The Yoga and Body Image 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 community ally, Stefan Storace.

What does “healthy body image” mean to you?

When you practice yoga focus on prana and how important the breathing is to keep your body healthy. The vital nutrients that oxygen rich blood provides for all your organs is essential to a healthy body. Image is a representation of the external form of yourself which is constantly shifting with age, diet, and lifestyle. Don’t focus on something that is always changing on a day to day basis.

 How can we as a society promote a healthy body image for all?

Bring awareness to the negative effects of practicing yoga asanas in front of mirrors. Focus on the positive internal effects yoga has on the organs of the body, the nervous system and how that effects the mind.

Describe one of your transformational moments on your mat.

My first 10-day Vipassana was the most difficult experience physically, mentally and emotionally. On a physical level sitting for 10 days and not being allowed to practice asana was difficult. The mental aspect of not being able to communicate with people, magazines, cell phones changes your perspective on your life. What I mean by that is everything in your life from the past to the present comes up in a variety of emotions. Events, people and situations you have not thought about or forgot completely moves to the surface. Emotionally falling apart and then recovering day in and a day out. Crying and letting go of your life for 10 days recharges your battery in the most transformational way.

Who are your yoga role models (if any)? Why?

My teacher Yogarupa Rod Stryker. He walks the talk and talks the walk. He is not just a yoga teacher he is a scholar. He is on a mission to teach the Sri Vidya lineage to people that are interested in go beyond asana.

The systematic and methodical approach to the yoga system has changed my life forever and I continue to teach and share this philosophy to anyone who is interested. Thank you Yogarupa.

 What does self-empowerment mean to you?

Self-empowerment means observing the changing conditions and applying all the knowledge from your well-rounded yoga practice to help yourself heal. Healing on all levels, which means physically, mentally and emotionally.

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

Slow down.

How does your work address body image issues?

We do not focus on body image issues in our teaching per se. Our intention is to teach overall health and well-being that fits each individuals needs to live to their fullest potential. The body, mind and spirit are always changing and applying techniques to keep the system flowing smoothly in a positive way keeps people feeling amazing.

Bio:

Stefan Storace was born and raised in Los Angeles and received his first Dan Black Belt from 9th Dan Grandmaster Dennis Ichikawa T.O./Westlake Karate in 1981 and started teaching at age 12. He owns and operates Garden of Yoga in Woodland Hills, California with his wife Diana and son Sol.