The Mindful Mat: Yoga, Creativity, and Community

About

About Us

Meet the Miriams: yogis, artists, and teachers

Our Story

Miriam Sealy de Rodríguez and Miriam Rice Rodríguez are abuela y nieta (grandmother and granddaughter). The Rodríguez family hails from Panamá. Miriam (abuela) is based in Panamá City, Panamá, while Miriam (nieta) currently resides in Oakland, California, though she often travels between the east and west coasts.

The Miriams started the Mindful Mat blog as a platform to exchange intergenerational wisdom and broaden collective knowledge. They hope you find the teachings, conversations, and musings collected in this blog—along with contributions from visitors like yourself—insightful!

Much love to all, Miriam & Miriam

Miriam Rice Rodríguez

(she/they)

I practice yoga because of my abuelita. When I was little, she welcomed me to join her early morning practices—although I’m sure this time offered her a much-deserved moment to herself. These mornings were my foundation. As a fourth-generation yogi, I am honored to continue in the footsteps of those before me.

In 2018, I accompanied my abuelita to Chennai, India, where we participated in the Heartfulness Institute’s 200-hour Yoga Teacher Training (YTT) program. Through this program, I came to truly appreciate the ancient South Asian tradition of Yoga as a philosophical system and form of holistic healing.

At Brown University, I led the Yoga and Mindfulness Club, organizing and teaching volunteer-led yoga classes. During my junior year, in the heart of the COVID-19 pandemic, I took part in an eight-week Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) research study for young adults. This experience taught me that contemplative practice can happen off the mat and cushion—it is available to us in every waking moment— especially when the world is seemingly descending into chaos.

After graduation, I discovered Mindful Yoga, which harmonizes Buddhist vipassana-inspired Mindfulness with various mindful movement traditions, including Hatha, Yin, and Somatics. I am currently continuing my education in a year-long Dharma Yoga Teacher Training (CE 175) offered by Spirit Rock Meditation Center. I am deeply grateful to my teachers and communities.

Creativity and connection are the cornerstones of what I care about. Beyond the mat, I am passionate about Latin dance. You can catch me out social dancing on a Friday night, especially when there’s a live band! I’m also an avid painter and poet. You can check out a selection of my work here!

Mission and Values

Our values center around inclusivity, mindfulness, and fostering meaningful dialogue to create positive social change

Contact us for more

What is this blog about?

This blog explores yoga, mindfulness, and social justice, led by two Panamanian yoginis, artists, and educators, the Miriams.

Why do these conversations matter?

These conversations are vital for fostering interbelonging, challenging societal norms, and creating a more equitable and compassionate world.

How can yoga teachers incorporate racial justice?

Yoga teachers can incorporate racial justice skills into their classrooms by educating themselves about the history and cultural context of yoga[…]

What resources are available for yoga?

There are several resources available for yoga teachers including, social justice skills for the studio, research, recipes, books, and more!

How can I contact the creators of this blog?

You can contact the creators of this blog by filling out the contact form on their website. They are happy to answer any questions or provide further information.

What is the purpose of this blog?

The purpose of this blog is to create a space for open discussion and dialogue about important topics in yoga and mindfulness for teachers and practitioners alike.

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