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 Anna Guest – Jelley, an active partner in the Yoga and Body Image Coalition.

What has yoga’s impact been on your body image and what’s that relationship like today?

Yoga has changed my relationship to my body by teaching me how to actually feel what’s going on in my body. It’s only from that place of connection that I’ve been able to shift my relationship with myself to a more positive place.

What does body positivity mean to you?

To me, body positivity is not about being positive all the time. After all, if that required, most of us wouldn’t be able to participate. Or, at least, I know I wouldn’t! What it means to me instead is being true to where I am on the path, which some days is more positive than others. But what matters to me is staying with it through the inevitable ebbs and flows.

Do you have a positive body image at all times?

Oh, of course not! I’d love to meet someone who does, haha! I can definitely see how my relationship with my body is much more positive than it used to be. But I think this is the work of a lifetime for me; there are always new layers to peel back in our relationship with our bodies and selves.

How does your work address body image issues?

Curvy Yoga provides resources for students, teachers and those hoping to become either. Our goal is to keep sounding the bell that yoga is not only available for people of all shapes and sizes, but that it’s totally possible and empowering.

Bio:

Anna Guest-Jelley is the founder of Curvy Yoga, a training and inspiration portal for people of all shapes and sizes. She is also the author of “Permission to Curve: Inspiring Poses for Curvy Yogis & Their Teachers” and co-editor of “Yoga and Body Image: 25 Personal Stories About Beauty, Bravery & Loving Your Body.”