Namaste! Today, I want to open up and share a personal journey that has taken me from the dark corners of negative body image to the radiant light of self-love and acceptance, all thanks to the transformative power of Kriya yoga.
My journey with Kriya Yoga is not limited to changing and improving negative body image, practicing Kriya Yoga has helped me in many different aspects of my life that I will share in later blogs.
The Struggle with Negative Body Image:
For as long as I can remember, I've been caught in the relentless web of societal expectations and beauty standards. From my teenage years well into adulthood, I found myself trapped in a never-ending cycle of stressing over how I looked, what the scale said, and whether my body conformed to some elusive ideal. Even when I meet many people and family members, the first comment I hear from them is, ‘Wow, you’ve lost weight’ or ‘Oh, you’ve gained weight.’ Always thin or fat comments come first, then asking about how I'm doing comes after, if it comes!!
The Wrong Intentions and Motives:
In my quest to meet these standards, I embarked on various exercise regimens and practices, all with the wrong intentions. The motives behind my efforts were rooted in external validation rather than genuine self-care. No matter how fit or thin I became, the negative body image persisted, like an uninvited guest refusing to leave.
The Yo-Yo Phases:
Like many, I lived through yo-yo phases – moments of celebration when I felt I'd achieved the perfect body followed by inevitable crashes into self-doubt when I couldn't sustain those unrealistic standards. It was an exhausting and emotionally draining rollercoaster that left me questioning my worth.
Yoga Enters the Scene:
Enter yoga, or more accurately, my initial encounter with what seemed like a sea of svelte, stretchy, and seemingly perfect yogis. I was mesmerized by their flexibility and poise, thinking this was the key to unlocking my self-esteem. Little did I know that the true magic of yoga lies not in physical appearances but in the authentic teachings that go beyond the surface.
The Shift to Authenticity:
As I started delving into the authentic teachings of yoga, my perspective underwent a radical transformation. Beyond the contorted poses and stylish leggings, I discovered the heart of yoga – a practice that encourages self-discovery, acceptance, and love.
Himalayan Kriya Yoga and Transformation:
One particular gem in my yoga journey has been Himalayan Kriya Yoga, the energy yoga that became my guiding light. This practice doesn't just touch the surface; it delves into the depths of transformation. Through its powerful methods, I found myself breaking free from the chains of negative body image, emerging as a person who was more in tune with herself. The transformation was not only at the level of body image, acceptance, and self-love, but also at many other levels, which I will share in later blogs.
Acceptance and Love:
Yoga became the sanctuary where I learned to accept and love my body the way it is. It taught me that self-worth is not determined by the number on a scale or the reflection in a mirror. Instead, it comes from a deep well of self-love that springs forth when we embrace ourselves unconditionally.
From Fear to Love:
Kriya Yoga helped me shift from making choices rooted in fear – fear of not looking a certain way, fear of judgment – to making choices rooted in love. As I became more in tune with my body, I found joy in nourishing it with love, making mindful choices that came from a place of self-care rather than societal pressure.
My journey with Kriya yoga has been a profound shift from the relentless pursuit of an external ideal to the internal embrace of self-love and acceptance.
If you find yourself caught in the throes of negative body image, know that you're not alone. Consider exploring the authentic teachings of Kriya yoga, and let the transformative power of this ancient practice guide you toward a place of peace, self-love, and acceptance.
You are beautiful just as you are, and your journey to embracing that truth is uniquely yours.
Namaste!
Kinda
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