There is a stigma in yoga that plus size, thicker, rounder people can’t bend as well or in fact do yoga at all. I know, I know any Yogi or Yogini reading this is going to automatically say, “That’s crazy! Why did you just state that?!?! Yoga is for everyone, why did you just say this!?!?!” I said it because it’s true. I hate that it’s true, but it is. I personally have to deal with it all the time. When my students first meet me, when I go in for an interview/audition, or if I am going to a yoga class at a new studio. Again, I’m not thrilled for the stigma that being a plus size yoga teacher brings…but, over the past year I have learned how counter the stigma. First, I go above and beyond to look, sound, and act professional…no sometimes I’m still as goofy as ever…but, hey A for effort? Second, I always introduce myself to my classes…if it’s a new session…new students…new anything…people know who I am as a person and not by how I look. Third, I teach my heart out in my classes…combining power yoga with a slow vinyasa flow yoga…lets just say I get emails the next day about how sore my students’s cores are…..combining restorative with reiki….I have people fall asleep during classes because they are so relaxed. Fourth, I stay as knowledgeable as possible on the different subjects, chakras, modifications to the different postures, and how the body moves from pose to pose. And last, but not least I always have a smile on my face through bad auditions to great interviews. A smile will automatically ease the situation and create a better zen vibe. Here’s the deal, I will never not be plus size. I can’t change my body structure, how dense my bones are, or people’s opinions towards me….but, I can change how I feel about myself and how I act towards people. This week I encourage everyone to take the rounder approach in yoga and in life and let me know if you enjoyed rounding your shoulders in paschimottanasana. Peace, Love, and Namaste 🙂
Round it out and I will see you on your mat!
The Curvy Yogini
