Yoga for All with Dianne Bondy
Dianne Bondy is a celebrated yoga teacher, social justice activist and leading voice of the Yoga For All movement. Her inclusive view of yoga asana and philosophy inspires and empowers thousands of followers around the world — regardless of their shape, size, ethnicity, or level of ability.
The following is an interview with Dianne Bondy and her take on how yoga can help to shape a positive body image:
Photo credit: Erika Reid
WHAT IS THE ESSENCE OF YOGA FOR ALL AND WHAT IS YOUR OVERALL MISSION?
Accessible yoga, inclusivity, and diversity is what Yoga For All is all about. We need representation of all bodies in yoga. Yoga is for all humanity.
WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO START THE YOGA FOR ALL MOVEMENT?
Yoga For All was created because I was not seeing people like me represented in the yoga culture. It was the co-option of the yoga message by the beauty and fitness industry that made yoga a function of beauty and not a function of spirituality and elevated consciousness.
PLEASE DESCRIBE YOUR YOGA JOURNEY AND HOW YOGA MADE YOU CELEBRATE YOUR UNIQUENESS.
I started yoga very young before it became commercialized and commodified. I started yoga as a way to connect with my mom and soon, yoga became a way to connect with myself. I don't subscribe to any particular style or dogman surrounding the practice. I think the yoga practice can be individualized to suit what you need when you need it.
PLEASE DESCRIBE YOUR YOGA JOURNEY AND HOW YOGA MADE YOU CELEBRATE YOUR UNIQUENESS.
I started yoga very young before it became commercialized and commodified. I started yoga as a way to connect with my mom and soon, yoga became a way to connect with myself. I don't subscribe to any particular style or dogman surrounding the practice. I think the yoga practice can be individualized to suit what you need when you need it.
“We need representation of all bodies in yoga. Yoga is for all humanity.”
TELL US MORE ABOUT YOUR BOOK AND WHY YOU WROTE IT.
Yoga for Everyone is about making yoga accessible and giving people the tools to customize their practice. I had the pleasure of working with so many incredible people who practice yoga in the process of writing this book.
WHAT MADE YOU DECIDE TO TEACH ON AN ONLINE PLATFORM?
I started teaching online in 2012 with my online studio called Yogasteya. It was about helping my students practice with me when they didn't have the time. I wanted to make yoga even more affordable through making it accessible online.
HOW DO YOU FEEL YOU ARE IMPACTING THE VIEW OF YOGA ON SOCIAL MEDIA?
I feel I am giving an alternative perspective on who can practice yoga.
WHAT DOES YOGA MEAN TO YOU? WHY DO YOU PRACTICE?
For me, yoga means peace, acceptance and wellbeing. I practice because it makes me feel amazing.
“For me, yoga means peace, acceptance and wellbeing.”
HOW ARE YOU USING SOCIAL MEDIA TO SPREAD YOUR MESSAGE?
I am using my platforms to share my lived experiences of yoga and how that impacts my life and world.
WHAT IS ONE THING YOU WOULD SAY TO ENCOURAGE OR INSPIRE OTHERS TO START THEIR YOGA JOURNEY, NO MATTER WHAT THEIR BODY LOOKS LIKE?
Find a space to practice that is welcoming and inviting. Get to know your teacher. Take your time learning something new.
WHAT ARE YOUR VISIONS AND GOALS FOR 2019 FOR YOUR COMPANY AND THE IMPACT YOU CAN HAVE AS AN INFLUENCER?
To keep moving forward and do what I am doing. I want to be a positive influence in the world. I hope to inspire everyone to find peace with themselves and their bodies.
“Find a space to practice that is welcoming and inviting. Get to know your teacher. Take your time learning something new.”
WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE YOGA POSE AND WHY?
Triangle makes my hamstrings sing; it makes me find my balance, and it opens my heart to all possibilities.
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