"Yoga is the journey of the self, through the self, to the self."
-The Bhagavad Gita
A theme that's been coming up in several conversations I've had lately is how intimidating and uncomfortable it can be to step into a group yoga class. If that's the case for you, trust me, you are not alone, and I understand! It can be scary to try something new, especially if you feel self-conscious about your body or uneasy in your skin. And trust me again, I get what that feels like too! For sure.
These chats with others got me thinking about how I can help those who want some yoga in their life get it at home. I also thought about how home yoga practices focused specifically on strengthening body image and supporting eating disorder recovery might be helpful. After all, that's what yoga has done for me and is the focus of my individual and group work, so why not share it with more people?
So, I decided to go for it and created an online video series called Yoga to Strengthen Body Image and Support Eating Disorder Recovery.
I have to admit, creating the video series was quite an experience! As a one-woman-production, I learned way more than I ever thought I would about video, audio, and everything in between. It was both comical and intensely frustrating at times, but in the end, I feel happy and hopeful about how these videos may empower a whole lot of people, and my fingers are crossed that you are one of them.
Each 30-minute video will show you how to build physical strength, calm spinning thoughts, and begin to cultivate compassion and curiosity about your body. I will also teach you practical, hands-on ways yoga can be used to strengthen body image, support eating disorder recovery, and help with disordered eating patterns and thoughts.
I totally get that it can feel scary to be in your body. But I promise I will be there to guide you. One breath, one pose, one video at a time, we will build new empowering habits to support your ongoing relationship with your body and self.
This video series is perfect for you if you are curious about trying yoga, are relatively new to yoga, or prefer a private setting versus a group class. It's also appropriate for experienced practitioners who would like to explore their yoga practice in new and empowering ways.
I invite you to take a quick moment to learn some more about Yoga to Strengthen Body Image and Support Eating Disorder Recovery. I also invite you to email me with any questions or to share your yoga experience; I sincerely enjoy learning about how yoga has been a healing influence in other’s lives, so please share!
Jennifer Kreatsoulas, PhD, RYT, is a yoga teacher and yoga therapist specializing in eating disorders and body image. In recovery herself, Jennifer is extremely passionate about helping others reconnect with their bodies and be empowered in their lives. Jennifer works with clients in person and via Skype. She also teaches yoga at the Monte Nido Eating Disorder Center of Philadelphia and is a partner with the Yoga and Body Image Coalition. She leads trauma-sensitive yoga classes and teaches weekly flow yoga classes. Jennifer contributes regularly to eating disorder and body image blogs and the YogaLiving Magazine. Connect with Jennifer: www.ChimeYogaTherapy.com
If you have any questions or need support, please feel free to call me at 610.314.8402 for a free 15 minute phone consultation.
Please comment below and tell us your story!