Guest contributor Isabelle Gillibrand admits that she started practicing yoga to lose weight. Now, looking back on her own journey as well as how yoga is often marketed for weight loss, Isabelle is calling out why this is a problem and reminds us that, “Yoga is meant to celebrate you and your journey - not be a punisher.”

Guest contributor Isabelle Gillibrand shares how embracing an anti-diet mindset is a practice of the yoga concept of ahimsa, which means nonviolence or kindness. By including aspects of her own story as well as current research, Isabelle discusses components of the wellness industry that are harmful and seeks to help people live their yoga in all aspects of their lives, including in their relationship with their body, food, and health.

Writer and yoga teacher Ashley Paige explains how the fifth chakra, also know as the throat chakra, relates to eating disorder recovery. Learn some practices to help heal this energy center so that you can be authentic in your words, and actions and feel empowered to communicate openly.

Writer and yoga teacher Ashley Paige shares how she sees diet culture and competition showing up in yoga spaces, and reminds us of the true purpose of yoga, which is compassionate self-awareness.

I can remember a time when I felt so incredibly angry at my body; kindness was the last thing on my mind. AND I also know we don't have to stay stuck in that place of anger or fear or loathing. Treating our bodies with small acts of kindness each day is one powerful way we heal the eating disorder, and yoga practices are a safe place to begin giving it a try.

Learn how to use the bhakti yoga practice of well-wishing to shift out of body comarison and into kindness. I

Guest Contributor Tori Goddard shares how dreams have awoken her to see reality in new and healing ways. Tori also opens up about how yoga has helped her recover from an eating disorder, and why the practice is like a dream for her.

Here’s what you need to know if a yoga student with an eating disorder takes your yoga class. I am dedicated to educating my colleagues on this topic and advocating for others in recovery.

“I always felt that if I looked perfect on the outside, no one would know what a mess I was on the inside.” Guest contributor Crystal Hampton shares her story of overcoming an eating disorder and addiction and offers others hope to keep going on their personal journeys. Read more about Crystal’s story and what has helped her maintain recovery.