Yoga & Self Image: a practice for embracing the self

by Awilda Rivera

Originally published in Aquarius Magazine June 2017

What we think about ourselves matters.  As summer winds down, we can reflect on  the pressure we place on ourselves each year for the "perfect beach body" . Bathing suits, pools & BBQs are opportunities for us to gather and beat the heat, but instead we spend the summer experiencing these moments as hot beds of anxiety. We place an incredible amount of importance on how we look and that can be difficult for anyone who struggles with Self-image.  You might be wondering: “What the heck does this have to do with Yoga?”
 
Yoga can have measurable effect on one’s ability to establish & maintain a positive self-image. One study found that “Yoga Practitioners are 20% more likely to a positive self-image as compared to the general population.”[1]    Yoga encourages one to slow down, look within, be open minded and accepting to what is happening in the now.  The presence of mind that is cultivated through the practice of marrying breath with movement has been shown to lead to:

• Increased body awareness
• Increased Satisfaction with Body Image
• Decreased Self Image Criticisms[2]

 
As a result yoga has become a powerful tool for doctors who work with patients in recovery for eating disorders.  The great thing about these statistics is that you do not have to have been diagnosed with an eating disorder to begin the practice of Yoga & experience these benefits. A 2016 Yoga in America Study showed that, over 50% of Americans surveyed reported improving overall health as the reason why they started and continue to practice Yoga.[3]
 
 Here are my Three tips for finding an awesome yoga class & studio to get you loving you:

1. Plan to visit a few studios.  Go online and look up what is available in your area, browse their website and teacher bios to get a sense of what they are about.
   
   
2. Read the Class descriptions. Studios do a pretty good job of giving you an idea of what to expect. If you are not super physically active look for words like -   all levels , beginners, Hatha or gentle. For those of you are physically active but new to yoga look for words like – All levels, Hahta, Yin, Restorative, Yin-Vin, or Slow Flow
   
   
3. Comfort & Safety are important.  The studio should feel like a safe space. Teacher should be helpful, warm and knowledgeable. The teacher should be able to offer you pose modifications to keep your practice safe & tailored to your needs. At the end of class feel free to ask the teacher questions about what you learned, sensations you felt in the body and how you can bring your practice home.

 
 
Yoga is about connecting deeply with your Self in the present moment and using that as platform to build strength in your body, mind & spirit.  Confidence, Positive Body-Image, Peace of Mind are all by products of the process of self discovery that Yoga helps to facilitate.  Here is a few extra tips just for the guys reading this:

• Yoga isn’t just for chicks anymore.  In the last 5 years, the number of men practicing yoga has gone up from 4 to 10 MILLION.[4]
  
  
• If your not sure what to make of the class descriptions, look for:  Yoga For Runners, Yin-Vin, Yin, or some studios even have Yoga for Men classes.
  
  
• Men make up at least 30% of Yoga practitioners which means in a class of 10 you will likely have 1 or 2 other guys in there with you. [5]
  
  
• Cool Guys Practice Yoga.  Macho men like Sting, Jon Bon Jovi, Woody Harrelson all practice yoga. Creatives like Adam Levine and Colin Ferrel are yogis.[6] Even famous athletes like Victor Cruz, Lebron James, and Kevin Garnett practice yoga. [7]

 
Male or Female, if you want to get out of your own head, connect to & love the body you’re in while you get fitter then you should consider incorporating Yoga in to your routine.  Once you find the studio and class that both challenges and empowers you, allow yourself to enjoy it. All you have to do is show up open minded ready to be present on your mat and the rest will happen organically.
 
Enjoy the adventure yogis!! Until next time….Namaste.
 

[1] http://seattleyoganews.com/yoga-in-america-2016-statistics/

[2] http://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/yoga-benefits-beyond-the-mat

[3] https://www.yogaalliance.org/Portals/0/2016%20Yoga%20in%20America%20Study%20RESULTS.pdf

[4] ibid

[5] ibid

[6] https://www.doyouyoga.com/10-famous-men-who-do-yoga-62273/

[7] http://www.stack.com/a/yoga-athletes

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