WELLNESS: Fat? In self-defense of body image

Every now and then an explosive story emerges about body image, to put it more blatantly about being FAT.

This word is a trigger that can evoke emotional outburst and social outrage and I would dare say has an effect one way or another on most everybody on the planet. Just recently WKBT News 8 anchor Jennifer Livingston received a letter from a viewer criticizing her physical appearance, and how she is a negative influence for girls because as the offender put it “ Surely you don’t consider yourself a suitable example for this community’s young people, girls in particular. Obesity is one of the worst choices a person can make and one of the most dangerous habits to maintain”.

OK he downright called her obese. This unkind letter publicly aired and defended by Ms Livingston was personal, insensitive and hurtful to her and opened up a public can of worms on the subject of being overweight. All sides were out for debate. Battling between the health advocates who believe it is helpful to offer this ‘counsel’ for getting into shape and those who are appalled at the audacity of insensitive bullying and then those who are out and loud about their belief that overweight people should not be on a network for all to see. Lock away your fat daughters? Shame.

From an Ayurvedic perspective we all have different body types the concept of which can often be misunderstood. There are the slender Vata or air types, the athletic and moderate Pitta or fire types and the more voluptuous Kapha or water types. No matter our body type we can all go out of balance in different ways for various reasons. The thing is we all know when we are out of balance. And we know when we are ‘fat.’ As Ms. Livingstone stated in defense of being personally attacked on her weight “Do you think I don’t know that.” And she emphasized that this letter was more about bullying. That there are children and teens out there that are being teased about overweight, acne, race, and sexual preference. We need to all learn to accept each other and most importantly to accept and love ourselves.

Taking deep care of ourselves encourages compassion for others. Making changes for a healthier and happier life takes commitment, support and self-compassion. The fact is we DO have a responsibility to take good care of our health, to stay in shape, to be mentally, emotionally and physically balanced. We don’t need to be bullied into it. It is our divine birthright.

What do you think? Would love to hear your comments in the box below.

In good health and with fragrant blessings.
Spice Mistress Glynnis

Glynnis Osher is an Ayurvedic practitioner, Indian Head Massage Practitioner, aromatherapy teacher and co-author of the upcoming book: Illuminating the Way to Your Irresistible Life through Ayurveda and yoga practices that work.

www.themysticmasala.com
www.thousandpetallotus.com
www.glynnisandmadhuri.com

Tags: ayurveda, body image, bullying, compassion, Fat, health, obesity, overweight, self-care, yoga