Raise your hand if you’ve ever felt insecure about your body. Odds are your hand is up now. 97% of women express some insecurity about their bodies. This negatives self-image, unfortunately, tends to lead to destructive behavior and a never-ending downward spiral.
This is exactly what happened to Lencah Nastova, who struggled with self-image from childhood all the way into adulthood. It wasn’t until she hit rock bottom that she decided to take control of her health and wellbeing.
Lencha found a holistic way to heal and repair her own body image through things like yoga and meditation. It ended up completely turning her life around and inspired her to go on to coach others that were on the same path as her.
To learn more about Lencha and her path to recovery through holistic health, connect with her on Instagram HERE.
Tell me about your story.
As a teenager I was SO insecure and painfully shy, it was unbearable! I struggled with body image issues and always found it difficult to open up to others because I was terrified of judgment. These insecurities followed me into adulthood and through my people-pleasing tendencies I actually ended up going down a very destructive path that involved a lot of partying, self-sabotage, and toxic relationships.
I had a rock bottom moment and made the decision to better my health and life because I couldn’t live the way that I was anymore so I moved to a different city for a fresh start! I remember feeling so scared as I had never done anything that courageous before but I am SO glad that I did it because it led to me becoming the woman that I always knew I could be! Confident, empowered, strong, independent, emotionally secure, and now I have the gift of helping others on their own personal journey to becoming their best self!
When did you first start experiencing body image issues?
The earliest that I can remember is when I was 12. We moved to a different part of the city so I started at a new school and didn’t know anyone there. That was actually a very pivotal moment in my life and it was when my self-esteem really began to decline.
What were the biggest challenges you had to face during your healing journey?
Moving to a different city in my early recovery from addiction was incredibly challenging and painful! My boyfriend had just broken up with me and I didn’t know anybody in Vancouver so I felt really lonely and sad for months.
When did you decide to seek help?
A few months after I moved I started working in a yoga studio where I met my first coach. Getting that kind of support was something that I really needed at the time and I learned a lot about myself and what my purpose in life was. A lot of breakthroughs were hard and the work we did together inspired me to start a career as a life coach as well.
Did you reach out to anyone to aid you in your healing journey?
Absolutely! I am a very spiritual person and at one point I worked in a spiritual book store which is where I met my Shaman. She’s done a handful of healings on me and I’ve also gone to readers and Reiki practitioners.
What was the main source of your holistic healing?
YOGA!! I got my teacher training back in 2017 and it was the best decision I ever could have made for myself! I am also partnered with a wellness company and introducing their products into my lifestyle has transformed my life. I feel AMAZING!
What is your favorite modality for healing, and why?
There are so many it’s hard to pick just one! Yoga is definitely a favorite and meditation is a huge part of my life as well. I sage on a regular basis and nutrition is an incredible healer as well.
Do you face any challenges now, and if so, how do you handle them?
The only challenges I’m currently facing have to do with growing my online business! Being an entrepreneur is not for the faint of heart and it tests you in many ways! The fear of judgment still comes up for me but it doesn’t stop me from moving forward and growing through the discomfort.
What have you found to be the most beneficial in your healing journey?
SUPPORT! It’s so important to have people cheering you on along the way and being there for you in that capacity.
How do you advise people on overcoming that challenge?
The only way to overcome the fear of judgment is to open yourself up to it. Hiding your real self is no way to live and the only opinion of you that truly matters is your own.
Why have you chosen a more holistic path in healing?
To live a happy, free, and fulfilled life, I believe we need to address all areas of health (physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual). Doing the inner work and learning to work with our mind instead of against is so important to healing and expressing ourselves authentically in the world.
What resources would you recommend? (books, podcasts, websites that they’ve found helpful)
I am a nerd and LOVE personal development! Some gurus that I recommend looking into are Joe Dispenza, Mastin Kipp, David Goggins, Tony Robbins, Deepak Chopra, and a few influencers that I love are Juliana Spicoluk (Boho Beautiful) and Lilly Sabri.
Holistic health heals us from the inside out. It can even completely change the way you see yourself by opening up forgiveness and acceptance through practices like yoga, meditation, and Reiki.
Lencha was able to channel this power within herself through methods that were good for her body, mind, and soul and she now lives a healthier and happier life. To learn more about Lencha, connect with her on Instagram HERE.
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