14 Questions With Yogi Dianne Bondy from the #iwontcompromise Video

Dianne Bondy – you know her as the face of our #iwontcompromise video. Since the video’s launch on January 4th, 2015, we have been overwhelmed with your positive reactions, inspirational stories and features in People Magazine, Huffington Post, Cosmopolitan, Bustle, POPSUGAR, and Health.com amongst others.

Many of you have asked us “Who is Dianne Bondy?” and “How can I find out more about her?”

Dianne is a Writer, Motivator, Educator, Consciousness-shifter, Yoga Teacher, one of the leading Voice in the Diversity in Yoga and Yoga of Inclusion Movements. What distinguishes Dianne as a yoga teacher is a commitment to the Yoga For All movement. Dianne is dedicated to creating a more diverse playing field in the yoga community where all shapes, sizes, abilities, cultures and ethnicities, are recognized and embraced both on and off the mat.

While many have felt empowered and motivated to practice yoga after seeing the #iwontcompromise video, the important message behind this movement is to celebrate doing what you love, wearing what makes you feel good, and simply being you without fear of judgment. Dianne is someone who exudes all these traits.

Want to learn more about what makes Dianne the inspirational woman that she is? Here are some questions to get to know her better.

1. If you had to give advice to yourself at age 13, what would it be?

Don’t worry, it all works out in the end and if it doesn’t work out, it’s not the end. Also other people’s opinions of you don’t matter. For me, thirteen is a pivotable age. I wish someone had said to just be yourself because who you are is pretty awesome. I would tell myself being you is powerful even if it doesn’t feel like it right now. Be patient, you have something powerful to offer the world.

2. What would you say is the first step to feeling confident?

I think the biggest step to self-confidence is learning to love yourself and finding contentment in who you are just as you are. You don’t need to change who you are for anyone. This was most powerful lesson yoga taught me.  You are good enough as you are. Self-love is difficult to achieve in a culture that teaches us self-hate. Self-love is a rebellious act.  I want to be a rebel. I want to enjoy this life. I do this by connecting with my spirit and embracing who I am. I love me no matter what.

3. What’s your biggest strength?

I am tenacious, hardworking, and I have an ability to connect with people. I love connecting with people. It gives me life and inspiration.

4. Weakness?

I can be impatient. I don’t like to wait. I am working on it.

5. What motivates you?

My family. I am a mom to two boys, and I’m determined to make the world a kinder more compassionate and just place for them. I want them to be proud of their mother. I want to show them how to be great leaders.

6. What is your definition of happiness?

Contentment and gratitude. Being aware of the extraordinary in the ordinary and how blessed we are to live this life.

7. What is one of the biggest life challenges you came across, and how did you handle yourself mentally through it?

I grew up in an abusive home. My self-worth took a beating literally and firguratively. I have had to face racial discrimination and size discrimination. Those events did a number on my self-esteem and self-confidence. I developed an eating disorder. I hated myself for a long time. It was tough. My yoga saved me. It taught me how to love myself. I learned so much about who I am through my yoga practice. Yoga saved my life.

8. Who are your role models and why?

I take inspiration from many people. I love people who are leading their most authentic life. I am a huge fan of Melisssa Harris-Perry; she is brilliant.  Oprah Winfrey  (minus the weight-watchers stuff) , I think her teachings are incredible. Her life is an example for all of us. She inspires all of us to be powerful. Gloria Steinem, she changed the world through the women’s movement. I love Rupaul. Her message about loving yourself inspires me- I always hear her in my head – “if you can’t love yourself how in hell can you love someone else-  can I get an amen.”

9. What’s your favorite quote?

I have two:  “other people’s opinion of you is none of your business.” “Everybody can be great because anybody can serve. You don’t have to make your subject and verb agree to serve. You only need a heart full of grace. A soul generated by love.” Martin Luther King

10. If you can have one superpower what would it be?

My superpower would be to see into the future. -I am impatient

Ok now for some fun questions…What is your favourite:

11.Book?

For fun reading The Outlander Series by Diana Gabaldon. I am hopelessly romantic. My serious reads; The Great Work of Your Life-Stephen Cope; The Secret Power of Yoga Nischala Joy Devi

12. Movie?

Pitch Perfect and I love The Avengers series. Pure fun.

13. Song?

I love music…too many to name just one. Right now, I am digging the song from the Penningtons ad-it gives me life. I love any Motown. Stevie Wonder makes me happy.

14. Actor?

I don’t really  have one. I do love Melissa McCarthy and Kerry Washington.

If you have more questions for Dianne, comment below!