Take a trip back to your middle school gym class, filled with memories of the dreaded presidential fitness test and awkward gym shorts. It’s no wonder you might not want to relive those moments.
For Bobby Rodriguez, a yoga instructor and Nike Well Collective trainer, the culture of physical education stripped away the joy of movement for him. Being a young gay kid in a locker room full of cruel boys made exercise anything but a safe space for him. It took years for him to shift his mindset and rediscover a positive relationship with movement.
Years later, at his mother’s urging, Rodriguez attended a yoga class in search of relief from his anxieties. Despite feeling out of place among more advanced classmates, he discovered a sense of peace he had never felt before. This newfound connection with his body and mind propelled him into over 15 years of yoga teacher training, leading him to understand the healing power of movement and the importance of a supportive community.
“My body, breath, and mind found a relief I had never experienced before,” Rodriguez reflects. “In my journey, I’ve learned the transformative power of movement and community, and now I strive to help others find that same sense of safety and belonging.” Keep reading for Rodriguez’s tips on finding a practice that can serve as your safe space.
1. Define Your “Safe Space”
The concept of a safe space is unique to each individual. It may be a feeling, a physical location, or a supportive community. Rodriguez advises taking some time to reflect on what “safe space” means to you before seeking it out. Whether it’s a yoga class, a knitting circle, or a dance group, find the place where you feel most at ease and authentic.
2. Discover Your Passion
Your safe space doesn’t have to involve physical movement. It can be any activity that brings you joy and allows you to connect with a community. Try different hobbies, explore new interests, and be open to unexpected sources of happiness. For Rodriguez, yoga provided a space to heal and find joy in movement that once felt punitive.
3. Build a Supportive Community
A safe space is characterized by the support and acceptance within it. Surround yourself with people who allow you to be your true self without fear of judgment. Rodriguez credits his yoga community for their unwavering support and generosity, showing him that everyone has something unique to offer.
Support also comes from within, and Rodriguez finds confidence in his favorite Nike gear, which keeps him stylish and comfortable both in and out of the studio. Embrace your community, find your safe space, and don’t forget to dress the part with Rodriguez’s top Nike picks.
