Last updated on March 5, 2021
Today’s blog looks at diversity, inclusion, and equity in the world of wellness. Currently, there is no logical justification in our world for not all people to live and stay healthy, regardless of diversity in economic or social status. Unfortunately, that is the case. To attain equality in global wellness, intentionally promoting inclusiveness amongst communities will result in the great benefits that diversity provides.
Definition of Diversity in Health and Wellness
Understanding diversity and wellness, the first thing we need to understand is health. According to the WHO, health is a state of “complete physical, mental and social well-being and not simply the absence of disease or infirmity.” The WHO allies are in agreement with that description.
Wellness, on the other hand, occurs when a person proactively seeks out lifestyle activities, choices, and behaviors that result in holistic health, not just physical health. It typically includes the following six components:
One can improve one’s well-being by listening to oneself through mental, physical, spiritual, and emotional exercises that revitalize one’s entire being. And this is another reason to practice yoga, a practice that I have always considered as an essential ingredient for attaining general well-being.
Finally, diversity is about recognizing that every person is different and accepting our differences that can include age, sex, race, ethnicity, physical abilities and appearance, sexual orientation, social and economic status, religion, political affiliation, or other beliefs.
Reality
But, have you ever walked into a yoga studio or gym, or watched the Internet for a virtual class or a YouTube fitness video, and felt like you didn’t fit in at all? You see none like you to connect? Probably as a result of your age, sex, race, body type, ability/disability, religion, or sexual orientation? Believe it or not, you’re not alone.
There is currently an overwhelming lack of diversity and inclusiveness in the practice of wellness, including yoga, despite its so-called unifying benefits. The good news is that it is possible to achieve diversity and inclusion by adopting the right attitude, having access to support systems, training instructors, training peers, and setting attainable wellness goals.
Yoga
Yoga is a peaceful, supposedly accessible practice of well-being that comes from India. More than 300 million people around the world practice it. The U.S. alone will have more than 55 million yogis by the end of 2020. Yoga has become a popular, phenomenal trend that is going nowhere anytime soon. The YOGI TIMES provides a highly perceptive infographic to explain why.
Here are a few motivational resources to follow in order to get you fired up!
- Body Project also on YouTube is my very best. They feature real people working out in a safe and sustainable way
- Dianne Bondy on YouTube
- Jessamyn Stanley on YouTube
- Body Project also on YouTube
- Jivana Heyman founder Accessible Yoga on YouTube
- Openfit (a fitness app for all abilities) available on Google Play and on the App Store
The diversification of the yoga community and general well-being, both virtually and face-to-face, eliminates stereotypes. Diversity is a force. It helps us learn to be compassionate, more powerful, and more resilient. Including everyone makes wellness better.
Finally, the Body Project also on YouTube. A game-changer and incredibly motivating. It features real people working out in a safe, healthy, and sustainable way. It includes high and low impact workouts that maximize results that are achievable at home. After each exercise, there some yoga poses to stretch the body. Best of all, it is free to watch and always available on YouTube.
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