Who Reported My SI Photo on Facebook?
I’m a very loving person, if I don’t say so myself. I don’t bother anyone and I focus on my creativity and being of service to the world. I dedicate most of my time to teaching people how to be happy, loving and healthy. How to heal from old trauma and transcend the drama of our story, how to create the life of your dreams and to be free.
That being said, I can’t help but wonder why twice in one day, some strange anonymous yoga hater reported 2 of my photos on facebook. Right away, facebook police contacted me letting me know they were removing my images and now I am blocked from uploading any pics for 7 full days.
The photos weren’t even nude, that’s the strange part.
There is a lot of nudity out there, so believe me, I know the difference between nudity and tasteful creative artwork.
I have been on some profiles of people who are even under the legal age of 18 who have many nude photos and no one seems to care about those…
I posted this photo a few days ago, and it is one of 2 that were reported. (I’m not even sure which the other picture was, as facebook didn’t tell me – they just automatically removed it).
This image was created by one of my favorite photographers, Mikal Roberts. We had in mind to do something like Marisa Miller’s Sports Illustrated Swim Suit Edition cover, but with the intention of making it more spiritual. I was wearing several strands of the sacred crystal and rudraksha mala beads I got while I was in India a few years ago. 
All possible signs of nakedness have been airbrushed out and the essence of the shot was very calming and serene I believe.
In a world of double standards and puritanical fundamentalism, at times I tend to push the envelope and see what people are open to. I guess that stems from my own path where I was raised with very liberal parents and later in my adult years I became engulfed in the Christian Church to be ‘saved’.
Having experienced both extreme ends of the spectrum, I dare to say I have found a place happily in the middle and am at great peace with my self image and self esteem.
The essence here is simple: I feel it is time for a new era in human consciousness. One where judgment, jealousy and anger cease and we can truly ‘LIVE and let LIVE’ as the saying goes.
One person finds nudity appalling, another chooses to live nude all the time. One religious group feels the elbows must be covered so as not to distract the eyes and minds, another seeks to gain control of our mental and physical urges through meditation and conscious awareness based living.
In my opinion, it is all good!
I don’t judge the fundamentalists or post hate messages or report their photos and I would appreciate the same kindness to be shown toward me.
After all, we do live in America, the land of freedom of speech, expression and creativity, don’t we?
I’m not suggesting that it is completely acceptable to walk around nude or to post vulgar photos online. I do understand and see that those actions can be seen as leading a poor example for youth perhaps. On the other hand, there is so much vulgarity, isn’t it about time we shine a little sacred light upon the beauty and grace of our physical form?
In a world where body dysmorphia and low self esteem issues run rampant, it is time for a more positive light to be caste upon the subject of nudity, health and the physical body. As long as we are human beings on earth, we will never do away with these bodies, so we might as well grow to love and accept them as they are. Appreciate true beauty when we see it and learn when to bite the tongue, when to click away from what we don’t appreciate and focus on what we want to create in our own lives.
After all, we live in a paradoxical era where sex sells and we are being bombarded by skin everywhere we turn. We see it everywhere from the beach, to the gym, hot yoga classes, magazines, movies, tv and everything in between. Where do we draw the line between what is acceptable and what is not? When it is appropriate and when it is not?
It is all a matter of perception.
When we can accept others as they are, appreciate their beauty and allow it to shine without feeling inferior or jealous, we have transcended the duality of me vs. you, that is when we can look upon a gorgeous photo of someone else and celebrate their boldness, courage, vitality and health and see the radiant mirror reflecting back to us that can inspire a life of creativity and joy.
What are your thoughts?
I’d love to hear from you.
Leave a comment or come visit me on my facebook page.
And to everyone who already posted your thoughts and love on facebook — I LOVE YOU GUYS!
You are the light and shining examples of humans – being, allowing others to live and let live.
I celebrate you!
Love all ways,
Namaste,
Dashama
Dashama is the author of Journey to Joyful, creator of 30DYC Global Yoga Challenge, Perfect 10 Lifestyle online community, Pranashama Yoga Institute teacher certification program in Bali and Yoga For Foster Children. You can connect with her on Facebook
and Twitter
Incorrect source, offensive, or found a typo? Or do you want to write for Elephant?
