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3 Ways (Yoga Included!) to Shift Your Body Image, by Anna Guest-Jelley, MA

(Article originally published in The Llewellyn Journal.)

A friend recently asked me how I made the shift towards a more positive body image.

And I froze.

Despite writing about this often and thinking about it even more, an answer didn't easily spring to mind. I think that's because it's a monolithic question in a lot of ways, and I've done SO many different things that it's hard to narrow it down.

Drilling Down

After shaking off my initial brain freeze, I did the next best thing I could think of: spout off some platitudes—therapy, journaling, blah, blah, blah.

Now, those things aren't blah blah to me—not at all. They're actually two of my most important tools that I use on a regular basis. But they were blah blah to her at the time because I knew she'd heard it all before, and she was struggling. She wanted to hear something different, and I knew I wasn't being as real as I wanted to be.

One More Layer
There were a few other friends in the room, so the conversation continued for a bit without me. I listened to them with one ear and to myself with the other—asking myself, "What has REALLY made a difference to me?"

And then it hit me.

As soon as I could, I jumped back into the conversation and told my friend, "One of the biggest things I did was completely change my environment."

That got her attention.

Creating My Life
From there, I went into further detail. First up, I let go of toxic friendships—the ones that drained me of energy because they were all one-sided. But also the ones where all we talked about was how much we hated our bodies and needed to go on a diet. Now, I didn't just call up these people and break-up with them in one day; my process wasn't that quick. But over time, as I saw our relationships more deeply (or, rather, saw their lack of depth), I had less desire to spend time with these people. And we gradually drifted apart—no passive-aggressive melodrama necessary.

Second, I also changed my home. I got rid of all the clothes I was hanging onto for the hopes of fitting into one day. I couldn't believe the shift that created for me energetically. I quite literally felt freer after unburdening myself of the expectations infused in those clothes. I also hid my scale from myself. Of course, I knew it was still there, but more often than not I didn't think about it when it wasn't the first thing I saw every morning. Again, over time, as I fell out of the routine of weighing myself two-three times a week, I missed it less and less.

The Myth of Giving Up
As I read through this list, my inner critic thinks, "You didn't change your environment. You gave up!"

And, my, isn't that a pervasive myth? We even have jokes about it—how people get older, married, in a busy job, have kids or whatever (it really doesn't matter the reason, does it?)—and they "give up." In this scenario, giving up is meant to mean on the way they look. What a sad social construct.

First of all, I think this is ridiculous, offensive, and designed solely to support the diet and beauty industries. Second, you know what looks better on people than a smaller pair of pants? Not hating themselves.

Truly, don't we all know those people whose bodies don't fit the standard beauty norms but who everyone thinks is radiant and gorgeous? I know I do. And it's not because of their clothes or makeup. It's because they have a light within, and they shine it out with confidence.

Where Yoga Comes In
Another thing I did to make a body image shift is commit to my yoga practice—for real. Up until that point I'd had an on again/off again relationship with it, but as I realized how yoga taught me to connect with my body on the mat, I quickly saw how it was supporting me in the same way off the mat. So I set about finding a way to practice every day, even if some days that looked like one deep breath with mindfulness.

The more I talk with people about how yoga affects their body image, the more inspired I am by how it creates a positive shift for so many types of people in different ways. Although yoga culture these days can sometimes contribute less positively to body image issues, the actual practice of yoga reconnects people with their bodies and gives them a way to relate to them that might otherwise be difficult or even in accessible.

Making the Shift
I know it can sounds like a lot, perhaps even too much, to change your environment. And I can hear the reasons as to why you could never cut that person out of your life. And that's probably true; it is for me. I still have people in my life who aren't 100% supportive of my body lovin' journey who I choose not to cut out (primarily because they're family members). So what I do with them is shift the conversation as much as possible, redirecting the topic when it shifts to bodies, calories, and dieting, as it often does.

You'll also notice that with everything I did, I said "over time" or "slowly." This didn't happen overnight?not by a long shot. So if there are things you might like to change in your life, figure out your own pace and method.

And start making the shift.

Article originally published in The Llewellyn Journal. Copyright Llewellyn Worldwide, 2014. All rights reserved.

I'm a Sagittarius. The day I turned 38, I realized I'm psychic. This explains why I have been called eccentric and anti-social all my life. (Crowds bother me.) Apparently, I come from a long line of psychics. When I decided to embrace it all, I found peace and my place in the universe. I seem to instinctively know how to meditate; call on light entities, spirits and energies; read people; protect myself from negative energies and forces; and avoid people who claim they are psychic when I know they're not (or when they're not as powerful as they think they are). I dream of water and wind and dancing naked under a full moon all the time. I want to know if being psychic is in your blood. Do you think some people are born with this gift because they developed their psychic abilities in past lives? I feel guilty when I think of this gift as a great power, but it seems to be growing stronger and stronger. Thank you.

Aileen

Astrea:

Fire Signs (Aries, Leo and Sagittarius) often come to the realization that they are psychic all of a sudden as they mature into grown-ups. Even if they've been totally unaware they had any ability before, it can all come rushing in whether they want it or not. Sagittarians realize that the use of these abilities can open doors that have been closed to them in the past.

