One Size Doesn't Fit All

Many people have this conception of what the “normal” yoga instructor should look like.  We are all tall and very lean, no more than a size 2.  We can tie ourselves into the ever popular pretzel and pull our legs up behind our heads.  Well, I am here to tell you that that is not always true.  When I stand in front of my classes there are many times that I am one of the “bigger” girls in the room.  I wear a size 12 and am proud of my body.  I can teach an amazing yoga class even though I am not the perfect size 2. I am strong in both body and mind. I leave it all on my mat.

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After one of my classes, a young yogi came up to me and paid me the biggest complement of my teaching career.  She told me that it was refreshing and inspiring to stand in a class where the teacher isn’t that size 2.  She said she felt more comfortable in my class than she ever had in any other.  She had been considering giving up yoga because she felt out of place, but now is a regular. She sees the way that yoga is changing her life and is grateful every time she has the opportunity to practice.

So many times we forget that people come in all different shapes and sizes.  There are the young and old, the strong and the weak, those that are heavier and the very thin. All sizes and shapes need to be embraced and welcomed.  We all suffer from the same condition, the human condition.  We have all been created equal and the yoga mat is the perfect place to reflect on this.  Be one with the mat. Love yourself for all of your traits. They are you in your purest form.  Embrace them.  I know I have come to embrace my size 12 body and love every inch of it.  

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New Year Mind / Body Push

New Year Mind / Body Push

With the start of the New Year here it is inevitably that everyone sits down to make their list of New Year’s resolutions.  We have all made these lists of resolutions, but how many of us can say that we actually were able to stick to them?  I know when I create these lists of resolutions, I always have great aspirations. Individually some of the goals might be obtainable, but collectively they can be overwhelming. For example, I want to be happier, lose weight, be healthier, workout more, and become stronger.

Does this list look familiar?

So this year let’s make these goals obtainable.  I have one word for you…YOGA.  

The ancient practice of yoga has the power to make all five of those goals happen and you only have to add one thing to your already long list of things to do.

Be healthier…When practicing yoga on a regular basis you become so much more in tune with your body and its needs that you automatically begin being more mindful of what you are putting into your body, the thoughts you are thinking, and the actions that you are taking.

Be stronger…Although yoga is a series of postures and stretches it is also a way to really strengthen your body.  It requires both mental and physical strength and when practiced regularly you will be amazed by the changes it creates within your body.

Workout more… Yoga can be cardiovascularly challenging and create heat throughout your body which can strengthen your heart and improve your overall health.

Lose weight…When we are more aware of our bodies and the environments we find ourselves in we are much more likely to watch what we eat.  This can assist in making sure everything we put into our mouths not only sustains our physical body, but helps promote a healthy body composition.

Be happier…When we feel healthier, are stronger, workout more, and lose weight, a more enjoyable lifestyle often follows. Connecting to your inner self through working to slow down, if not still, the mind is a very effective way to free the soul and break out the happier you.

A yoga practice doesn’t have to be a major time commitment. Start with one class a week and commit to 8 weeks. This will allow your body and mind to go through this transformative process.  Finally, the most important aspect of this journey…  Have Fun!!!