{You can download the Matifesto here; it’s so empowering!}

When I first read these words in Anna Guest-Jelley’s ”Matifesto above, “It is possible to love your body, even on days when you don’t like it,” I was taken aback.

There’s no way, I thought. How is that possible? I have to like my body in order to love it…right?

But then I considered how we love others — our parents, siblings, friends, kids — unconditionally. No prerequisites. No musts or shoulds. We might disagree with their actions, and honestly not like them very much sometimes. But we still love them.

Why can’t we do the same for our bodies? For the very vehicles that carry us?

Below, in part three of our interview, Anna Guest-Jelley explores the idea of loving our bodies even on the days we don’t like them.

Q: You’ve said that it’s possible to love our bodies even on the days we don’t like them. Can you elaborate on what you mean?

A: One reason that I started Curvy Yoga was that I’d always wanted to find a place like it – to participate in it. When I didn’t find that, I decided I had to create it. One of the funny results of that has been that people sometimes think I’m way more positive about my body than I am.

Now, don’t get my wrong, my current relationship with my body is nearly unrecognizable from the one I had even a few years ago. But I still have days when I put on an outfit and my first thought is “Gawd; I look terrible.” And I still have days where I “feel fat” (AKA displace my feelings onto my body).

What came to me over time is that this is all okay. It’s not particularly fun or pleasant, but the fact that I’m able to notice when this happens (even if not right away) and decide to make a change feels like really big progress to me.

It feels like love, and this is why I say it’s possible to love your body even on days when you don’t like it. Because even though I may be hating the way my jeans look [or] feel right now, I know that I’m still a fundamentally okay person.

I didn’t used to know that, so I’m thankful that I can now differentiate between having an off day and my root value as a person.

Q: Anything else you’d like readers to know about Curvy Yoga or your beautiful book? 

A: Just that my intention is for it to be a companion. You can pull it up on your computer and choose poses to practice. You can scope it out before heading to class to have a few modifications in your back pocket.

But you also open it up when you’re looking for some inspiration and a reminder to take care of yourself. My hope is that it will contribute to your personal body acceptance journey in whatever way is helpful. Enjoy!

If you want to keep up with the Curvy Yoga goings-on, please do join me on my mailing list…it’s fun and free! I’d also love to connect with you on my website, Facebook and Twitter!

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I’m so grateful to Anna for sharing her work and wise words here on Weightless. Be sure to comment on Tuesday’s post to enter to win a copy of Anna’s e-book Permission to CURVE: Inspiring Poses for Curvy Yogis & Their Teachers. 

Learn more about her book here. I’ve read it, cover to cover, and I think it’s an absolute must-read.

Anna is a trail-blazer who does amazing work. I’ve learned so much from her about what it means to practice self-kindness and have a positive body image.

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    Last reviewed: 12 Jul 2012