Thrive Yoga & Fitness and Elizabeth Jensen recently hosted a Body Positivity, Presence, and Empowerment Workshop. Elizabeth, who is studying to be an Ayurvedic physician, began the workshop by walking us through the basics of ayurvedic medicine and how it applies to body positivity.
Introduction to Ayurveda
Ayurveda is one of the world’s oldest holistic healing systems. In its simplest form, the practice is centered around achieving an ultimate state of health by maintaining a delicate balance between the mind, body, and spirit.
We each completed a short quiz designed to help determine our individual Dosha, or mind-body type. Your Dosha influences your predisposed body type, personality, and habits. Understanding your Dosha can help you understand your body’s natural tendencies and how to handle energy imbalances. There are three primary Doshas:
Vata
People who are primarily Vata have an infectious enthusiasm and are exciting to be around. They can be sensitive and gravitate towards routine when they start to feel anxious. Vata’s tend to be naturally thin with a light frame and may frequently feel cold. An unbalanced Vata can result in nervousness and anxiety.
Pitta
Pitta is a fiery personality that is generally on top of things. Pitta’s are usually of a medium build and weight and tend to have a strong appetite. When unbalanced, Pittas may be prone to inflammation, digestion, and skin issues.
Kapha
Kaphas are generally wise, comforting, and calm under pressure. They have a strong build and excellent stamina. The drawback is that Kapha can manifest itself as stagnation, routine, and body heaviness.
When the quiz was completed, we each moved to a corner of the room to represent where we fall on the scale. Elizabeth asked us to take a minute to recognize our differences and honor who we are. She encouraged us to live in harmony with our unique nature and stop striving to be something we’re not.
Yoga as Empowerment
At the end of the presentation, Elizabeth invited us to step onto our mats for an empowering yoga practice. She reminded us that 
yoga is not about proving what your body can do, but rather improving what it can’t. Yoga is about taking a moment to shift your perspective and looking at things from a place of self-love. This allows you to embrace a sense of accomplishment when you find yourself doing things that had previously been a struggle.
As we flowed through the practice, together we repeated phrases like:
“I am strong.”
“I am forgiving.”
“I am enough.”
At the end of class, Elizabeth invited each of us to come forward and select a scroll, a pen, and a gratitude journal. Each scroll contained a different empowering message. Much like a fortune cookie, it’s thought that each person will choose the scroll that is destined for them. The one I chose couldn’t have been more appropriate:
“I am imperfect and yet my imperfections, like any great work of art, are what make me a masterpiece.”
I’m confident that every person who attended today took away something life-changing. Thank you to Thrive and to Elizabeth for creating this incredible workshop.
What’s Next?
Karine Woodley is hosting a three-part Chakra Turning and Manifestation workshop at Thrive on September 9th, 16th, and 23rd. She will teach us how to manifest our dreams and lead us through energy work, restorative postures, guided meditation, journaling, and vision board creation. You don’t want to miss this! Learn more at www.ThriveYogaFit.com.
