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Who is ready for some Real Talk? I am going to first hashtag this thread #eatingdisorderawareness so if you need to give it a miss, do.
Today I left the FB group of a world-renowned yoga teacher, who I have personally practiced with at times, and have known for 14 years. Her "yoga resources" was incredibly triggering for me, and maybe it would also be for others.
The concept was that if you can't do x posture, maybe it's that "last five pounds holding you back." I have so many issues with this.
FIRST OF ALL, the idea that a posture needs to be done a certain way is completely at odds to how I teach. There are as many ways to do a posture as there are people in this world so do not tell me that.
I have taught people with extremely limited mobility, people who practice in chairs, people who are elderly, people who are recovering from strokes, and the way they do postures is CORRECT.
SECOND OF ALL the idea that we just need to lose weight to do something arbitrary is dangerous and also goes against my view that "yoga is for everybody."
Listen, I think everyone can eat the way they want, for their own joy and health, but the concept of vegan-keto AND intermittent fasting all at the same time? That's a hard no for me.
I love my plant-based diet but I will not cut carbs, not to mention NOT EAT FOR SIXTEEN HOURS A DAY. That would never work with my early-morning schedule and my strong belief in family dinners.
Social media can be so toxic in this way, and I actually FELT BAD for leaving this group. I know it's hard to make a living teaching yoga, especially these days. BUT.
I cannot give any support - even through social media - to someone who espouses these views in the guise of "yoga resources." It's just wrong for me, and, as I said, triggering.
This whole pandemic can be triggering, what with all the weight gain memes, etc. It's been okay for me, I am at a place of acceptance and love for my body. I no longer use my scale and I am eating for joy and health.
But, like for everyone, it's a delicate balance. I encourage you to step away when social media becomes toxic. Make it a place of joy for you, not the opposite.
xoxoxoxoxo to all of you