The age of 38 is just right for most Sagittarians to accept their psychic capabilities, for the mystical gifts of people born at the closing of the year often come to light between the ages of 38-42. While I'm sure you knew you were a bit psychic before, I understand the sort of discovery you made at that age. It really IS like a light coming on! Everything looks different, and it's easy to get lost in a dream world. Responsibility is the key to having your gift work for you in the best possible way.

The sources of psychic ability are so varied that it would be difficult to pinpoint one thing that would cause sudden awakening for an individual. It can arise from personal experiences, outside influences, family traits and past lives, and can certainly be in your blood. Past lives do play an important role in the acceptance of our psychic abilities. With each incarnation, a little more of what we can do is revealed until we can accept the entire spiritual package.

The dreams you have of being free and easy with nature could certainly be part of a past life experience, or you could be astral traveling during those experiences. Since you're such a natural at other spiritual arts, if you keep a journal of those dreams, you'll discover how you can use meditation to interpret what you're dreaming. You should be able to interpret your dreams and other people's dreams in no time.

Please be aware that you can get into trouble judging other people's level of psychic awareness. Also, don't look down your nose at psychic posers. You don't have time to evaluate the psychic competency of people who may be very different from you in terms of their spirituality, and you have a lot left to learn about taking responsibility for your own abilities.

As a Sag myself, I know how difficult it can be for us to keep our big mouths shut. Beware of thinking of yourself as powerful. Confidence is a good thing, but you would be wise to think before you speak of your power to others. Feeling it is one thing; talking about it to people who don't understand can be a big mistake.

*****

Susyn:

I believe that, whether or not we are aware of it, each one of us possesses psychic abilities. They are a facet of our spirits that come to life when we are ready. Sometimes this happens in early childhood, sometimes later in life, and in some cases, not at all.

During the awakening process, many of us do discover that we are already familiar with certain metaphysical practices such as tarot, astrology, Reiki and other energy work. For those of us who practiced these gifts in a past life, it can be more like we are remembering them than learning them.

I awakened at a later stage in life and was amazed to discover after only two classes that I was able to read the tarot with ease. I also discovered a similar affinity for astrology. Once I had a few past life readings with a psychic, it was confirmed that I have spent many past lives as a witch, psychic or gypsy, honing my skills in the metaphysical arts.

Many psychics talk about having the same experiences you described: Feeling like they are different from others and being labeled as eccentric, anti-social or in some cases, just plain weird! Along with the discomfort you feel in a crowd, these are all common experiences for those of us who grew up unaware of the strong psychic abilities we possess.

It sounds like you have advanced powers and are working to make them even stronger. This is natural, for once this door is open, it's difficult to close it. People who attempt to ignore or bury their psychic side often end up with physical or emotional problems.

It is important to protect yourself as you continue to investigate your psychic powers and learn more about various spiritual practices. In the early stages of awakening, we can get caught up in powerful feelings, and it can seem as if nothing can get in our way.

In truth, it's a good idea to have a mentor to guide you through the development process so that you don't find yourself going down the wrong path. Many gifted psychics have fallen victim to the darker side of the occult. When this happens, we may begin to use our gifts in ways that are not supported by Spirit or Universal law.

As you continue on your exciting path to enlightenment, you may feel inspired to use your special gifts to help others, and you may also be called to teach those just beginning the process of awakening. As you move forward, always keep in mind that your gifts are Spirit-given, and be open to seeing how the Universe would like you to best use them.

Astrea:

Many times in life we hear, "You will always have what you NEED, but not necessarily what you WANT." Your spirit must have needed to experience the feeling of leaving your human body, and the suggestion in the next chapter of Sylvia Brown's book was all it took to get you there.

Even though you hadn't read it yet, your SOUL recognized the title of that chapter as something it had been seeking, and your soul, knowing that you had that reference to read after your experience, got with it and out you went!

While I don't usually recommend her books, Sylvia Brown has a wide reaching and powerful effect on lots of people. A Gemini like you would be able to relate easily to her writing and put it to good use. Synchronicity - you gotta love it!

I like your description of "getting caught." That's exactly what it feels like, isn't it? One minute you're free and hovering above the room, and the next minute, ZAP! back down into your corporeal form you go!

As a little kid, I loved that "feeling of return." With practice, most of the time we can control that event, but sometimes, when our physical ears hear a distracting noise or something else occurs to knock us back into reality, back we go. With practice you will be able to control your return better.

I find it interesting that you were visiting your mother-in-law and not someone in your own genetic family. Evidently, you and your husband got married for reasons that are even deeper than love. His family's interest in "psychic stuff" will nurture your children in such matters and help them to grow into their own abilities.

You'll never have to be concerned that when your daughter visits them, she'll be discouraged from exploring her own psychic life and power. My parents encouraged me to develop my psychic senses in a time when it wasn't nice to even discuss such things in public. Heck, it's STILL not considered a great topic at the dinner table in some families!

Your kids will get to talk about it ALL and ask questions and read and study. This is going to give them such an edge in life! Talk with your husband about how you want to present this to your kiddos, so that you are united in your approach and ready to tell them their experiences are all natural and okay.

A word or two of warning: Geminis often have difficulty staying grounded in REAL LIFE. Don't get so strung out on your ASTRAL life that you neglect what you're doing here on Earth.

You are at the beginning of a long journey to learn where your power really lies. Try to be patient with this process and take your time.