Happy Womens Day Dashama! Shrug your lovely shoulders and keep teaching. Tasteful and beautiful. Shouldn't offend anyone even partially sane and healthy. Bless you and your calling.
Thank you! Namaste
a) I find it hard to believe you'd delete your FB page over 2 people, that's just silly.
b) that photo is neither obscene nor spiritual, it's just a photo of a gorgeous girl with a gorgeous body in very little clothing
c) if you can't imagine why that photo would be upsetting to some, provocative to some, titillating to some and inspiring to some, with a whole range or responses in between then you are right, you shouldn't be posting photos of yourself on FB because when you do, you put yourself out there and you can't control the responses you get.
You have to decide if you're willing to be vulnerable, appearing publicly in very little clothing does make you more vulnerable, and then do it knowing that being vulnerable can get a range of responses including judgment and fear…
come visit me on my facebook page before I decide to delete it altogether.
Right….I'll get right on that.
This feels like a marketing scheme to me. No way she deletes here FB account with over 3000 customers….er …friends… on it.. Delete it and prove me wrong.
You're funny
Thanks for the article, Darshama. Hope to see you back on a regular basis again.
Posting to Elephant Yoga on Facebook and Twitter.
Bob W.
Yoga Editor
Hi Bob, Thanks, nice to see you
I post on EJ as often as I can. I have 3 blog sites and 4 websites and I travel a lot.. oxox Namaste
Just posted to "Featured Today" on the new Elephant Yoga homepage.
beautiful, on every level
First of all I would like to say that I'm sorry you are struggling with this junk right now. I know it must feel like a violation or a strange “slap” to have been “reported” like that and then have it followed through. I hope you feel supported by those who have posted on your page and here. I do not feel this is a marketing scheme. I feel you were hurt by what happened and you are seeking support, and there is nothing wrong with that.
Your picture is beautiful and IMO tasteful, and while I personally may not feel it is appropriate for some venues, that is my only my opinion, and I might just choose to not look at it on YOUR Facebook page. Facebook has TERRIBLE double standards. I can't believe they would remove this image. Just the other day I was looking at my page and noticed an ad on the side that had a woman with legs spread wide open with a giant cleavage in a very sexual position. In my opinion, NOT something I want to look at or have anyone exposed to, and it was beyond your image in any sort of “vulgar”-ness. (Not saying your image is vulgar at all, however.)
Thank you. I love you xoox Namaste
This sounds very similar to my experiences with exposing my thoughts on FB. It seems that in a land of "free speech", no one wants to listen to anything they don't like or don't agree with. I have friends that regularly post their thoughts and beliefs, but when I share a thought that is even slightly outside of theirs it becomes a big deal and people start getting angry at me. I by no means feel like people must agree with me, but as someone who respects an open dialogue it surprises me when I get shut down for having my own personal opinions. I've had people unfriend me over seemingly very small differences of opinion. I've even had friends of friends unfriend me only because their friend unfriended me. It's all kind of insane.
It is a shame, but it seems you're running into the same sort of trouble with your pictures. It only takes one close minded person to ruin it for everyone. I wish that our society would recognize that and rebut it; however, that doesn't seem to be the way it is working these days. When you're not suspecting or anticipating running into a brick wall, it kinda hurts to encounter it. Some people, for whatever reason, insist that their entire spectrum of friends and experiences conform to their own ideas without questions. There's really nothing to be done except to recognize that you are not a part of their realm of acceptance, bless them and move on. I don't know what else there is to do.
So true. I find my ideas mainly upset the very liberal. They tend to unfriend me.
Isn't it funny when people do that?
