Contribute to a Book About Curvy Yogis!

As this blog enters a new year, I’ve been thinking about our community and what it means to invite people into conversation with each other around issues such as body positivity, yoga and the spaces of connection.

Some of the most loved posts from last year were about community, including the fun we all had creating our lovely Curvy Yogis gallery (I’m always accepting new submissions, by the way!), learning from each other in the Curvy Seven series and reflecting on how to create and sustain inclusive spaces in both our online and local communities.

Finding Connection

One of the questions I get asked most often is how people can connect with other curvy and body positive yogis, whether practitioners, teachers or both. As the growing list of teachers on my Resources page reflects, there are more opportunities to do this than ever.

However, the options are still way too few and far between — at least for my liking! I think one of the ways we can continue to shift the tide is by letting people know we’re out there. If last year was about representation then this year is about stepping fully and boldly into our selves and our community.

An Invitation

So here’s my proposal, and I really (really, really!) hope you’re in: I’m going to curate a book of curvy yogi stories from around the world, and I want you to be part of it! I will accept submissions for six weeks and then will put it together in a beautiful, downloadable, free(!) eBook to share far and wide.

My goal is to offer inspiration and to grow a wider community for all of us — to learn from and with each other as we continue to discover what loving our bodies means for each of us and how yoga can contribute to that process.

The Super Awesome News

The good (okay, totally fabulous!) part about all of this? I want YOU to share your story! Yes, you! Even if you think you’re not a good writer. Or think your story isn’t inspiring. Or don’t practice x or y yoga pose. Or don’t love your body 100% of the time, 365 days/year.

We’re all in a process, and that’s the beautiful part about it.

The Details

• What: An invitation to share your story with curvy yogis everywhere. Consider the following as prompts for your writing: What does yoga have to do with your personal body lovin’ journey? What challenges and workarounds have you found along the way? What changes/shifts have you experienced as a result of taking on the process to treat your body with kindness? What do you most want to share with people who think yoga isn’t for them because they’re not flexible, thin, young, fit, etc. enough to practice?
  

• Who: You! I know I said that already, but it bears repeating. No writing experience required, just a willingness to share. In addition, no body shape/size required; if you have a desire to share how yoga has helped you make more peace with your body, regardless of your size, then your story is welcome. What I think is most important is that we share our stories with each other so we can remember how much we have in common with each other despite our surface differences.

• When: Pick up your pen and start writing now! (Well, maybe once you finish reading this post.) I’m all about putting pen to paper and seeing what flows out. Does that mean this will be your final draft? Of course not (or, at least, not in most cases)! Instead, take that as an opportunity to see what comes up for you and then go from there.  All pieces are due by Tues, Feb. 14. That gives you a little over 6 weeks to get your piece in by the day of love — which is what we’re hoping to share.

• Why: To share your journey with others. To inspire and be inspired. To carve out new space for curvy yogis around the world.

• Logistics: Pieces should run 400-1,200 words. You may also include an optional bio with links so people can connect with you directly!

• How: Please click here for the submission form and get all the details on how/what to include.

 Photo Credit