Tell us about yourself, Dominique (she/her).

I’m a wild, tender, elemental force from the Bay Area. I have been a devoted healing practitioner for the past 12 years. My offerings include teaching weekly Restorative Yoga classes & Somatic Healing workshops. As a former Healing Justice Program Director, supporting Queer & Trans survivors of violence my work is deeply rooted in collective liberation. Through my business, Black Seeds Project, I provide individual support and Seasonal group programs in ritual with nature.

What do you love the most about practicing yoga?

I love all the ways my Yoga practice has evolved throughout the years. I feel that it has become a companion as I transform but also become more of myself. This ancient science has so many branches that go back to Indian and African roots, so I feel apart of something larger than myself when I practice yoga. I’m grateful that yoga has been accessible when I’ve felt lost, fearful, grief stricken and overwhelmed by the oppressive systems we are navigating. Yoga reminds me of the spiritual fortitude that is available inside us all.

What do you love the most about teaching?

I love creating sacred spaces for rest, compassion, reflection, and intentional slowness. Creating sequences and themes for class keeps me accountable. I often tell stories that weave in eco-spirituality, activism and emotional healing. It feels like I am always unveiling parts of my heart with those that come into the studio. It still shocks me that I’ve been teaching / guiding others for almost 12 years. It has been such a humbling, vulnerable and honorable journey. While Yoga is not my direct ancestral lineage, there is a strong soulful connection that I deeply respect. I carry the hope and prayer that I’m cultivating a relationship in the right way. Every class I end with appreciation to the original stewards of Yoga and the lands they come from.

What are your favorite poses to practice?

Wild thing is my favorite pose because it feels like the shape that best describes me- heart led, fierce & slightly unusual. In terms of Restorative Yoga, side lying shavasana with ALL the props helps me tap into a level of physical and emotional safety.

What is your least favorite pose?

My least favorite pose(s) are definitely Camel and Bow. My knees always scream out,” NO THANK YOU!” (former athlete problems?)

What is a favorite place you’ve visited?

My first time in Jamaica was very memorable. I went to the country for a Permaculture Design Course two years ago. This gorgeous farm happened to be a former plantation that held many energies that were undeniably felt in my body. We were camping deep in the Jamaican bush where the group encountered some unique situations (tiny tick bombs, flesh eating insects, overnight storm, etc.). I had an opportunity to experience a part of myself that I hadn’t met before. I felt a growing sense of resilience, sensuality, expression & reverence. One memory that I hold close to my heart is about communal bathing. A small group of us would hike to the river every night to bathe. We lit candles, gave offerings and then proceeded to wash off the day. This ritual became such an invigorating, intimate & normalized routine that returning to showers actually took some adjusting. The first night brought a feeling of panic but after words I slept so well and often woke up in the morning with eagerness to greet the jungle. I noticed how my gratitude for the few structures that were hand built grew my sense of possibility. It was empowering to observe the collective wisdom, resourcefulness & creativity. The short two weeks of learning & living on the land brought me/us closer to ancestral ways of being.

What is one thing people would be surprised to know about you?

I’ve shared this in my class before but I used to be terrified to speak in front of groups of people. I’ll never forget the time I was in a meeting and saw my necklace bouncing off of my chest as it approached my turn to speak. My sweet little heart was moving fast. I just recently came across a social media post that called it an “inner applause” for being brave which is a brilliant reframe. I have come a very long way and feel proud of myself. I wanted to quit many times because of how uncomfortable it made me feel. It’s nice when students tell me they feel warmth and comfort from my facilitation / teaching style. Many years ago when I would be consumed by the fear and anxiety of “public speaking”, I just reminded myself that I was having a “conversation” with others in hopes to reduce the pressure of being perfect.

Another fun surprise is that my (3) sisters and I were all Division 1 collegiate athletes.

What is your favorite quote or your favorite piece of advice?

I want to bring in my parents, Kathy and Larry Cowling. While I can’t think of a direct quote that would ever capture their full essence, they are truly gorgeous human beings. People fall in love with their hearts’ natural outpour of care, generosity & humility. They help people feel welcomed and seen. I’m very lucky to have been raised by these two earth angels. They're both very different (Capricorn Mama and Cancer Father- Zodiac Signs) but they’ve always modeled teamwork and what it means to be people who embody integrity and values. They are also very tall & stylish which makes the whole package a deluxe one. My sisters and I often say that we would choose them in every lifetime.

What else would you like our community to know about you?

Most of my work has been within non-profit organizations but I have been committed to my entrepreneur journey for the past few years . It has its unique challenges and rewards that develop a lot of maturity. I birthed Black Seeds Project during the racial uprisings of the Summer 2020. Through my business, I provide individual and group support in ritual with nature. My life is guided by the unseen - natural & spiritual world. The concepts that are often labeled “woo- woo” are actually based on ancestral knowledge that we are inseparable from the earth & cosmic cycles. So much of the pain, suffering and soul wounds that are prevalent are rooted in the neglect of what is true about natural existence. I’m often very impacted by the violence and trauma against marginalized communities in the states & beyond this soil. I hold the heartbreaking reality that many countries have been destabilized due to the U.S. hunger for dominance, power and destruction. I want this community to know that I’m a dreamer, lover, and highly sensitive being who cares about social change. This means I see the interconnected roots of liberation movements of all oppressed people & lands across the world. I’m hoping that I meet more allies who are dedicated to the fight for a more equitable, emotionally intelligent, abundant, earth centered and tender world. Lastly, I’ll add that I find balance with a ton of playfulness, grounding exercises (self massage, reflexology, gentle stretches…) and a soft landing place within my classes. Come experience it!

Dominique teaches at Nest weekly - and is also hosting Heart Rituals and Restorative Yoga for Spring Equinox this March.

Nest Community Feature - Dominique Cowling