I love who the universe sends us exactly who we need into our lives and the ones who no longer fit into our journey find a way of deleting themselves at the perfect moment 
xoxo
Why refer to the complainer as ''Yoga Hater''? i do not believe the complaint had anything to do with yoga per se. the known picture is not of you teaching yoga or being in a yoga pose. Who ever had issues it seems the issues were not with the practice or promotion of yoga.It is something else-but not about yoga.Sadly, it does seem you may be targeted but that is the risk of placing oneself out there with great media exposure;
namasté
It is too bad fb does not operate like a court allowing you to face the accuser and get the problem out in the open. yes, there is sleazy, tasteless crap allowed to stay on facebook. your pictures are artfully done . the picture very much like the ''acceptable'' Sports illustrated swimsuit cover. it is unfair to accept the complaint without any follow-up, defense or further investigation…but such is the way facebook operates and that is a matter to address with facebook policy makers.
Yogiclarebear mentions a few concerns- using a label like ''fundamentalist 9without definition and proff0 seems unfair, just as lumping this into being a ''yoga'' issue when it does not seem to be a complaint about yoga.
At the end am sorry for all the unfairness and frustration you are feeling and hope you can come to find some peace or closure or accomplish some changes in fb system
Probably wasn't yoga hater. More likely a jealous girlfriend whose boyfriend may an unflattering comparison.
Thank you for your feedback. There is no way to know if this person was a yoga hater or not,
But since Yoga means UNION or UNITY and this person reported my photo, I'd be inclined to think they are not very interested in yoga or unity – with me anyway… 
It may have been another yoga teacher for all I know, but for the people who practice yoga as exercise but not in their life actions, I call them yoga haters. It's simple semantics <3
anyone practicing yoga in their life beyond an exercise, wouldn't use the term "hater" regardless others actions.
) Let it go and be a Yogi. Who you are speaks so loudly I can't hear a word you are saying. So if you're a true yogi go live it as an example in the world not as an opinion or preference if your photos are pulled or if others like them. I would deduce that this issue is more about ego needs than anything to do with yoga. 
it's the antithesis of yoga and union. Best way to teach is to teach by example embrace them regardless what they do to you and maybe they someday will embrace you, regardless what you do.
Sexualization of society and children at younger and younger age is a problem. This SI cover, out in the open is a problem when I go to the local 7-Eleven with my 7 yr. old nephew. It's not art, it's sex and if it is sex art it should be behind the counter. And they're left out everywhere for all to see at all ages. Nothing wrong with art or the human body perhaps to some your photos were not celebration of it as a vehicle to carry you through this life and as an instrument to realize yourself beyond the body. Which is the only way you can achieve union. Union doesn't happen at the mental level of the mind where these discussions and issues and likes and dislikes happen, true union is beyond the mind…. and also beyond body consciousness. It can only be reached at this state of awareness because union happens at our elemental nature which is Love or pure consciousness which has nothing to do with the body. So the subject of "union" and yoga brought into a discussion of photos of the physical form (of a pretty girl topless) is not on target with anything to do with yoga. As wonderful and profound an impact as yoga is having on the world and society as a whole, there is still levels of awareness of it's true significance and meaning. In the West there is so much obsession with the body . The issue of how one appears in a photo or having a preference to how people or facebook react to them is at the level of the mind and has nothing to do with yoga. Love has no preferences and has no bounds. It's our true nature and it does not have any opinions. Your opinion on the "haters' is no different than the "haters" on you.
Just posted to "Popular Lately" on the new Elephant Yoga homepage.
I also do not have a problem with the photo. But I also know that taste is relative. And what people find offensive (or not) is completely personal. By posting on Facebook, you implicitly agreed to their Terms of Use policy. So even though I do not agree with the reason, I cannot fault Facebook for enforcing their Terms of Use policy. However, I can and do find fault with the policy itself because it seems both arbitrary and unnecessarily restrictive.
Long story short, screw Facebook and the horse it rode in on. If you can't abide the FB policy then you should just delete your account.
I think that once you're on their radar they will periodically check your pics. Also they won't allow any nude art, its just their Facebook policy.
Here is an example from MSNBC –
http://technolog.msnbc.msn.com/_news/2011/02/22/6…
There is nothing spiritual about airbrushing photos of the human body.
