A typical day at Body Positive includes interactive
discussions on body image-related themes, exercise...
Every autumn, about 25 women gather in the morning at sunrise in the cool, Houston Trails of Langley to take an hour-long walk. An outside observer of this gathering wouldn't have a clue as to what ties bind the triathlete mother of two from Vancouver with the psychologist from Kelowna or the fitness instructor from Victoria.
Yet, since 1996, this group of women from all over British Columbia has forwarded phone calls and e-mails, kissed their loved ones goodbye, and then headed out of town to clear their minds and hearts for four days at Langley's Healthy Living Body Positive program. The goal of the four days? To enable the women to transform their body images.
A typical day at Body Positive includes interactive discussions on body image-related themes, exercise (from Spinning to hiking to yoga), learning relaxation techniques, and listening to speakers on such topics as sexuality, nutrition and fitness.
Mornings begin with a group walk or extended hike. Participants then meet for a group discussion led by psychologist and body-image expert Ann Kearney-Cooke, Ph.D. Most alumnae say they find the synergy and openness shared by women who've faced similar body image battles the most valuable part of the program. Women relate feelings ranging from shame, guilt and anger to hopefulness, joy and self-acceptance.
Within the pages of Healthy Living, tips, products and links are layed out to keep the fitness fanatic in tune. Enjoy!!