Curiosity tamed the Tiger...

The other day I received a message on Facebook and I wanted to talk about it here because I think that it is something important to address. 

The reasons I want to talk about it are:

1. It made me realize that my nervous system is healing because it did not activate me the way that it used to. 

2. Compassion, curiosity and healing of old wounds make the world a much better place to be.

3. Assuming the best of people and not the worst is one of the best gifts that you can give yourself. 

4. Education and representation are important.

5. We are worthy of all the good things. 

With these things in mind, please here my story.

A woman who has never been to the studio reached out with a message that said:

Why are your women so obese? (speaking about a picture of me doing yoga in an ad)
That cannot be healthy!
Please do not be offended by my question.
I ask with all sincerity. 

Cue deep breath... 

There are a few choice words that ran through my mind, but I decided to give the woman the benefit of the doubt, I mean she asked me not to be offended... 

I replied " There are many reasons that people are overweight. It can have to do with mental health, trauma, lack of resources for nutrition education, chronic dieting, poor eating habits growing up, genetics, hormonal disorders, the list goes on and on. We provide a non judgmental space for people of all shapes, sizes, backgrounds and abilities to come together to heal their mind, body and souls, whatever that means to them. It is important to have inclusive spaces for all people."

She replied "Thank you"

But I decided that I did not what to leave it at that. I wanted more, so I set my fear aside and I asked " What compelled you to ask the question?"

Her reply: I didn't think an obese person could do yoga! I am obviously mistaken. Good wishes to you and your success. 

My reply: This is exactly why we created Above Average Wellness. 

Conversation over.

I felt good leaving the conversation, she felt good leaving the conversation and I hope that the 5 minutes that we had the conversation changed her mind about what she thinks people with extra weight can and can not do and I hope that that changes someone's life.

But... this got me thinking? What are all the things that we think we can not do because society has decided we can't or we shouldn't because we don't look like the other people doing it on Instagram?

I could go on about this forever, but instead I am going to end it here with this simple truth. YOU reading this blog post... are worthy and deserving of everything that you want to do, experience, have and participate in. Do not let anyone tell you otherwise, do not let any belief system tell you otherwise and do not let the old wounds and stories tell you otherwise. You belong, there is no need to continue to try to fit in. 

I love you and you are welcome here at Above Average Wellness.