The Transformative Power of Joy, Mindfulness, and Yoga: Siha Collins, the Embodiment of Joy within the SageD Collective
In a world where the bustling rhythms of daily life leave little room for reflection, Siha Collins has carved out a space for peace and resilience. Siha is committed to fostering a nurturing and supportive community through her yoga practice, Yellow Mat Wellness.
Through this work, Siha fosters the joy and the warmth that can be felt within the Collective, believing that individual well-being leads to a stronger, more connected whole.
A Journey to the SageD Collective
Siha’s path to becoming a prominent figure in the mindfulness sphere is as inspiring as it is unique. “I am a former advertising executive, current community leader, and teacher of mindfulness, breath work, and meditation, with a specialty in resilience-focused practices,” she begins. Her shift from the corporate world to cultivating inner awareness was influenced by her personal experiences and a deep understanding of the importance of self-care. "If you would have talked to me a year or two ago, I would have led with, 'I'm a trauma-informed yoga teacher,' but I think it's important to change our language around healing and community."
Her journey into the Collective began with a serendipitous meeting. "I met Sagdrina two years ago while teaching a class for her and we just built a rapport. I was inspired by her brand of leadership and the community she supports, which is why I wanted to accept the invitation to join the Collective."
Siha's philosophy on creating a supportive community is rooted in the idea of individual joy and self-care. "I've been practicing and studying yoga and meditation for almost 20 years and teaching for the last 10. Fostering a joyful and supportive community comes down to facilitating individual happiness and self-nurturing," she explains. As a young mother and solo parent, Siha understood the importance of taking care of oneself to better serve others.
"When you have good pieces or good parts, it leads to a better whole."
Q. How does your passion for your work align with our core value of joy? How does it contribute to the development of your community?
While her love for mindful movement remained within her, Siha's discovery of yoga was a gradual and transformative process. "From the first time I ever discovered yoga and meditation, I fell in love with the way it made me feel afterward.” she expressed. Being an athlete by nature and loving the physical and emotional flexibility that practicing yoga offered, Siha found that yoga taught her patience in work, family, and mobility. Over time, she found that yoga offered her something other forms of exercise did not—a sense of well-being. "There was something about yoga that when I would leave class, no matter how hard it was, I always felt better."
Siha’s commitment to yoga solidified in 2015 when she made a New Year's resolution to attend a class once a week.
"I found a Groupon for a yoga studio near my home and started going on Saturday mornings. Over time, I went from one class a week to two, then three. It wasn't about being athletic or having a certain body type. The magic of yoga is in your consistency of practice."
Applying Yoga Principles to Life and Work
The principles Siha learned through yoga have had a profound impact on her life and work. "Yoga has saved and changed my life. As a community leader, it's reminded me that the consistency of practice is key to success. Whether it's yoga or building a business, showing up regularly is what makes the difference." This lesson has guided her through the challenges of entrepreneurship. "I get frustrated when my work isn't immediately successful, but I remind myself that like yoga, it takes time and consistent effort."
Charged by the slogan, “Practice Makes Possible,” Siha created Yellow Mat Wellness in 2016 to improve social well-being by providing trauma-informed mindfulness education to individuals and organizations.
Throughout her journey, Siha has found inspiration in many forms. One quote that resonates deeply with her is, "How you do anything is how you do everything."
She reflects on how this philosophy has shaped her approach to yoga and life. "I remember being in challenging yoga classes and feeling angry. I realized that this anger was a reflection of how I would handle frustration, not only in life but also in my work. It was a powerful moment of self-awareness."
Siha's passion for yoga is infectious, and she invites everyone to experience its benefits. She teaches on Monday nights at Evolution in Atlanta, GA.
