INjoy!

Open Your Heart

2021-01-15T08:34:00.001-05:00

Camel - Ustrasana

I am opening my heart to new possibilities.
Join me!

Wed 1/13 2p

Sat 1/16 12p

Registration required for the classes above.
linktr.ee/dionnecmonsanto

I love that both of these dates below are MLK Jr. dates! His actual birthday January 15th and the national holiday celebrated on the Monday after his birthday.

Lyons Den Digital has a 2-week free trial. Go sign up and experience the plethora of classes and meditations on the platform. All of them are curated with love.

**Fri 1/15 12p 45-min flow with beats @lyonsdendigital
**Mon 1/18 10a 60-mon flow with beats @lyonsdendigital

📸: @chipklosecreative

#camel #ustrasana #joyousocean #INjoy

Art and Accountability

2021-01-13T13:48:00.009-05:00

The Spear of Accountability; A conversation about healing through Art

Being black in America is its own level of trauma. Every trauma is collectively added to the existing trauma. When there is a senseless murder, we barely have the space to grieve before there are other assaults on our existence in addition to the “normal” often daily micro aggressions.

My son expressed himself through art. We all saw and felt his pain with this piece, Alfredo aka My Execution Might Be Televised. It is a stark harsh painful reality.

Alfredo

And then there was a shift…

The next piece I called, The Spear of Accountability.

That piece was larger than life and colorful. As a mom I see various iterations of him. Both black men have big hair. But in this time of the Rona the mask/face covering can make a statement. This piece said MY COLOR IS NOT A CRIME on the mask. I watched this piece grow. In the first draft the man was holding a placard and it said HOW MANY IS ENOUGH. His hands were big the colors he chose for the kimono the man was wearing were bold. I love the mix of culture that is my son. I could see his love of Japanese culture and how well he states his truth via art. He is often silent and is constantly in a state of astute observation and study. Since birth he has been a silent observer.

I knew he did not like the placard. People came through all day. I was there twice. My mother and niece joined me the 2nd time. We observed how the myriad of artists bonded over paint brushes and colors. I watched each of them shed some pain as each piece grew or progressed. I celebrated watching him/them being interviewed. The overall feeling of community, the people (often elders of all ethnicities) in the neighborhood stopping to watch and talk.

There was deep connection and gratitude. It was healing for all involved.

But the placard…. It remained a chalk outline while the rest of the piece seemed complete. I knew he was not happy with it. It did not say what HE needed it to say. He sketched. She showed me. I silently observed that IT (the mural) therefore HE was not complete… And then... he got rid of the placard and made it a spear! AND etched into the blade was ACCOUNTABILTY.

I was literally in tears once I read that word. It sums up the whole damn situation. Who is accountable? Why aren’t killers accountable? #dropsmic #period

Sule had moved from accepting a stark reality to standing in his power. He went from...

My execution might be televised (is a song lyric from a Freddie Gibbs song) TO
My color is not a crime TO
How many is enough TO
The spear of accountability

The story did not end there. There were some interactions that ended with a few selected pieces being censored, edited, painted over, vandalized, and/or outright STOLEN.

The spear of accountability was one of the pieces that was mostly painted over. I was beyond incensed and ready to start war. Don’t mess with my children!!! Fortunately, I have an amazing village of people to let me scream, holler, cry and plan.

Fast forward. Sule has found his tribe of artists (Soho Renaissance Factory). Some artists attempted to repaint The Spear of Accountability. Sule painted over their attempt at restoration, put a place holder calling on people NOT to censor artists. He/they then started negotiations with people on next steps, products, art show, commissioned art…

Using our respective villages, we get the support and resources to move forward powerfully. Full circle is our healing, whether we heal alone or in community.

He ultimately painted it AGAIN even better! He was not completely pleased with the end of the original piece and he gave himself permission to do it again. He did such a good job The Spear of Accountability was stolen. YUP. He has since renamed it THE LOST SAMARAI because of that. Oh humanity. Do better.

The lotus flower emerges in full bloom from MUD. And still he rises. He had not painted in YEARS. At the time of this post he has more works of art around NYC than I can count and the original piece Alfredo is on exhibit at the National Art Club. He has done more pieces than I can count now. NY1, NPR, NYTimes, Verge, so much has come from his pain and our collective desire to heal. He has several pieces in a book as well. I got my autographed copy from his as a gift. I am proud of him and all of these artists.

Well ain’t that a lesson!

WE claim our power.

WE write OR draw our story.

What is your process? How are you accountable?

#blacklivesmatter

Let’s talk.

INjoy,

dionne

What classes will you take this week?