If you want a system to check the general feel of your pics, porn or spiritual, post something like this. When the boys ask you to send them your pics by email, you've got your answer…
I think you are a gorgeous sexy creature. I think the pic you've shown here is beautiful, though not in any way "spiritual" – that's just your ego talking. You've definitely been found out, no one here believes you are going to take down your free FB page that allows you potentially access to millions of users for nothing just because you didn't get to post your Soft Self Porn (which I too would love to have sent to me). Take what is free and show appreciation. Take the feedback the same way. You've been given a small amount of feedback. Feedback is a GIFT. This doesn't mean, by the way, that you're doing something wrong. Years ago I was told by a wonderful teacher that some people aren't my people. Some people aren't my clients. You are finding your way to who your audience is. Remember during the journey that you're also CHOOSING who your audience is…
Before I even knew what your post was about I was in awe of how beautiful your pic was…can't believe you were blocked because of something so gorgeous! Clearly those at Facebook were jealous!
There are a lot of ways to get a message out.. I know for myself, also involved with a controversial subject (astrology) that many either do not think is real or is maybe even the work of satan,… etc.. – I try to stay as true to the real point as much as possible.. which is bigger than my own personal agenda or gripes. I ask how I can best help others and serve the truth of who we are, why were here, how we can heal, how I can best do my small part.. Within that context I try to make something available to others that maybe they had not considered.. at least that is the goal.. I do my best as I see you are doing Dashama. Don't stress over it love. Learn what you can from it. Let it compel deeper and deeper levels of beauty and joy.. Maybe Facebook is not the place for the edgy stuff. That is my feeling anyway, with my work. Anyway, bless you sweet sister.
I find it interesting all of the comments that there is nothing spiritual about this photo.
I see everything as spiritual. I even see Marisa Miller's soul shining through brightly in her SI cover pic. Some of you see nothing as spiritual. That's a shame. Spirit is what gives life light. When you can see things that way, the entire world looks different. Namaste
I think you are a pretty successful combination of being smokin hot and of service to yoga practitioners via the clear display of your body in various asanas. Bummer about Facebook, but hey there are other venues to display your stuff.
The picture and you are both gorgeous! But I think you know that already. I have no problem with nudity, either tasteful or distasteful. Neither has any impact on my life. __But I will say this, there seems to be a common denominator in most of your photos. And while I see what you mean about how the pics exude your spiritual nature, they also exude something else. They can come across as self absorbed/shallow/ego driven a bit. Pic after pic is of you in little clothing, posing for the camera. Which is fine, but own it! Say…. "I look really great in this photo and wanted to share with you all." Don't always hide behind the excuse of artsy photography. Because cleary, if you weren't as physically fit and beautiful as you are, you wouldn't have photos like this up on any site. __And honestly, there are far worse things that could be happening in your life than being reported on FB. If this bothers you so badly, stop doing it. And I agree with "latexsolarbeef" if you want complete "artistic" freedom, do it on your own website. Otherwise, you have to abide by the rules. It's pretty simple.____Much Love
anyone practicing yoga in their life beyond an exercise, wouldn't use the term "hater" regardless others actions.
) Let it go and be a Yogi. Who you are speaks so loudly I can't hear a word you are saying. So if you're a true yogi go live it as an example in the world not as an opinion or preference if your photos are pulled or if others like them. I would deduce that this issue is more about ego needs than anything to do with yoga. 
it's the antithesis of yoga and union. Best way to teach is to teach by example embrace them regardless what they do to you and maybe they someday will embrace you, regardless what you do.
Sexualization of society and children at younger and younger age is a problem. This SI cover, out in the open is a problem when I go to the local 7-Eleven with my 7 yr. old nephew. It's not art, it's sex and if it is sex art it should be behind the counter. And they're left out everywhere for all to see at all ages. Nothing wrong with art or the human body perhaps to some your photos were not celebration of it as a vehicle to carry you through this life and as an instrument to realize yourself beyond the body. Which is the only way you can achieve union. Union doesn't happen at the mental level of the mind where these discussions and issues and likes and dislikes happen, true union is beyond the mind…. and also beyond body consciousness. It can only be reached at this state of awareness because union happens at our elemental nature which is Love or pure consciousness which has nothing to do with the body. So the subject of "union" and yoga brought into a discussion of photos of the physical form (of a pretty girl topless) is not on target with anything to do with yoga. As wonderful and profound an impact as yoga is having on the world and society as a whole, there is still levels of awareness of it's true significance and meaning. In the West there is so much obsession with the body . The issue of how one appears in a photo or having a preference to how people or facebook react to them is at the level of the mind and has nothing to do with yoga. Love has no preferences and has no bounds. It's our true nature and it does not have any opinions. Your opinion on the "haters' is no different than the "haters" on you.
