Seattle Yoga News is on a mission to find and highlight all of the hidden, and maybe not so hidden, gems in our yoga community and beyond. We want you to learn about their experiences and perspectives, but also a bit more about their personalities, so we have a few fun questions for them. This week’s spotlight is turned towards Atlee Treasure.
HOW DID YOU GET STARTED WITH YOGA?
I was introduced to yoga back in 1997 after moving to Seattle. I mentored a youth program called the Service Board and in that program I taught kids how to snowboard. One of the other activities provided was yoga lead by Anne Phyfe of 8 Limbs Yoga. I dabbled on and off but in 2012 I made the commitment to practice regularly. In 2017 I opted to get my teacher cert so that I could share this practice that has brought me so much joy.
WHAT KIND OF TRAININGS HAVE YOU PURSUED?
So after my 200hr Certification with 8 Limbs Yoga, I then went on to receive my personal trainer certification. Currently I am working on a 100hr BLM Rocket Yoga Teacher Certification, an extension of Ashtanga.
HOW HAS YOGA INFLUENCED YOUR LIFE AND WHO YOU ARE AS A PERSON?
Yoga has deeply influenced my life and who I am . When I made the dedication I was over 300lbs, and really wanting to make a change in my lifestyle. I committed to working on myself both physically and mentally. I practiced 3 to 4 times a week, I began working out regularly as well strength training and running. I was doing things that built heat and fire within and Yoga was the force that grounded me and truly calmed my mind during the stressful periods and down periods of my life.
HOW DO YOU FEEL ABOUT THE LACK OF INCLUSION OF BLACK AND BROWN PEOPLE IN YOGA SETTINGS?
I wish more black and brown people would find yoga and take in the benefits, especially during these difficult days. It’s definitely disconcerting but it’s the practice of yoga allows one to go within and it’s there that we can let go and feel at home with ourselves. That’s not to discount the value of black and brown peoples practicing together because for me there is full joy there. The Blackout Healing event I lead last week was all that! A beautiful experience.
WHAT IS THE BIGGEST CHALLENGE I HAVE FACED AS A BLACK YOGA TEACHER?
As a Black teacher the greatest challenge I face is having people feel comfortable taking a yoga class lead by a black man especially one of my stature. I am far from the usual yoga body and I’m not the most flexible in the room. I am knowledgeable on the the practice and lead what I hope is an enriching and vibrant practice.
WHAT HAS BEEN THE MOST INSPIRATIONAL MOMENT YOU’VE EXPERIENCED AS A YOGA STUDENT AND A TEACHER?
Most inspirational moment as a student:
As a yoga student the most inspirational moment was when I completed a full Ashtanga practice with Troy Lucero who challenged me and pushed me to my edge where I found myself pushing beyond what I thought I was capable of. A true inspiration.
Most inspirational moment as a teacher:
As a teacher I found the event I was part of with Black Out Healing filled my heart. So many black folk together in one room enjoying yoga led by myself. This is why I became a yoga teacher, to share this gift with others, and especially the BIPOC community. I also taught the POC Yoga for healing at 8 limbs yoga for a couple years.
SO MANY BLACK MEN COULD BENEFIT FROM THE HEALING PROPERTIES OF YOGA. ARE THEY GETTING MORE INVOLVED IN IT? WHAT ARE THEIR WORRIES ABOUT PRACTICING?
Black men are getting involved in yoga. The numbers still aren’t huge but it’s reaching black men at a greater rate. I hope to inspire more black men to find the healing properties of yoga and take in the benefits.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE YOGA RELATED BOOK?
My favorite yoga related book I will say is “Skill In Action, Radicalizing Your Yoga Practice To Create A Just World. I’m currently engulfed in it and it is amazing
OTHER THAN PRACTICING YOGA, CAN YOU TELL US ABOUT SOME OF YOUR WELLNESS & SELF-CARE HABITS?
So as I previously mentioned I am very much into strength training. It’s a great supplement to my yoga practice. I workout in the gym 4-5 days a week and it informs my practice. I find that I have more strength and endurance to hold postures and transition into difficult Asanas with greater ease. Yoga provides me the stretch and lengthening of muscles that get tighter with all the strength training. I also try to eat as clean as I can and utilize intermittent fasting in my diet.
WHO IS THE YOGI WE SHOULD FEATURE NEXT?
I think you should feature Jasmine Rashae, @Jasminerashae on IG. She is doing a lot as a black woman representing and sharing her practice. She is inspiring.
Atlee Treasure’s Bio: Atlee has been practicing yoga avidly for over 8 years. After being introduced to yoga in 1997, he went on to receive his teacher training through 8 Limbs Yoga centers and teaches at Zum Fitness Seattle, as well as 8 Limbs Yoga and Jet City Crossfit. He believes that a strong body helps build a strong mind and a combination of yoga and regular strength training are the tools to a healthier life. This passion for fitness, health and mindfulness drive him to help others find the same for themselves. With his brand Treasure Movement his hope is to share the gift of yoga and fitness to the BIPOC community and beyond.