2020-10-05T02:23:00.002-04:00

What classes will you take this week?

Now that seems like a simple question, but it requires forethought and planning. Those two things can be often a challenge for people. And if they are not a challenge for you, the challenge might be prioritizing time for yourself. Do you plan? Do you prioritize yourself? Why? Why not?

It is such a pleasure to guide your practice. Pick a class or two and let's transform and grow together. 

Registration required!
linktr.ee/dionnecmonsanto

#practice #meditate #yoga #INjoy

I SEE YOU!

2020-09-28T01:40:00.000-04:00

I see you! Most of us want to be seen or heard at some level. It does not have to be in the public eye, but more like understood.

I see you! Like your heart and your intentions being seen, felt and understood.

I see you!

Come play yoga! Why not? No experience necessary. Just a willing heart and some time. You are worth it! Mon 11:30a Wed 8p Thurs & Sat 12p Registration required! linktr.ee/dionnecmonsanto Live Life #INjoy

Ready? Set? Go!

2020-09-22T12:34:00.003-04:00

Oh happy day! I'm going into this week READY! How about you?

I had a great weekend! It was not great because everything was good. It was great because I had the love and support of my tribe. #ilovemyvillage

5 yoga classes
1 speaking event

I hope to see you soon! 
Click the linktr.ee/dionnecmonsanto to register!

Live Life #INjoy

Play is a Necessity!

2020-09-14T00:45:00.002-04:00

"Play is NOT a luxury. Play is a necessity." -Kay Redfield Jamison

Let's play yoga!

linktr.ee/dionnecmonsanto

#yin #nidra wed 8p ET

#bikramyoga mon 11:30a, wed 2p, thurs & sat 12p, fri 6p with MUSIC!

Flexibility

2020-09-07T00:32:00.004-04:00

Freedom and happiness are found in the flexibility and ease with which we move through change. -Buddha

Life is good, but life is in a constant state of flux. I do NOT like this all of the time, but I am learning to accept it. As I find acceptance, I can lean into the quote above.

We keep bending over backwards and the world goes... Good job... Now take this! BAM! Adjust more. So let's lean with it, rock with it, roll with it. Let's be here for each other, online and offline. Click link to register in advance for classes.

INjoy,

dionne

Smell the Flowers

2020-08-30T20:53:00.003-04:00

🌷 We need you Make time for yourself Let's heal together One breathe at a time One class at a time

Each and every day, I take time to "smell the flowers." I say this to you as I remind myself. Sometimes my yoga is off the mat. Tomorrow is NOT promised.

I am because you are.

Let's do better and be better together.

#smelltheflowers #INjoy Registration required linktr.ee/dionnecmonsanto #yin #nidra #yogaheals #bikramyoga #meditation

Be a YES! I see YOU.

2020-08-18T14:43:00.002-04:00

💛 Sometimes showing up is the most difficult thing to do. Pick a class and show up for yourself. Registration required! Click the picture! #bikramyoga Mon 11:30a Tues/Fri/Sat 6p Thurs 12p Wed 2p #yin #nidra Wed 8p Let's do better and be better together. #yogaheals #yogaathome #yogaanywhere #INjoy

Flipped the Script!

2020-08-09T23:21:00.006-04:00

I switched it up a bit! Literally flipped the script!

More class options

More class times

REGISTRATION REQUIRED!

6 #bikramyoga classes

Mon & Wed 11:30a

Tues & Fri 6p

Thurs & Sat 12p

1 #yin #nidra class

Wed 8p

All classes in EDT #NYC time

#yogaeverydamnday #beoyourmat

#yogaheals #yogaeverywhere #INjoy

📸 @1982creativestudios

What are YOU reaching for?

2020-08-02T17:19:00.005-04:00

August is here!

New weekly schedule!

What are you reaching for? How can I support you? I'm reaching for a better me and inviting you to be a better you.

Let's work together!

Let's play this game called Life!

📸: Amanda Kimble

#bikramyoga #yogaheals #yogathome

Contact me!

Join Class!

No reservations required.

Please join class at least 15 minutes early.

Talk Saves Lives; An Introduction to Suicide Prevention

2020-07-30T00:13:00.001-04:00

You can still register for this event tomorrow! It is a collaboration between the 3 organizaitons. You can follow them on Twitter

@afspnyc

@nypl

@mentalhealthNYC

7/30: tslnyc730.attendease.com #talksaveslives #BIPOCMentalHealthMonth #BIPOCmhm #MinorityMentalHealthMonth #MMHM #siwelives

A Journey to Being Me, the Chief Joy Connector

2020-07-20T10:34:00.006-04:00

Moving, living, LOVING. Loving so boldly, so loudly, so unapologetically ME, that it only makes sense that my love of learning has brought me to this space of being myself. Fully living out loud and sharing my gifts with YOU and the world.

