How this teacher uses yoga to overcome and heal from challenges

Dr. Chelsea Jackson Roberts’ journey into yoga can be described as an accidental yet transformative discovery. It began in her early adulthood during her first year as a school teacher; and what started as a practical means to manage the stresses of teaching soon evolved into a profound passion, guiding her through personal and professional challenges and ultimately becoming a central part of her life and career

.“At the beginning of my yoga journey, I was experiencing burnout as a school teacher and was dealing with the abrupt and tragic loss of my best friend to gun violence,” she shares. “I felt fragmented and detached, and I needed a practice that would help me feel whole again. Yoga and meditation supported my well-being through this tremendous grief, teaching me that my well-being cannot be compartmentalised.”

She continues: “Knowing that I have a consistent practice that I can come back to everyday, free from judgement, is how I use yoga as a tool to heal from challenges. In the aftermath of my friend’s death, when I felt overwhelmed with helplessness, I went to my mat, and I sat with my body, asking myself for patience. As I open my heart with kindness, I can start a flow from wherever I want, knowing that I am actively dispelling the helplessness that my mind and emotions made me feel in the previous moment.”

As she progressed in her education, earning a PhD in Educational Studies, she decided to fully dedicate herself to yoga. This commitment led her to create the Yoga, Literature, and Art Camp for Teen Girls, merging her passions for education and yoga.

Today, Dr. Chelsea is a full-time Peloton Instructor and lululemon Global Ambassador, with yoga at the heart of her life. She is known for her unique style of yoga that blends contemporary hip-hop, electronic, and R&B with asana, making it accessible to all bodies and levels of skill.

As part of lululemon’s Glow Festival lineup, she is in town to host special yoga classes and participate in a panel discussion on finding balance and prioritising wellbeing amidst the hustle of life, alongside Munah Bagharib, Alicia Pan, and more. 

We spoke to her about what inspired her to create her unique yoga style, how yoga helps with wellbeing, and the importance of representation in the industry.

What inspired you to blend contemporary hip-hop, electronic, and R&B with traditional yoga asanas? 

I truly believe that everyone interested in yoga or meditation should have access to the practice. It is imperative for first timers to feel a connection or see themselves reflected in some way. I like to use music and art as my connective tissue when it comes to inviting people to the mat for the first time.

As I grew more comfortable teaching at Kashi Ashram in Atlanta, I saw an opportunity to expand our community by introducing my own unique soundtrack to yoga classes. By incorporating genres like Hip-Hop and R&B, I aim to bridge my cultural background with yoga culture, which is thousands of years old. This has allowed me to ground my song selections in what feels natural for my body and hopefully for my students.

What does a day in your life look like? 

My daily routine includes practising, teaching, and discussing yoga and meditation. Every day brings new opportunities and challenges, making each day unique. Alongside my professional commitments, I also cherish my role as a parent to my son, Noble, and a partner to my husband, Shane.

In a time when wellbeing is low, especially in places like Singapore, how can yoga principles apply off the mat to support strength, resilience, and mental health?

Yoga teaches us to slow down and listen to our bodies, paying attention to the information they provide. Through this practice, we develop tools and sharpen parts of ourselves that aid in making life decisions. Yoga and meditation help to foster a sense of groundedness and create space for reflection, which enhances mindful awareness, presence, and body-mind connection, all of which develop strength and resilience for wellbeing. 

How do you view the importance of representation and inclusivity in the wellness industry?

Representation and inclusivity are crucial in the wellness industry because they ensure that everyone feels seen and valued. It’s about creating safe spaces where people can celebrate their bodies exactly as they are and embrace their unique contributions to the community. When people see themselves reflected in wellness spaces, it fosters a sense of belonging and encourages diverse participation, which ultimately enriches the entire community.

Being recognized as the first “Black” anything in America is an honour and marks a significant breakthrough in our country’s racial caste system. When I was selected as a Peloton yoga instructor, I entered not as a “Black” yoga teacher, but simply as a yoga teacher. This recognition and treatment with respect and dignity are crucial because – from my experiences prior to joining Peloton – as one of the few or the only Black person in certain spaces, there can be heightened sensitivity to microaggressions or perceived biases.

What are you most looking forward to about hosting classes at the Glow Festival in Singapore?

I am incredibly excited about hosting classes at the Glow Festival and connecting with the lululemon community as we celebrate 10 years of The Sweat Life in Singapore. 

For my Yoga & Chill class, I’m looking forward to guiding yogis of all levels through gentle, accessible movements that promote restoration and foster meaningful connections. It’s a wonderful opportunity to create a space where everyone can unwind and rejuvenate. In my Slow Flow yoga class, participants can expect a dynamic vinyasa flow that intertwines our practice with life’s deeper purpose. I’ve curated an uplifting, soulful pop playlist to enhance the experience, aiming to uplift spirits and deepen the mind-body connection.

Beyond teaching classes, I’m honoured to participate in a wellbeing panel discussion focusing on the importance of prioritising self-care even in challenging times. Drawing from my own journey, I will share practical tips for balancing physical, social, and emotional wellbeing amidst the demands of modern life. I’m especially eager to hear from diverse voices, including working mothers, entrepreneurs, and Gen Z advocates from Singapore, who are all passionate about advancing women’s wellbeing.

Overall, I’m thrilled to meet and connect with the vibrant community in Singapore, exchange ideas, and inspire each other on our wellness journeys. It’s going to be an enriching experience, and I can’t wait to be a part of it!