By guest blogger: Christa Steeves
I’m on a mission, several missions actually, but the one we are a going to talk about today is my mission to fill yoga studios with beautiful, curvy bodies of all shapes and sizes. To create a welcoming, non-judgemental place and space where people with larger bodies can explore yoga and the many physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual benefits it can provide.
If I just say the word yoga, in a group of non-yogis I’m usually met with a mix of “I could never do yoga,” “I’m not at all flexible,” “I’ve always wanted to try yoga, but I need something really basic.” I see these all as opportunities, a chance to share with people that everyBODY can do yoga, and that yoga is not just want we see on the cover of the magazines in line at the grocery store, nor is it just what we see on social media. When chatting with other plus-sized folks, I hear all of the above, but am also met with a lot of feelings of intimidation, fears of judgement, worries about not being able to do it or keep up, of the tight clothing, and the list goes on.
The first time I walked into a yoga studio over 15 years ago, I know I was scared to death. I did not look at all like what we all assume is the “typical yogi*” but I was drawn to the practice (BTW there is no typical yogi, and that’s the myth I’m on a mission to bust!) Despite my 230lb frame, I was quite active; I ran, swam, hiked, and went to the gym. Skinny does not equal healthy. And fat does not equal unhealthy. But, that is what many people think, don’t they? I pulled up my big girl panties (and leggings) and walked past my fear. I found a studio that was very welcoming and open, where all ages, shapes, sizes, abilities, and genders practiced. And I’ve been on my mat ever since. It took me a little while to find my yoga home here in Newfoundland, after moving home from Nova Scotia, but it was love at first down dog when I walked into Nova Yoga and met Melanie. Here, I also found a place that had yogis of all kinds. I truly felt this acceptance when I went on a yoga retreat to Costa Rica in 2016. I knew I would be the biggest yogi, I often was and am. Of course, some of my old beliefs and fears reared their concerns but I knew, deep within myself, that I was going to a place free of judgement and preconceived notions. And of course, I was right. It was truly a time when I really began to love my body, to accept myself exactly as I am, to heal old wounds, revise old beliefs, and to appreciate all of the things this vessel of mine allows me to experience.
Over the years, I was able to slowly adapt my practice to accommodate my larger frame, my shorter arms, my belly that sometimes got in the way, and my boobs when they would darn near smother me in some poses! I learned to use props, I didn’t care that I needed them, and to modify poses to meet my unique needs. There are lots of poses I can do, and there are lots of poses I can’t. But it’s not about that. It was the other things yoga was teaching me, the spiritual and emotional stuff, that helped me keep showing up despite fears, worries, and intimidation. My weight has been up and down, and down and up, and back again over the years (another blog for another time) but my practice could always change and adapt with me, even through my pregnancies. And, most important, it did not matter what size or shape I was in, much of the yoga was for my mind, and my mind is neither skinny nor fat!
So, back to my mission. I want to offer a yoga experience for curvy bodies that is free of judgement and full of compassion and self-acceptance. An environment where people share common fears, worries, and have similar needs. A place where we can talk about our bellies, boobs, and bums; and how to modify poses so we can breathe freely, move easily, and enjoy our yoga practice. A place to connect mind, body, and spirit. So, I created FabuPlus yoga, it is a 6-week session of classes, designed specifically to help curvy people become curvy yogis. To learn about and embrace a yoga practice and lifestyle. Where past worries are left behind, and future wishing is suspended, and we enjoy the present moment together, accepting ourselves with love and appreciation right here, right now, in the the present moment, exactly as we are.
The benefits of yoga are not meant to be reserved for only certain people or body types. There should be no monopoly on physical fitness, mental and emotional health, and spiritual wellbeing. These are gifts meant for all of us. But in the world of “Instagram yoga”, societal pressure, media scrutiny, and people’s judgements, we’ve ended up feeling that being overweight is the worst thing a person can be. The very meaning of yoga, and the basis of the teachings, is Union. It is a journey of self-acceptance, of love, kindness and compassion for self, others, and our world. When we say Namaste, we are recognizing the light in ourselves and that same light in others. And each of our lights shine just as bright no matter the size of our lights container. We are all made differently. And that is a wonderful thing. How boring would the world be if we were all the same? Let’s accept our differences and in a supportive, kind, gentle and nurturing yoga class celebrate our bodies and what they can do. Trust me, you will surprise yourself along the way!!! The small goals and the little accomplishments you will experience are huge gifts to yourself. Your self-esteem, confidence, and sense of worth will expand. Your strength, resolve, and resilience will improve, both mentally and physically. And you will experience improved flexibility, reduced stress, less pain, and increased peace of mind.
As one of our beautiful curvy yogis put it, “Honestly, a group class of yoga can be scary when you are plus-sized. You never know if you are going to be capable of doing all the poses, etc. But please do yourself a favour and try Christa’s class, FabuPlus Yoga is amazing! The 75-minutes gave me a relaxed calm spirit when I left. The next morning I felt better than I had in ages. I was more mobile and flexible, with much less pain all over my body. I highly recommend this for anyone, but especially if you are really plus-size, like I am. Yay… I love it!”
Meet Christa here!
Follow Christa on Facebook and Instagram @imawellbeing
Website: www.imawellbeing.com
To register or to learn more about FabuPlus starting in May, click here!
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