William Wong: Shapes and Sounds Interview #8
Aug 30, 2020
As many of you will know, "yoga" has been a huge part of my life for over 15 years. Yes it's a complicated relationship (because what really is yoga now?) but a consistent one nonetheless.
About three years ago, as part of my strategy to work through my internalised racism, I made the decision to only practice at yoga studios that have diverse representation in their teaching team. This was evidently quite tricky even in inner-city Melbourne, but I worked it out and have never looked back.
Since then, I have always kept my eye out for POC yoga teachers and I was lucky enough to Covid-meet William Wong several months ago. Many of you in Melbourne would have practiced with him at some point in time, however today, it is an honour to share with you William's reflections about mental health, wellbeing and growing up Asian in Australia.
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1. Could you please tell us your name, age and what it is that you do?
My name is William Wong. I am 32 years old and teach Yoga and facilitate Sound Baths, Reiki and Energy healings for groups and individuals.
2. What do you do to take care of your mental health and wellbeing?
Each week I maintain a pretty consistent physical fitness regime consisting of Vinyasa Yoga, gymnastics, swimming and the occasional run. I also have a non-negotiable meditation practice and sit for a minimum of 30 minutes every day. If I am going through a particularly rough patch, I may increase my meditation practice, do some Yin Yoga and seek support from trusted loved ones.
In the past, seeing a regular therapist and spiritual teacher provided me with much needed guidance and mental clarity. These days, I have a comprehensive self-care network I can rely on, which consists of Kinesiology, Reiki, Floatation Tanks and massage.
I also find nature, essential oils, crystals, journaling, chanting/singing, breath work and the power of music, sound and certain healing frequencies/vibrations very therapeutic and conducive to bringing me back into harmony.
3. Can you think of one example that demonstrates how growing up Asian in Australia has impacted you?
From one perspective, being born and raised as an Asian in Australia has afforded me with so many opportunities and privileges that I may not have had access to if my family hadn't migrated to Australia nearly 50 years ago. I am truly grateful for the level of access to quality education, diverse job opportunities, reliable health services and democratic freedom available to many Australians.
However, from another perspective, I have often felt like an outcast or minority in my own country and at times believed I was inherently different, less important and inferior to other white Australians. This has definitely impacted my overall sense of self-esteem and self-worth, but has helped me develop more resilience and self-compassion whilst providing me with a deeper awareness of the systemic inequalities prevalent in our society.
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Connect with William Wong online:
Instagram: @willy_wongka_
Website: www.yogathewongway.com
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