and even indulgent experiences like caviar, it matters.
As we celebrate culinary innovation and expand our palates, let’s also take the extra step to support Black-owned businesses while doing it. So the next time you’re tempted by the allure of caviar, order from Caviar Dream—it just might become your new favorite.
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