Author and Master Yoga Teacher Donna Noble is a UK-based speaker, well-being educator, and long-time yoga teacher whose work centers body positivity, accessibility, and creating space for Black women in yoga.

Celebrating the publication of Donna’s new book, Demystifying Yoga, Donna sits with Olivia F. Scott in this empowering Well Chat episode.

Together, they explore what yoga really means beyond the physical practice, how yoga helped Donna leave corporate life after Bell’s palsy, and why representation, language, and body autonomy matter in every class.

In this episode, Donna shares how yoga became a path back to herself, how she teaches for different body sizes and abilities, and why she believes the function of a pose matters more than how it looks. They also discuss her books, including Teaching Body Positive Yoga, Demystifying Yoga, and her contribution to Black Girls Om 2.

#BlackWomenInYoga #InclusiveYoga #BodyPositiveYoga #WellnessForBlackWomen #YogaHealing

Key Themes Explored:

• Donna describes how her practice began with the physical side of yoga, but evolved into a holistic path focused on mental, emotional, and spiritual well-being.
• Donna describes what yoga feels like in her body: free, light, at home, and more connected to her body’s signals and sensations.
• Donna breaks down how she makes yoga accessible through chairs, walls, variations, clear language, and teaching to the room rather than enforcing one ideal body shape.
• She explains how representation matters and how simply being visible as a Black yoga teacher can shift what others believe is possible.
• Donna discusses honoring yoga’s roots while adapting language and teaching style to serve Black communities without alienating people.
• She explains that everyone is already doing yoga in daily life when they reach, fold, breathe, or connect with their heart.
• Donna recommends focusing on the function of a pose, not the aesthetic, and using breath and body awareness as the real entry point to practice.

• She outlines ways beginners can start with yoga at home or in community spaces, including affordable classes, free options, and beginner-friendly books.

Visit https://thenobleartofyoga.co.uk/ to learn more about Donna Noble and to get her newest book, Demystifying Yoga.

TIMESTAMPS

00:00 Yoga as a Path to Healing 

00:52 Welcome to Well Chat + Meet Donna Noble 

03:11 What Yoga Means: Community, Connection & Healing 

05:33 Bell’s Palsy, Corporate Life & Finding a New Path 

07:51 From Hot Yoga to Becoming a Yoga Teacher 

10:11 How Yoga Feels in the Body: Freedom, Grief & Presence 

12:32 Finding Freedom at the Mat 

14:48 Black Girls On Om & the Beginning of Curvesome Yoga 

16:57 Yoga Is for Every Body 

19:21 Honoring Yoga’s Roots & Serving Black Communities 

21:41 Why Representation in Yoga Matters 

24:07 Inclusive Yoga for Different Bodies and Abilities 

26:28 Teaching with Agency, Adaptations & Body Positivity 

28:45 The Purpose of the Pose: Practice for Your Body 

30:56 How Studios and Brands Can Create Inclusive Spaces 

33:08 Function Over Form: Trusting Your Body 

35:16 Beginner-Friendly and Affordable Ways to Start Yoga 

37:38 Donna Noble’s Books: Teaching Body Positive Yoga & Demystifying Yoga 

40:03 Healing Through Rest, Listening & Inner Wisdom