Beauty - everyone's definition is different - but we often allow it to include qualities that belong to "other" people. Our minds have been manipulated into believing photoshopped images glaring at us from the front of magazines, instagram posts and facebook pages should be our ultimate goals in life. The picture below is an excellent example of warping our minds. The image shows a model photoshopped to the point of not having a belly button. The company is trying to get us to use their product to look like this - when this - isn't. even. real.
We need to LOVE our reality. We all have unique qualities and traits that give us personality, character and life. We all have "issues" - even the person that just popped into your head as your "ideal" of "perfect" has their own problems, faults and flaws. Our youth are seeing more images and hearing more false ideals through all of the options of media outreach available today. These false realities lead to destructive thoughts and behaviors. But, through all of the negativity, every-now-and-then - we have brave souls helping us to feel proud of our bodies -
The picture above was posted on Facebook as a statement to the world that our bodies are wonderful, and we should love ourselves - no matter what. Many of us that have had babies can relate to this picture. Our genetic pool dictates our skin's ability to grow in pregnancy and stretch and retract. IF you've had babies and your body looks like this - be Proud to be a mom! This picture shows a healthy and strong woman. She can't change her skin pooch through exercise or diet, but our society would encourage her to have it surgically removed to feel better about herself. I would give this person a standing ovation if I knew her! We all need to be proud of whatever "flaw" we seem to dwell on that makes us who we are as a beautiful person.
The realities of negativity and societal pressures lead many down a self destructive path. Our society feels bad about their bodies because we don't look like the cover of magazines and so many revert to drastic measures to find peace. Through the midst of self loathing and depression, there is hope without harmful self inflictions.
I'm amazed when I see and hear something overwhelmingly positive being shared through popular media. One day as my daughter was listening to music while doing the dishes, some lyrics popped out at me. It made me stop and search for the entire song. The lyrics made my heart hurt and soar at the same time. I felt compelled to put yoga poses to the music -
The song from the video is by Alessia Cara, "Scars to Your Beautiful." There are words written all over my body, face, hands and feet. The lighting doesn't allow you to read them, but some include - Amazing, Awesome, Beautiful, Magnificent, Strong, Life, Saved, etc. As a yoga instructor, I want to "be your mirror, help you see a little bit clearer, The Light that shines within." We all have an Amazing Light! I see great beauty in each class as we seek to become more healthy, strong and confident in our bodies. For those who are Christians, this song also shares a message of grace and healing through any problems or failures.
As I was thinking about places to take pictures for this month's #BeyondBeautiful yoga pose challenge, I wanted to share a place that represents beauty from within. I was honored to be allowed to take pictures at a restoration project in the works. The owner of Firehouse Fitness in Abilene (where I teach yoga) purchased a condemned building in Abilene and is turning it into a home for his family with an awesome courtyard. Throughout the courtyard (shown below) there is beauty shining through what many would consider trash. The artist, Ro Diaz, painted the mural shown in the picture below.
The yoga poses for the challenge in December seek to create an open heart, strong body, and a relaxed mind. As with all of the challenges, if there's a pose shown that you'd like to choose a different variation (less intense or more difficult) feel free to do so. As in my yoga classes, the poses offered are suggestions. As we as yoga students become more mind/body/spirit aware, we are able to hear our bodies tell us the poses we need to feel better, stronger and more alive each day. My goal for you this month is to feel alive, free and awesome in your body. Seeking to be healthy by moving each day, creating deep full breaths, and meditating on positive affirmations all help us to see our individual beauty, and share it with the world around us.
For those who choose to share your brave bodies with me by participating in this month's #BeyondBeautiful yoga pose challenge, you will be entered to win this fun prize from my friend, Holly, with Romancing The Bead! This is beautiful Sea Foam jewelry. She makes custom jewelry and malas which make perfect gifts for your loved ones any time of year. Check out her Facebook page and see her previous works of art.
To participate -
Share the information about this challenge on your Facebook or Instagram accounts, and tag me @clarissapyeattyoga from either outlet.
Then post your body's variation of each day's pose on your social media account. If your account is private, you can make individual posts public to participate, or you can message me your pics. But, I do have to be able to see your pics for you to be entered to win the prize. You can also request me to follow or friend you. Message or email me if you'd like a picture to enlarge or a list of poses. An enlargeable picture is posted on my Facebook page.
I'm also including another fun prize for Creativity! Being creative with your background, people posing with you or awesome modifications for the poses. This prize helps us seek to find balance and peace. Feeling our foundation of security in who we are and being able to see who we are as a whole are important in allowing us to shine our lights to the world.
I look forward to seeing all of your beautiful bodies this month! You are all wonderful people. If you are currently experiencing feelings of depression or anxiety, for any reason, yoga is an excellent source that works along side your doctor's recommended treatment. An excellent resource to help you find specific yoga for you is a Book by Amy Weintraub, Yoga For Depression. She also has an excellent website with free downloads available. Throughout the book she offers breathing techniques and postures - but many times requests you seek the help of a qualified yoga instructor. I'm offering FREE consultations to anyone needing help with yoga for mental focus, awareness, depression, anxiety, PTSD, grief, emotional stability, etc. Please email me at clarissapyeattyoga@gmail.com.
YOU are #BeyondBeautiful! Let Your LIGHT Shine!