Social media platforms like Instagram, Twitter or Facebook are a wonderful tools to express ourselves, create communities and share our opinion. But they also give people a forum for what is called “body shaming”. It goes from celebrities to social media stars to even pretty normal people.
All the more, it is very bizarre to see this “trend” conquering the Yoga community, too. Isn’t Yoga about accepting ourselves the way we are? Ourselves and others?
Love yourself — accept yourself — forgive yourself — and be good to yourself. And to others, too.
Usually, body shaming is a code for fat shaming. But, as recent discussions around so called “Yoga porn” and “Yoga Barbie” selfies on Instagram shows, body shaming goes in both directions which doesn’t make it any better.
Recently, I stumbled upon this talk from Yoga teacher Kathryn Budig about body shaming on social media, about jealousy and comparing ourselves to others.
Kathryn Budig is the face of national advertising campaigns, has been on the cover of magazines, and leads yoga retreats around the world. You might think she gets a pass on being body shamed, or that she always feels confident about her body.
But, as she shared at this year’s revitalize, Kathryn knows all too well what it feels like to be body shamed on social media.
I’d like to share her empowering, boldly honest talk. Maybe her story may help change the conversation in a world that loves judging women’s bodies. And I know that I need to search my own conscience when it comes to judgement towards others and – especially – towards myself.
Image source: Yoga Journal
