At first glance, Jessamyn Stanley isn’t your stereotypical yoga aficionado. It's often assumed that talented yogis must be stick-figure thin to properly bend their bodies. However, with one look at Stanley's Instagram page, you'll quickly see that those perceptions hold no weight.
The self-proclaimed "fat femme" shares photos of herself doing difficult yoga poses, including headstands, splits, and the various warrior stances. Many of her photos also include the hashtag #SizeDoesntMatter. With over 75,000 followers, the North Carolina native is slowly becoming an inspiration for many.
On her personal website, Stanley explains that she started yoga while attending graduate school in Winston-Salem. And when finances didn’t allow her to continue at a studio, she began practicing on her own.
Importantly, Stanley never let negative attitudes about her curvy shape prevent her from reaching her full potential.
“Believe me when I say that using your personal body issues as an excuse to avoid yoga is a very serious disservice to your well-being,” she writes.
Now a yoga instructor, Stanley focuses on "a body positive approach to yoga which celebrates students’ bodies and encourages them to ask 'How do I feel?' rather than 'How do I look?' when practicing yoga."
See her photos below and please SHARE if you are inspired by her!
With more than 75,000 followers on Instagram, Jessamyn Stanley is inspiring many with her love for yoga.
The North Carolina native started taking yoga at a local studio while attending graduate school, but decided to continue on her own at home due to financial issues.
She's now a yoga instructor, who wants to let people know that size doesn't matter. She's heavier than a typical yoga instructor.
She shares tons of difficult poses and words of inspiration via social media.
She also shares inspirational words to document her journey: "[T]his photo makes me especially happy because it is showcasing my chubby belly in all its glory. I spent the better part of the last two decades being embarrassed about my belly."
"This morning's practice was the clarifying breath of fresh air I so desperately needed. 'Throw away yesterday- today is a brand new day."
"The poses which challenge us should become the focus of our practice."
Wait till you see what unbelievable position she able to master when you get to the NEXT page!
There's even time for yoga on the beach!
Her practice is all about body positivity: "Here’s what I think- no matter what my scale says, I am going to be happy where I am. I am going to smile. I am going to love my body, even when it is bloated from too many cheese fries."
"I am constantly amazed by what it can do, and I’m not going to taint all that love and amazement by fussing over my weight."
"Above all else, don't forget to own and love your practice. Don't compare yourself to others, and always find occasion to smile."
"But it's always the poses which require the most of us that have the most to teach us. I'm grateful and thankful, more than I can possibly say."
Her dog Dallas doesn't even have to move while she perfects her shoulderstand wall pose. How incredible!
Now, she's been able to master even the toughest poses, like the one below.
Please SHARE if you are inspired this yoga lover!