As I reflect on who I am today and the many hats I wear and how I have become an expert, it's been interesting to say the least. So many births, deaths, places, countries on this journey. Different states of mind, different states in the USA. Tears of joy, physical pain and/or sadness. Marriages, divorces, dates, lovers, endings, beginnings. A lifelong battle with weight management (size 4 - 2x at 5”0” tall) has led me to a deep respect and understanding of my emotional body. A lifelong journey of connecting to people that I love, speaking for the underdogs, and “being” a stand for love and possibility in spaces where love did not live and hope was unseen. This journey has been falling down and getting up and healing bruises and making salves to heal my insides and my outsides. Going to school to get my papers; BS in Accounting, Living Food Lifestyle, coaching, multiple yoga teacher training certificates, CPR, mental health first aid, etc. Getting good grades and failing! Getting back up again over and over to master recovery from the school of hard knocks, life experience. Healing myself, loving myself at every size and letting go, letting go, letting go to build. Licking my wounds and showing up head to toe healing. Deeply infused with essential oils, love, coconut oil, shea butter, and baobab oil.

I AM ME

dionne

Joy is my blessing

Joy is my birthright

Joy is my weapon

I am living my life INjoy

INjoy is the adverb that modifies my life

My purpose is to proudly connect you to your joy, to your inner health, and your well-being - not just a size in life but a way of being that connects you to yourself and creates a life filled with abundance. My best choreography is the way I live my life and how I move in the world. I create and inspire joy whether I'm teaching yoga, delivering a speech, or educating someone on suicide prevention and mental health advocacy. I am an expert at turning pain into power. #siwelives

I am my business, my brand, my creation…

I am the Chief Joy Connector.

Let’s choreograph your life, your body, your way of being!

Let’s Play!

9 Years Later #siwelives

2020-06-28T01:08:00.010-04:00

Healing is subtle. There is constant unending pain for the first year or so. It lessens so gradually that you do not notice it. Anniversaries (birthday and death-day) have been interesting to say the least. I prepare for them. I believe that #successrequiresplanning. And by success, I mean I do not drown in tears on June 29th.

Siwe Monsanto 3/8/1996 - 6/29/2011

2020 has been such an unexpected growth year. I was so busy sheltering-in-place in Kenya that it seems like I forgot to feel the pain of her loss. I was almost halfway through June before I realized the 9th anniversary of her death by suicide was coming. In a 2013 post, I shared how June 29th was my personal 9/11. Now, 9 years after her death, grief is different.

As a gift to you, I leave you this beautiful picture of my daughter, Siwe. I will highlight the quote and give you ways to show up for yourself and others. The filter on the picture says:

Smile. You never know who's falling in love with it.

I love that concept. My smile, your smile, a smile is a gift. I give mine freely unless it is so deep inside I cannot bring it out.

Below are some ways to show up for yourself and others:

15 acts of kindness
15 minutes of meditation and/or prayer
15 minutes of walking and/or being in nature
$15 donated to a charity
15 minutes of mirror work
15 calls/letters for justice #blacklivesmatter

15 minutes of phone calls to verbally tell people you care about them

She lived for 15 years

Give 15 for Siwe on Monday, June 29th, 2020

Thank you for reading this. Thank you for being you. Please tell me what you chose to do, if anything. I heal when I hear from you. Please and thank you.

INjoy,

dionne

#siwelives

#loveNEVERdies

Balance, Beauty & Breath Virtual Retreat

2020-05-22T02:14:00.000-04:00

It is not too late to join us! We have been doing retreats for over a year now! This will be our first virtual retreat.

Click here to register and read the details!

Saturday 23 May

4:30pm - 6:30pm EAT #Kenya

9:30am - 11:30am EDT #NYC

Trust the process! Use discount code FRIEND!

INjoy,

dionne

#siwelives Dadasphere 8 - Endings and Beginnings

2020-05-16T02:07:00.003-04:00

Dionne on stage, May 2019

There are SO many thoughts that live in my head. So many stories to tell that I simply do not tell.

Just over 1 year ago, I participated in dadasphere 8, Endings and Beginnings. Telling my story, Siwe's story, made me dig deep. Ronald, our speech coach, called me out on my ish. He challenged me to FEEL. For those of you that do not know me I have been an on stage performer since I was 5 years old, almost 50 years. I say that to say, I can tell a story about a painful part of my life and not be present to the emotion of it. I put on a character in the way most put on clothes. It is a skill that serves me well. Ronald, saw through it, applauded me delivery and challenged me to tell it. I think I did it.

