True to one’s own personality, spirit, or character.

Not false or imitation.

To live in authenticity, then, is why I share with you my dilemma of the powerful panties. When we are able to share our fears, our misguided moments, our hilarious capers in trying to fit into yoga clothes after having babies, we realize that our kula, our community, goes both deep and wide. As I listened to other moms around me talk about fearing their return to yoga asana practice because they had to bend over in their ill-fitting clothes and wonder aloud about how long it will take to return to shape, I couldn’t help but lament with and confess to them that I had worn Spanx (see previous post) to teach a class recently. It is just so hard to embrace and love our bodies in this state at times.

But listen carefully. We each know, down to our core, our power and beauty in giving our bodies to our babies. We each know how precious each little stretch mark or resistant belly pooch is. We each know the absolute miracle this thing that is called “giving life.” Many times, our partners travel that path of “a few extra baby pounds” with us (and bless you for that).

For us to be authentic, truly authentic, we embrace both the beauty of swollen breasts and wider hips AS WELL AS mourning the body that was while looking forward to the body that will be. For me, the powerful panties were a reminder of that. They were also a call back to the beginner’s mind so frequently called upon in my yoga practice.

So this week, in my beginner’s mind, here is my focus:

• Enjoying of the softness of my belly as my baby curls up against me to nurse
• Being tender in my practice as I regain strength in my core, specifically in mula bandha practice and in poses such as navasana, bakasana, and adho mukha vrksasana
• Finding humor in the fact that I actually have cleavage once every three hours
• Being ok with actually talking about all of this with my friends AND on this blog (this is huge and scary for me)

And with a deep breath, I click on the “publish” button, hoping to hear from you and about your “me too” moment.

Related posts:

1. Spanx you. Spanx you very much.
2. No fear.
3. Monday/Thursday Night Class Announcement.

As my eyes went directly to the section of black tops & pants that fill my yoga-clothes-drawer, they skimmed over…my Spanx.

I did it.

I actually wore Spanx under my yoga clothes to teach a class.

Pretty sure this was a new low for me. But as I found myself in conversations with other new moms over the next couple of weeks, there were a lot of “me too” moments. I wish I would  have read this before pulling stuffing myself into my “powerful panties.” May I have a side of perspective, please?

How do you feel about your body?

(photo credit: spanx.com)

Related posts:

1. Powerful Panties, Part Deux.