What does "Yaa" mean?

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Greetings Community! My name is Dr. Brittney Cofield-PooIe, I am a certified yoga teacher (RYT 200), a rest advocate, and a community generator. In 2011, during a life-affirming trip to Ghana, West Africa, I learned about the rich tradition linked to the Akan tribe of naming children based on the day of their birth. I was born on Thursday which meant that "Yaa" was the name connected to my life journey. Through more research, I found a much deeper meaning of "Yaa": confident, persistent, intelligent, and optimistic. These are also the defining characteristics of what I want to reaffirm within YOU. 

 

How does it connect to yoga?

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Together, let's be persistent in our mission to dispel the myth that access to positive well-being is only for the "enlightened". Through our yoga practice, we will not only build physical strength but also our confidence in the power to transform self-doubt. As our collective consciousness grows, so will our intelligent efforts toward a movement of restorative and inclusive wellness. In this journey, optimism will serve as our guide while we grow in community.

 

Where will it take us?

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My ultimate goal is to cultivate experiences where anyone can enjoy and explore movement regardless of their ability. I understand firsthand how it feels to not "belong" within certain spaces; which means I want you, my clients, to always feel that this practice is accessible. I want to help redefine what it means to be “good” at yoga and reinforce the importance of being kind to our bodies. Yoga teachers are given a unique opportunity to impact others in such an intimate way. Therefore, I hope to inspire you to find self-acceptance beyond the mat and embrace rest as resistance!

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-Dr. BMCP