ខ្មែរ
English
You are what you think. At least, that’s what I’ve learned through yoga. It seems pretty straightforward, but I didn’t always understand this simple concept. I, like so many women, struggled with body image issues. Casual glances in the mirror were met with criticism and I knew every one of my flaws by heart. This negative internal voice bought in to the media’s image of beauty and perfection.
But yoga changed all of that. Although we commonly think of the word as it relates to the physical practice—what you literally do in a yoga class—it goes so much further. I learned that yoga was a comprehensive practice that extended far beyond the mat. For instance, when I hold a pose longer than I did the day before, I’m reminded of my strength. When I sit in stillness—and my mind is actually quiet for a minute—I’m reminded of the peace I can find within myself. Over time, these habits of my mind and body began to overflow into my daily life. I can see it now in little moments like when I’m stuck in traffic, instead of getting angry and impatient, I find that stillness I’ve practiced so many times on my mat.
More importantly, though, I started to see that the physical exercise was just a tool, allowing me to take a step back and focus solely on my body and its needs. It allowed me to appreciate it for its functions rather than its form. Through my practice, I learned to realign myself with my natural way of being and to start to understand when and why I was resisting a state of happiness and joy. My resistance manifested itself as criticism of my body and self-doubt, but every day I worked to slow down and observe those voices in my head. I recognize now that what they’re saying doesn’t have to be my reality. My body is beautiful for what it does not just how it looks.
At a time when more and more women are seeking a way out of the media’s mandated image of beauty, yoga has become one of the most popularized activities all over the world. It’s no coincidence that as women become more economically empowered, we are seeking ways to free ourselves internally as well. The physical practice of yoga is an effective tool to aid us in developing the positive self image we need to continue showing our strength and resilience in this world. So, embrace your power, let go of what or who you think you should be, and love what is.
Here’s how to start:
1. Find a yoga community
There are so many yoga studios emerging in almost every city around the world so this is easier than ever. Try different studios and find one that feels right for you. By surrounding yourself with like-minded people, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to build healthy, positive friendships.
2. Relieve your stress
Stress is one of the greatest triggers of negative thinking. When we’re stressed out, we often become more self-critical about our weight, eating habits, and physical appearance. Aside from promoting self-acceptance, yoga has been proven to help alleviate stress making it the perfect tool for anyone struggling with busy workweeks and a hectic home life.
3. Embrace “Me” time
Giving yourself the opportunity to silence your mind helps put a stop to negative thinking. Having a yoga practice teaches you to focus on your breath and your body, giving you the much needed space to separate from the constant views of others. It’s also a good excuse to put down your smart phone and step away from the computer to be totally with yourself—body, mind, and spirit—in all its absolute perfection.
