Archive | May, 2015

I hate it when yogis talk about fat

26 May

939c418c073efd2637ed907d0e4cae24

So this is the thing. I get that we live in a society that fat shames. I get that yoga was created by men and has a focus on thinness to make some of the twists and turns easier and more effective.

Have you ever tried binding in a size 16/18 body–not impossible, but the likelihood of extra space is pretty much not going to happen.

I get the idea of austerity and focus on diet. I get the health and “philosophical” reasons. But I want to address something else.

We are so comfortable fat shaming that it is almost an impossible thought that a fat person or even more ridiculous a fat yogi (think size 12 and above, le sigh) might be as concerned about their health and happiness as a thin one. I have been reading all of these articles about yogis and yoga teachers, reclaiming their right to a full figure, a post pregnancy stomach, thigh jiggle, etc.

And, I see why we want it to be empowerment. I do, I really do. We all want to be seen, we all want to say, “Hey, look at me I’m normal, stop telling me I’m not.”

The thing that makes me cringe is that in these articles, said yogis go on to explaining why it’s ok to be who you are.  Underlining that the doubt about your body is normal and that yoga is a beauty business of sorts and that others think about it so it’s ok that you do, AND IT”S OK THAT YOU’RE A NORMAL SIZED HUMAN BEING. My question, why does this need to be validated, exactly?

And on the flip-side, can we please stop shaming Kathryn Bundig for being too skinny? My sense is that if we focused less time on what we look like and spent more time extending our love, devotion, service to those around us, we might not even care…

A month ago, I spent a weekend in Oakland at a conference organized by john a. powell, called Othering and Belonging. What I took away from this experience is the deep calling we ALL hold to belong to something, sometimes at the expense of excluding others. That exclusion somehow makes us better, stronger, smarter, fitter, more advanced than all those other people–except the ones who claim to be like us–whether that means by thought or by body. All those people we are fighting for classes, students, teacher apprenticeships, adoration, love, validation. By focusing on the external we are exclaiming that there is a RIGHT (even if you accept yourself the way you are) way to be in the world and that you can measure yourself closer, or someone else as farther away.

I am wondering what would our world look like if we assumed that everyone was working toward the same goals–love, inclusion, belonging. That we all, most likely, suffer from doubt and that doubt is probably what brought us to where we are at? What would happen if we extended that hand? If we were the person that suspended judgement and really met people where they were at? What if we measured each other by our openness, how much we were willing to give, and kindness? What kind of world would be live in then?

I am challenging us all to manifest THAT world and accept ourselves and others equally and unequivocally.

Advertisement

Special Yin Hips Workshop in Alameda

22 May

unnamed

Yin Yoga and The Art of Hip Opening
With Dia Penning
6/20/151:30-4:00pm
$30 early registration, $35 week of workshop
Info and RegistrationDo you suffer from chronic tightness or discomfort in the hips? Are you a runner, cyclist, or crossfitter with tight hamstrings, IT band, or psoas? Healthy hips are the key to easing back pain, relieving stress in the legs and feet, improving circulation and elevating overall health in the body.

This hip opening workshop will include discussion and Yin Yoga poses. No prior yoga experience required

Casting a Wider Net, Examining Race in Technology and Design

22 May

Dia J. Penning // Casting a Wider Net // MX 2015 from Adaptive Path on Vimeo.

In case you missed my talk at Adaptive Path’s Management Experience conference.

We are calling everyone in to make a world that works for everyone. Through bringing people to table, through letting go of fear, through breath, and love.

Yin Yoga Training in Vancouver!

22 May

Screen Shot 2015-05-22 at 4.07.13 PM

Join me for an amazing exploration with Danielle Hoogenboom!

Ring Ring!
Calling all Lovers of Yin!I am honoured to share in this offering with 4 amazing co-teachers infusing their knowledge and gifts into this yin immersion —a creative course exploring the power of emotions moving within our forms, fused with mystical insights, and the potential to shift cultural and collective paradigms. Empower your understanding of yin yoga and the potency of its transformation.

This is for curious students, teachers and lovers of yoga. All levels. Come for the full 10 days, or drop in for a session. LOVE!

Yin Yoga Teacher Training Immersion:

A diverse exploration of practice and culture with Danielle Hoogenboom and guests!

60 Hour Yin Teacher Training CEU with Yoga Alliance or towards a 200 hour YTT!*

When: July 6-16, 2015
Where: Yoga at 7th, 156 E 7th Ave, Vancouver
Cost: $1100 incl. manual & GST
Deposit: $400 to reserve your spot
*Drop-in Day Rates available!

Reserve Your Spot Here
Dive into the depths and diversity of Yin as both a practice and a larger metaphor for life and culture. Experience how Yin Yoga can expand our teachings and broaden our understanding of the interconnectedness of all things.

Join Danielle Hoogenboom and special guests:

  • Social Justice activist, Dia Penning, MA, RYT
  • Naturopathic Physician, Dr. Tanya Hollo
  • Traditional Chinese Medicine Doctor, Dr. Tanya Gee
  • Fascial Therapist, Harmony Shire, RMT

A collective experience to empower yoga teachers and students in the art and science of Yin Yoga.

Schedule:

  • 9am-noon: class
  • Noon-1pm: lunch break
  • 1pm-4:30pm: class
  • Please note: NO class on Sunday July 12. It will be an Open Practice Teaching Day for friends and family, or for you to rest and study.
%d bloggers like this: