I’ve talked about body image somewhat recently, but after this past weekend, I realize I have a long way to go when it comes to truly accepting and loving my own body.

Apart from maybe Jennifer Lawrence (who, according to this opinion, may be inadvertently “body-shaming” through her unapologetic attitude regarding food, Hollywood, and her own body), is there a woman today who is 100% comfortable with her appearance?

If you know her, send her my way. I’d like some advice—because I’m just not there yet.

[source]

Case in point: last Thursday night’s Bikram class.

I know in my mind that nobody cared or even noticed, probably, but my capris and tank were not the most flattering or what I usually wear. When I stood up to begin class, all I could see in the mirror was how awful I looked! The room felt a billion degrees hotter than usual, so even before we finished pranayama, I was sweating—through a shirt that showed every single bead of said sweat.

Now, I know that everybody sweats at Bikram—the room is heated to 105°, for crying out loud!—but between that and my horribly-fitting pants, I felt like an eyesore. It’s mighty difficult to concentrate on yourself in the wall-to-wall mirror when you’re incessantly critiquing—or avoiding—the image looking back at you.

Needless to say, it wasn’t my best class. I kept falling out of postures and couldn’t fully relax in savasana. I just wanted to get out—and quickly.

[source]

Fast forward to Saturday: the USA Yoga Southeastern Regional Championships in New Orleans.

Since we were already in town for the day and some of my studio’s instructors and practitioners were competing (one of whom won the men’s division and will compete at Nationals—and another finished second in the women’s!), we decided to check it out.

I learned 2 things:

1) I do not have the (hypothetical) balls to stand in front of a crowd—in a bathing suit, during the dead of winter, in complete silence, with spotlights shining on me—trying to tie my shaking limbs into knots!

2) The human body is absolutely amazing.

Sure, I used to prance around in a leotard at gymnastics practice and competitions—but I was also 12 years old. Body image was the last thing on my mind.

Whatever was going through the competitors’ heads, I have no idea, but through their nerves, they displayed elegance and acceptance, even if they started falling out of postures or couldn’t reach a certain point.

[source]

Some competitors were clearly more naturally flexible than others—but all of them pushed to their limits and carried themselves with confidence.

I can guarantee that my paranoid self would have been shaking, imagining every single person’s eyes were on my body!

But here’s the thing: my eyes were on their bodies—but not in a critical, analytical, or voyeuristic way. I couldn’t help but watch how strong they were—how their muscles displayed impeccable strength and range of motion as a result of this amazing practice. I was truly in awe of them—and wishing that I could do the same thing.

Nevertheless, we’re all different. Some yogis make it look easy—and one person’s warm up stretch may be my absolute deepest stretch—but each of us must work with what we have on that given day. I will probably never be able to do full camel or frog—and most definitely not wheel!—but as long as I’m trying my best and taking care of my body—both physically and emotionally—then I’m succeeding.

As I clear out my closet (my literal closet—of pants that are now too big 🙁 ) I’m going to try my absolute best to stop the judging and nitpicking. Because even though I’m mostly happy with my appearance, there are some days where the negatives take center stage to the positives—and confidence radiates beauty far more brightly than criticism.

[source]

Celebrate your bodies today (or maybe another day—since it’s so damn cold outside!). Take a long walk or jog or try a new group exercise (like yoga!). Buy that new tube of lipstick or perfectly-fitting pair of jeans. Treat yourself to a massage or just tell your reflection that it’s smokin’ hot—because it’s true. 🙂