I started flirting with yoga again around 2008 as a way to get in shape. I have struggled with weight issues my entire life, not necessarily just putting on and losing weight, but the mental aspects of it as well. What I mean by mental aspects is the idea that I think I’m fat whether I actually am or not. I always see the meme below and it makes me laugh, because it’s so true!
Why is it that women feel the need to constantly degrade ourselves, to compare ourselves to others, to feel like we always have something we need to change? Do this experiment; begin to complement women that you see on their weight, their hair, something about their appearance and take note how they respond. I started doing this years ago, not as an experiment but because I really wanted to start putting some positivity out into the world. If I could see the beauty in others, maybe I could begin to see the beauty in myself. What I noticed is that, women will always respond with an ” oh thanks, I need to do this” statement. Example, “have you lost weight? You look skinnier.” “Oh no, actually, I’ve gained weight. I need to get back to eating healthy again.” Or, “I love your hair, have you done something different to it?” “Oh no, I need to get it cut.” I’m guilty of it too. The point of what I’m saying is, why can’t we just love ourselves exactly as we are? Why can’t we take a compliment that’s given to us? Why don’t we love and respect our bodies for exactly where they are?
How can yoga help? What yoga has done for me is help me to connect to the present moment. The best way to do that is to really “experience” the movement in class. I don’t have to worry about what happened at work, I can let that go because it’s in the past, it’s over, and there’s nothing I can do to change it. I can make amends if need be, but the action has happened so it is what it is. I don’t have to think about what we’re having for dinner, or what I need to do once I get home because I’ll deal with it when it happens. I can clear my mind, be in my class, and experience each movement. Wow, I feel so strong as I lower myself in Chaturanga Dandasana. Gee, my hips feel kind of tight in Virabhadrasana I. I am so excited I actually held Bakasana for 3 whole breaths!!! When I teach a class, I love to start the students lying on their back and hands on their belly to begin Ujjayi breathing. I instruct them to begin with fingertips touching. As you inhale, fill your belly with the breath, expand your belly until your fingers being to separate. Allow the air to fill your lungs like a balloon until you can no longer bring in another breath. Exhale as though you’re fogging a mirror, allowing your balloon to deflate, the breath to leave your lungs until your finger tips touch again. Leave your thoughts and put all of your focus into your breath. Clear your mind and be present, here in this very moment. In this very moment, you don’t have to worry about paying bills, losing weight, feeding your family, because it’s not happening. The only thing that is real is this very moment, the rise and fall of your belly, the expansion of your ribs and the breath that you take. You are forgiven, you are whole, you are here in this very moment. And in this moment, your body will tell you what it needs. This is how you can begin that practice, by listening to your body in class. If you feel powerful and strong, push yourself. If you’re feeling tired, sit back and do all of the modified poses. Yoga is where you can begin to treat yourself and your body with the respect you deserve. You have to do it for yourself, because if you don’t, no one else will. You have to teach people how to treat you and that can begin in yoga by learning how to treat yourself.
Here is an exercise to do at home, to help you connect to the present moment. I do this in my class as well. Begin in savasana, lying on your back. Right foot over the right corner of your mat/blanket. Left foot over the left corner of your mat/blanket. Hands down my hips, palms of hands facing up and completely relax. Allow your breath to be normal, just notice the rise and fall of your belly. After a few minutes of that, allowing thoughts to leave your mind, begin to engage all 5 of your senses. How does the floor feel beneath your skin? What sounds do you hear? What do you smell? How does the light appear behind your closed eye lids? What do you taste? Really experience the world through savasana. Then let go of your senses and pay attention to your heart center, the center of your chest. How do you feel? what emotions are you experiencing? No judgement, just listen. What do you need? Breath into it. Then let it go. As thoughts enter your mind, take your focus back to your breath and remain in that pose for 10-15 minutes. Once you’re done, bring your knees to your chest, roll onto your right side and sit in a comfortable seated position. Say thank you for your practice and get out a pen and paper. Write down what you felt and see if anything pops up that you need. Maybe you need a pedicure, a bubble bath, a smoothie, anything! And follow through with it!