Gentle Yoga
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an Anti-diet approach to movement helps us connect to our body as it is now
We embrace self-care, respect, and liberating our body from weight stigma. We reject body shame, restriction, and judgment.
We leave diet culture behind, along with the idea that we have to change our body to be worthy.
We leave diet culture behind, along with the idea that we have to change our body to be worthy.
Class Schedule:
July 7, 14, 28 (Sunday)
11:15AM-12:15PM
Studio Location:
Torre Yoga and Wellness
UG08 Cityland 10 Tower 1, 156 H.V. Dela Costa, Makati, Metro Manila, Philippines
July 7, 14, 28 (Sunday)
11:15AM-12:15PM
Studio Location:
Torre Yoga and Wellness
UG08 Cityland 10 Tower 1, 156 H.V. Dela Costa, Makati, Metro Manila, Philippines
frequently asked questions
Q: What does body acceptance mean?
A: Body acceptance is a term used in the body liberation and fat liberation movement. The idea is that we are able to care for our body regardless of how it looks or how socially accepted our body is, whether straight sized or plus sized. Our body is not a "before" body that we have to manipulate and restrict to look a certain way. From this perspective, terms like "fat" and "thin" are descriptors that do not hold any moral significance, and one is therefore no better or worse than the other. While straight-sized folks may struggle with body image as a result of a fatphobic society, plus-sized folks regularly experience systemic discrimination in the forms of bullying, loss of job opportunities, misdiagnosis in the field of health care, etc. The work of body acceptance seeks not only to help us make peace with our own body, but also to help shape a world that is more inclusive of different bodies. It is therefore both a practice of personal freedom and social justice.
Q: How is the Gentle Yoga for Body Acceptance class trauma-informed?
A: This trauma-informed body acceptance class is free of all diet talk that can trigger body image issues, disordered eating, or eating disorders. Yoga was never meant to be a tool to obsess over how our body looks. With an understanding that weight is affected by factors such as genetics, mental health, medications, education, economic status, dieting history, etc, this practice will never suggest that you need to change your body for any reason on and off the mat. Photographs and videos will not be taken while the class is on-going, and your explicit consent will be asked in case of any social media posts. There are also no physical assists in this class so you may reclaim your own body trust and autonomy.
Q: Who can benefit from a Gentle Yoga for Body Acceptance class?
A: This class is most beneficial to those who struggle with their body image and have engaged or continue to engage in harmful behaviors such as dieting, fasting, calorie-counting, or over-exercising with the intention to lose weight. This class is open to all bodies regardless of size, race, gender, age etc. We focus on finding joy in movement, releasing tension in places of discomfort, and allowing ourselves to re-discover our bodies through the lens of love, care, and respect. Apart from physical yoga poses, there will also be reflection points, meditation, and affirmation practices included in the class.
Q: What is the format of a Gentle Yoga for Body Acceptance class?
A: The class will start with an intention of the day's practice. The space is also open for about 10 minutes to anyone who would like to share their past or current body image struggles. Here we practice deep listening by hearing what the person is saying, without the need to comment or give advice or question their experience. We will then move on to a gentle yoga practice where you are encouraged to explore variations, use the support of props as needed, and rest whenever it feels nourishing to do so. The class ends with a short yoga nidra (guided relaxation) practice.
Q: Can I take this class even if I still want to lose weight?
A: I understand that letting go of diet culture is hard. I've been there! You are welcome to take this class so you can experience for yourself an alternative way of living, one where you can freely love your body without controlling or obsessing over it. It is my hope that through this practice, you may pick up a self-care mindset that allows you to break free from the compulsion of dieting. I strongly suggest reading the book "The Body is not an Apology: The Power of Radical Self-Love" by Sonya Renee Taylor that helped me heal my relationship with my own body.