THE FEAR OF BEING SEEN: THE WEIGHT OF PERCEPTION
There’s something about stepping into a space where all eyes feel like they’re on you. Whether it’s a new environment or one you’ve been in before, that sense of being watched or judged can be overwhelming. It’s a feeling many of us know too well — on and off the mat. With MS, our accessibility varies and how that presents may look different for us all. Some things are more visible to the naked eye while others rest internally. The fear of not measuring up or being misunderstood can creep in, especially when our bodies don’t show up the way we expect them to.
You’re Not Alone
If you’ve ever stepped onto a yoga mat and felt a little self-conscious about how you look or how you’re moving — especially with MS — you’re not alone. I get it. It’s tough when your body doesn’t always move the way you want it to, and the fear of being judged can grow, especially when your body isn’t showing up in the same way as others. I know we feel that way in everyday life too — feeling othered or potentially seen differently because we have MS.
Embrace Your Practice
As a Black yoga teacher, I’ve faced this in more ways than one. There have been moments when I’ve stepped in front of a class, and I’ve seen surprised looks or people asking, “Are you the yoga teacher?” Honestly, the idea of someone standing in front of a class, on a mat, and being questioned whether they belong there is beyond me. Those moments can stir up anger and frustration — especially when I know how much work I’ve put in to be where I am, teaching with passion and purpose. Let’s not forget that I’m beyond qualified to stand in that space as a trauma-informed yoga instructor. I’m sure my corporate girlies can relate to that feeling.
The Pressure of Living With MS
When you’re living with MS, the pressure to be seen and accepted is amplified. We experience judgment from more angles than most realize. The discourse around DEI shows us exactly how real that is. It’s not just about how we’re moving — it’s about how we’re perceived and the assumptions that are made based on how we look. The voice that asks, “Do I belong here?” gets louder, especially when our bodies don’t always do what we want them to, and we know people are watching. That’s why my favorite thing to say in classes is, “Your practice is your business. Keep your eyes on your own mat.” It’s for moments like these. It’s a hill I’m willing to die on.
Yoga Is About You
Here’s what I’ve learned: The fear of being seen is just that — a fear. It’s understandable, vulnerable, and raw because, let’s be honest, no one wants to be judged. But it’s not about how we look or how we perform. Yoga is for us, not for others’ judgments. It’s about the peace we create, the space we cultivate, and the love we give ourselves and our bodies in that moment. No one can or should take that away.
Embrace the Vulnerability
We’re often told to quiet the voices of judgment that play in our heads — those whispers that make us question whether we belong. But in the world of yoga, we’re taught to do the opposite: Lean into the discomfort, to embrace it, to acknowledge the vulnerability, and to sit with it. So when the voices come, when the doubts surface, just remember this: You are worthy of taking up space. You are worthy of being seen. Your practice is your business, and no one can dictate what that looks like except for you.
