This Curvi Yogi is LEARNING!
Meet Karolyn, a yogi whose practice has helped her to become a warrior in her life, while continuously overcoming an autoimmune disease!
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What is the affirmation that resonates with you right now in your life? Why did you pick this affirmation?
“Do the best with what you are equipped with each day”.
I chose this affirmation after reading “The Four Agreements” by Don Miguel Ruiz. I recommend this book for everyone! This affirmation reminds me that in every moment, I am equipped with various things that might change from day to day. What matters is that I do my absolute best with all that I’m equipped with in that moment, physically and emotionally.
2. How did you start your yoga practice?
My yoga practice actually started out with participating in a Curvy Yoga challenge on Instagram! At the time I wanted to try yoga but felt like I was way too fat to participate. Then a challenge hosted by Jessamyn and Davina popped up on my feed and I haven’t looked back since!
3. As a Curvy Yogi, what obstacles have you had to overcome in your practice?
My biggest obstacle was my mindset. Once I got over the myth in my head (perpetuated by yoga magazines and other media) that yoga was only for slim, flexible people, I was able to experience joy and peace in my practice.
4. What is your favorite yoga pose? Why?
Savasana! Lol. Actually no, although it’s a close second. But for me, uttanasana or forward fold is my favorite. It helps to relieve tightness and tension in all the areas that my body holds on to it. As someone who suffers from Rheumatoid Arthritis, I get bad morning stiffness. This pose helps to relieve my morning (afternoon, evening and night!) stiffness and makes movement easier for me.
5. What is your least favorite yoga pose? Why?
My least favorite yoga pose is anything to do with using my wrists to assist. So I would say crow pose. My wrists have been damaged from rheumatoid arthritis and they are often very painful. Any pose that puts pressure on my wrist is a no-no.
6. Do you use props in your practice? If so, what is your favorite prop to use? Why?
Yes! Props are my friends! Once I went to a yoga studio and the instructor said that if you use props then you’re not doing yoga properly. I haven’t gone back to that studio! I love using blocks and straps. They help me to work towards the “complete” pose while being safe, comfortable and confident. I don’t think yoga should make us feel less than. Props are great!
7. What advice would you give to other Curvy Yogis who are trying to build their practice?
Listen to your body! Sometimes we can get caught up on trying to achieve the same pose that we’ve seen on our social media feed (or elsewhere) when our bodies aren’t at that stage as yet. Yoga is NOT meant to be painful. The no pain no gain mantra doesn’t apply here. Research beginners’ poses, look into studio practice that focuses on beginner levels. Just begin. And if you’ve fallen off the wagon so to speak, your mat is always waiting with no judgment!
Thank You Karolyn for sharing your practice with us!
You can find Karolyn on Instagram here.
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