The Yoga and Body Image Coalition is committed to building conscious community and highlighting the work that inspiring yogis are doing in their local communities and beyond. We’re pleased to introduce you to Yoga and Body Image Coalition advisor, Mara Glatzel.

Do you have a positive body image at all times?

Ha! I love this question. So many people believe that we will inevitably reach a magical moment where we love our bodies all the time – and use the lack of this magical moment to mean that there must be something wrong with us. Positive body image is something that we have to recommit to every time we find ourselves lost or speaking to ourselves in a way that is less than kind. Instead of a magical destination that we’re working to reach, positive body image is a continued practice of coming home to ourselves, honoring our needs, and choosing to relate to ourselves sweetly – especially when we aren’t feeling very loving or generous towards our bodies.

Describe a transformational moment on your mat.

I remember the exact moment when I gave myself the permission to show up on my mat with what I had and simply let it be. Giving myself that beautiful permission to show up messy and see where my practice took me removed the pressure and allowed me to find my way to my mat to meet my need for movement and restoration. This small tweak in my mindset and approach opened up so much space for me to be able to incorporate a personal yoga practice into my hectic lifestyle.

What does self-empowerment mean to you?

Self-empowerment lies in the cultivation of self-trust and the belief that no matter what happens, you can rely upon the steady foundation of your relationship with yourself. However, in order to create this type of relationship, you have to be unendingly gentle with yourself. Speak to yourself with compassion and honesty. This relationship is built like any other – by showing up, following through, and allowing it to unfurl naturally. When you can dig deeply into self-trust, you’re able to feel truly empowered and supported, no matter what comes your way.

If you could say 1 thing to your younger self, what would it be? 

Loosen the tether of perfectionism! There were so many years that I spent white-knuckling my life, telling myself the story that I had to hold it all together beautifully in order to be worthy. In that state, I responded to each situation as if it were an emergency, a response that brought me directly to the brink of burnout. I wish I could let her know that she is enough as she is and give her rampant permission to experiment with her life joyfully to see what lights her up the most.

How does your work address body image issues? 

My work helps women understand themselves. Body image issues often show up as a symptom of a disconnect between what we think we should be, and who we actually are. Through tending to and truly understand our personal needs, we’re able to believe that we are deserving of our own love and attention. It’s about carving out space in your life to be messily and beautifully human – worthy, and deserving.

 

Short Bio

Mara Glatzel is an intuitive coach and energy healer who works with audacious women who have the sacred (and stubborn) drive for evolution and a desire to cultivate extraordinarily joyful lives. She guides women to live and run their businesses on their own terms – with ample space for sacred celebration, radiant love, and permission. She is really revved up and turned on by heart and untapped potential.