The video below might be triggering. But it is a much abbreviated story of a chapter in my life. #siwelives My road has not been easy, but I have learned a lot and I sincerely hope you learn from my life.

I am a good mother, a great on in fact... Let me know your thoughts. Email me, sign in and post a comment.

INjoy,

dionne

The Monsters I knew and the Scars They Left

2020-05-07T03:01:00.002-04:00

Gripping title huh? I did not come up with it. That is the creative genius that is Najda Khan.

I meet some amazing woman May 2019 in Kenya. One such woman was Najda Khan. I loved listening to her speak and I thought her life was a book I could devour. I was am an still in awe of her ability to stand in her power, love and create. She also saw value and healing in my story and decided to have me as her inaugural guest as he was launching The Big Fat Talk Show. I had so much to say and there are so may layers to my story, Siwe's story she make it 2 episodes. #siwelives You can click the links and watch the interviews: part 1 and part 2.

Najda Khan and Dionne Monsanto, May 2019

This interview launched a year ago so it is our anniversary, several anniversaries. Meeting Najda, visiting her in her home to film, meeting her as we prepared our stories for dadasphere 8 (Endings and Beginnings), and the anniversary of her launching The Big Fat Talk Show.

I have been thinking a lot about my story as a host of people suggest that I write a book. It has come up a lot in the past 10-15 years, I am not sure why I do not do it. I am a product of all of my stories just as you are. My stories make me a better teacher, public speaker, coach and mental health advocate. I am not ashamed of my story, I tell various chapters often.

Listen in. Let me know your thoughts.

INjoy,

dionne

Death is a Reminder for the Living to Live

2020-04-21T02:52:00.001-04:00

I have been blogging about death for many years, but it seems truly relevant on a global level now. In general, death seems to be the most misunderstood part of life. The gamut of emotions felt after someone's death are tremendous. (Please note the picture above detailing the 5 stages of grief.) While there are so many ways of processing death culturally, life in the time of the Rona has turned everything around. People are not able to process and gather in the ways they would otherwise.

The grief we are processing is not only the deaths of various people we have lost, but we are also grieving our lives as we knew them. Loss of jobs, loss of income, living in fear of touch, et cetera, et cetera, ad infinitum. While texting with a dear friend, she pointed out to me how she finds comfort in my words. She implored me to share them.

Here are my truths around death that comfort me. I have written some version of this in more sympathy cards, and Facebook messages/walls than I can recall over the years.

I believe that when someone dies, their essence is in the very air we breath. TAKE DEEP BREATHS. They are with you in a different way. The love you felt for them (and them for you) still exists. #loveNEVERdies Close your eyes, breath deeply, and revel in the memories you have shared. If there is something you did not say or do with them... SAY IT NOW. DO IT NOW.

All of the deaths in my personal life have taught me and shaped me. #siwelives I have become the Queen of Acceptance. I truly live these words daily, they are not merely hashtags. I live my life my urgently NOW. I am clear that tomorrow is NOT promised. Grief is a personal process and I am good when I am good and I am not when I am not. It is ok to NOT be ok. I give myself permission to be where I am. It seems simple but it is not always. I have my "grief toolkit," and I use resources readily available online from the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention.

Even if things have changed and you are mourning, you are here. You are reading this. You have breath. You have life. What will you do with this gift? I am not pushing productivity. I am promoting self-care, self-awareness, self-acceptance. I can be a resource for you. You are not alone. Let's talk.

I am living my life
INjoy,
dionne
Chief Joy Connector

#loveneverdies
#livelifeurgentlynow
#tomorrowisnotpromised
#griefisapersonalprocess
#deathisareminderforthelivingtolive

Faithkeeper

2020-03-31T16:00:00.005-04:00

This was sent to me today without a note. I read it and immediately thought, "Wow. That is me." But, I was not sure what she was thinking when she sent it to me, so I asked her. I did not want to appear arrogant. She said, "I nominate YOU." Interesting.

I am the Faithkeeper.

I receive that. In tumultuous times, it is a great opportunity to get to know yourself. I have lived through my share of tumult. #gettingtoknowme If you KNOW me, you know that is me. It is NOT who I try to be, it is simply who I am.

There is nothing either good or bad but thinking makes it so.

-William Shakespeare

Be clear. I do experience a wide range of emotions... just differently. I generally break when the proverbial coast is clear. I hold space in times of darkness and transmute it into hope and light. But when the sun is shining and peace is restored, my body shuts down to release all that it held. #aries #siwelives #randomthoughts

I am the Faithkeeper.

Who are you?

INjoy,
dionne

A Perfect Aries Birthday #thisis53 #nofilter

2020-03-27T19:27:00.000-04:00

Shela Island, Lamu Kenya - March 2020

"When you realize how perfect everything is, you will throw your head back and laugh at the sky." -Buddha

It is my 53rd birthday! #ariesgohard Absolutely nothing is as I planned it and that is perfect. Not perfect as in, nothing out of place. But perfect, as in all things are divinely as they should be. I am where I should be and experiencing life as it comes. Ups. Downs. Births. Deaths. The cycles of life. #thisis53 #nofilter

I started my day on my yoga mat practicing Baptiste yoga with my Lyons Den Power Yoga family. I am a #globalcitizen and it was worth it to be with them for the weekday 5pm Happy Hour online class even though it was 12 midnight for me. How divine was it to be "doing the things" (as Bethany Lyons says) with about 300 other people globally on my birthday?! #perfect #NYC #Nairobi #blessed I am finding ways to create deeper connections with myself and others while "socially distancing."

How can you shift your perspective today and find joy and see what is "perfect?" I would sincerely like to hear your answer.

INjoy,
dionne

dionnecmonsanto@gmail.com

P.S. Follow me on Instagram (@dionnecmonsanto) I will post different things throughout the day in my stories as I celebrate my life in this time of #therona.

Today There Were Tears

2020-03-27T04:07:00.001-04:00

Central Park, NYC - August 2019

Today there were tears. Not for me. Not for my family. But for what was. I mourned what was today and I cried. Messy, snot nosed tears with runny mascara.

In this time of the Rona, I was home sick. I miss my family in NYC. Nothing I can do but acknowledge my concern for humanity at a global level. I live in NYC and Kenya. I am both happy and sad to be in Kenya at this time.

I was born and raised in NYC and the NYC that I knew is sick and dying. NYC and humanity will prevail. I hope we will be better. I pray we will hug more and connect. I believe we will appreciate the little things more.

I often say to my yoga students:

BE HERE NOW

3 simple words but such challenging concept to

BE HERE NOW

In the now, I am 52. I am healthy. I am happy. I have a global support system that is divine. #ilovemyvillage I do not NEED anything. I am blessed to live in 2 countries and move with ease between NYC and Nairobi. I am loved unconditionally. I feel the love from all directions as the sun shines and when the rain falls. I am grateful for the tears. I will smile soon.

How are you feeling/coping/being in the time of the Rona?

INjoy,

dionne

dionnecmonsanto@gmail.com

Stop. Drop. Dance.

2020-03-24T17:18:00.000-04:00

Sometime the world can be restrictive. Sometime life seems like a NO. Sometimes it does NOT seem like the right time or the right place. Sometime you have to

STOP
Drop and
DANCE

#ilovemyvillage

I am thankful to have people that push my edge and take me out of my comfort zone. They help me grow and have fun.

I hope you have someone in your life that does that.

INjoy,
dionne

Then and Now

2020-03-23T16:24:00.004-04:00

Joanne in Lamu Joanne in Limuru

The picture above speaks to me about our global situation on so many levels. #therona I see...

How quickly things change

How fortified she was by the water

All of nature stands behind her (than and now)

And she is walking thoughtfully and prepared into the future coming from a loving place.

What has changed in your life in the last 2 weeks? How are you feeling about these changes? Are you fearful OR have you embraced it? Talk to me.

Your perspective is always YOUR choice.

INjoy,
dionne

dionnecmonsanto@gmail.com

"Don't worry unless it will help." #dionnesays

2020-03-22T16:55:00.000-04:00

"Don't worry unless it will help." -Dionne Monsanto

It is often wonderful AND shocking to hear my words from my students. The timing was impeccable when my friend and my fellow Bikram yoga teacher quoted my words back to me.

How often do you listen to yourself? Your inner knowing is always there, even if you do not always listen. I am thankful that I have a wonderful village that listens to me even when I forget? Who is in your village? Take some time to celebrate yourself and your village. Sit with your inner knowing and move forward powerfully.

INjoy,

dionne

I am breathing. I am connected. I am prepared.

2020-03-21T15:41:00.002-04:00

- Fastgirl Mantra from the Save Lives Challenge

I am still living my life fully and boldly from Nairobi, Kenya in spite of the Corona Virus. This mantra is one of many things that keeps me grounded. May it give you peace. Perhaps that will be your answer when someone asks you how you are.

What helps you get through your days in the time of #therona?

INjoy,
dionne