The " Body Positive " movement advocates self-esteem. Accepting yourself as you are is an essential state of mind to love yourself, to feel good. Taking care of your body is not denying your flaws. The goal ? Accept them to bring a full and complete benevolent attention.
At IN'OYA, we fully adhere to the concept. Celebrating the beauty of all is at the heart of our commitment. Find out how Body Positive can boost your self-confidence.
Body Positive or Body Posi: what is it?
The birth of the movement
"Body Positive" or "Body Posi" is a social movement born in 1996 in the United States. Women, specialists in psychology, Connie Sobczak and Elizabeth Scott, are at the initiative of this current, the main mission being to campaign for the acceptance and appreciation of all bodies.
But Body Posi, sometimes called " BoPo ", really spread in the 2010s thanks to the power of the Internet and social networks. Tired of the dictates of fashion offering a uniform vision of beauty, pioneers dared to break a taboo. They had the audacity to shake up the incessant injunctions made to women to be thin, smooth and perfect.
Its ambassadors and defenders are now working to change mentalities about the normed image of women. The hashtag #bodypositive brings together thousands of Internet users on the Web in search of authenticity.
The Body Posi in 2020
Today, the Body Posi (body positivism) trend contributes to the well-being of women. Since its launch, this philosophy has succeeded in convincing men. They are actively joining the trend, also tired of unreal societal norms. This state of mind invites everyone to be happy in their body, to transmit their happiness by accepting themselves.
To be bodypo is to grant oneself the right to love oneself, to claim it beyond the usual criteria. Thus, the role of fashion is decisive in moving the lines of a unique vision of beauty. Some brands have finally figured this out. They go beyond the usual framework and integrate this reality. It is not up to women to adapt but to creators !
Some imagine models adapted to the different morphologies in their collection. Larger models (or large size, that is to say beyond the 40 !) are present in advertising campaigns or on the catwalks. Some brands even invite their customers to represent them to enhance a plural image.
Body Positive is first and foremost an "inclusive" movement. The message can be summed up as follows: all bodies are worthy of being loved and celebrated. This philosophy was initiated by overweight, obese, often marginalized women.
But in 2020, body positivism goes further. It rallies all the people who have never recognized themselves in the "norm" and no longer accept it.
Accepting one's flaws for a benevolent look towards oneself
The power of gratitude to your body
To soak up the Body Positive spirit, start by becoming aware of the power of your body. He carries you every day since you were born. Thanking him for allowing you to experience moments of happiness is a way to start loving yourself.
Do you have the feeling of running away from your image? Do you have trouble contemplating yourself in a mirror? Successfully taking this first step is fundamental. Learn to see yourself fully. Write down what you really appreciate, and then the aspects you judge with severity. Gradually, your eyes will evolve.
You finally accept to be imperfect. You point out the positive sides instead of rejecting the elements that are called negative. This awakening is a big change.
"Let's take care of our body, this is the only place we are forced to live." Jim Rohn
Thus, to be Body Positive is not to hide its defects. Man or woman, each of us has imperfections:
- Stretch marks
- Scars
- Cellulite
- Spots, etc.
They are part of you, of your history. The acceptance of one's body allows one to take a tolerant look at oneself. And that doesn't necessarily mean exercising to the point of exhaustion or starving yourself to lose weight. The Body Positive movement is about allowing yourself the right to love yourself, without conditions.
Give yourself time : sport, relaxation and care
Practicing a hobby that relaxes or makes you vibrate will help you achieve this goal. You will dance, swim or do yoga for fun. Live these activities above all for the well-being they provide you. The Body Posi spirit is far from the dictates embodied by Instagram challenges of the "Bikini challenge" type.
If you don't dare to join a group class for fear of judgment, get around the obstacle. Get started at home with the applications available on Smartphone. Pilates, meditation or gym: the choice is vast, opt for the one that motivates you the most.
It's a way to start without pressure, out of sight. Sometimes it only takes a few weeks to gain confidence and find the courage to continue. Set regular and realistic goals or you will give up after a few days. The hardest part is getting started !
Integrating every day a ritual of care for your body also helps to welcome this essential reality. Offering it to you is a gesture of gratitude for yourself. This moment should be included in your schedule as an unavoidable parenthesis. Here are some ideas for a body beauty routine:
- Regenerate your skin 2 to 3 times a week with a gentle scrub under a fresh and invigorating shower.
- Relax in a warm bath for a unique moment of body relaxation. To enhance the well-being effect, slip in a mixture of sweet almond oil and soothing essential oils (lavender or ylang ylang).
- Give you every evening a massage with a body milk with a delicate fragrance. Gently applying a treatment is a simple gesture in appearance. Yet, carried out regularly, it will significantly boost your self-esteem.
These moments of relaxation must take place in your agenda without waiting.
How to boost self-esteem for natural and authentic beauty?
The role of social networks and influencers
The decisive role of influencers in changing the perception of bodies is undeniable. Many Instagram accounts make you want to dare and encourage you to love yourself with generosity. This sometimes involves highlighting through accessories, or bold and colorful clothes. But above all, it proves to you that beauty is a state of mind!
Our team was won over by a wonderful ambassador: Gaëlle Prudencio. This inspiring stylist is a true emblematic figure of Body Positivism since 2007. Today, it continues to embody its values with dynamism, benevolence and authenticity.
We are seduced by his ability to go beyond prejudices to federate the movement. We also salute her smile and optimism to help women accept their bodies and love each other. His magnificent journey encourages each of us to believe that everything is possible, nothing is fixed. A true fighter, a fulfilled businesswoman, she succeeded, thanks to her perseverance and tenacity, in shaking up the norms!
His brand Ibilola is in his image: sublime and flamboyant. His line of large size clothes is made of wax with infinite creativity. The muses - named "Babes" - wear his collections with elegance. They dazzle us with their dazzling beauty. Find them on the Ibilola Instagram account.
Don't know her yet? Visit Gaëlle Pudencio's Instagram account for a colorful and energetic journey!
Dare to be yourself
Today the Bopo current is globally the enhancement of natural beauty. To dare to be yourself is to be proud of your image in all authenticity. Building your self-esteem often involves a comparison with a model. How to accept yourself if the gap is too large with the displayed standard?
Fortunately, today, you are no longer fooled: you know the infinite possibilities of a retouching software. So you want more and more transparency in images. You demand the truth to trust a product. You want to recognize yourself through these representations.
At IN'OYA, we respect it. That is why we also invite you to represent us. We like to collect your testimonials, receive your photos for a sincere and energizing exchange for all. Through your faces and bodies, we celebrate the beauty of the lives of unique, exceptional women, men. Each of you deserves to be helped, accompanied and valued.