kodus!
The Internet is a perfect place for people to project their worst fears and anxieties onto others. Perhaps someone was told they were ugly by their parents, or by their last boyfriends, or whoever. So they then take it out on you by reporting your photos to Facebook.
Its hard not to take it personally, even a little bit, when someone protests you. I guess the "gift" these people have given you is an opportunity to have a meditation on what they are going thru. But still, its annoying.
Indeed you are very beautiful, and the photos are beautiful too. However, as a mother of teenage sons, I know that for them, looking at your lovely picture in beads may pose a challenge in managing their hormones. I am fully aware that there are a lot more challenging pictures being posted and displayed all over everywhere. But something being all over the place does not necessarily mean it is right or helpful is it? So you may want to be thoughtful while posting images, or may not, it is your decision. Puritans will always condemn you, others will always praise you, I am not doing either, I am just letting you know…
This incident is an opportunity to observe the way we "agree or disagree" in this regard. We can't assume that the person who removed your picture, Dashama, is either a "yoga -over" or "yoga-hater." We simply do not know. For me it is more like an arising of divine form (the pic) moving back into formlessness. See, your picture came and went. Your thoughts come and go, your feelings come and go. Where does all of this come from and where does it really go? We can construct all kinds of concepts, theories, and stories surrounding this incident and find at the end that a construct, concept, or story may or may not be correct. We don't know really what happened! We may have an idea – but does the idea really matter?
We can however learn to be aware and observe our own comfort and discomfort, likes and dislikes, and hence get to know ourselves better. If there is a little "judgment" or a little "worry" – then notice that perhaps and feel it all being embraced by pure awareness. All of what ever happens is a part of the totality of yoga. Nothing remains outside of yoga. I see no need to change anything. No need even to be positive but be benevolently authentic. Just embrace what IS and change comes on its own. See, for me, I saw your picture come and go. We as beings come and go. It's all impermanent. Perhaps find yourself smiling about this not knowing "what really happened?" I wonder, "can you be comfortable with "not knowing," dear Sister Love?" Everything usually tends to auto-liberate with a little time.
This behavior of removing pics is not in contrast to yoga and the totality of existence but in a strange way an addition. It challenges our tolerance by broadening the river of life. This too is part of being ONE.
(I myself made up the following story: Perhaps one of your fans loves you so much that he/she can't handle your picture without the urge of being in your presence… perhaps the persons suffers from attachment. See, that is my story… and it matters not if anybody agrees or disagrees with this story… and, I surrendered the story – now it is gone… )
Much love to you Dashama
xoxo
(I know from experience) that more and more people today are intimidated by a beautiful young healthy body. Don't change yourself, they are the ones in need of changing.
I am beginning to wonder if Facebook even looks at the photos that are reported. A friend of mine was blocked for posting a pic of her 2 year old daughter, and another person for posting a pic of their dog.
I think there are groups of haters who go around reporting pics – it has happened to several friends of mine who are models. It might be based on the number of reports.
Realistically does facebook have enough staff to individually deal with each report ? I don't think so somehow.
There is a I Hate Justin Bieber page on Facebook which has 2 million fans – it has been in existence for months. Why hasn't it been taken down ?
Hi, I wasn't referring to Christian fundamentalists, I was simply referring to anyone who has a closed way of seeing the world. Sorry for the confusion, I should have perhaps used a different word.
What word would you feel better to describe what I meant? I'll change it.. maybe traditionalists… puritans ?
If you believe someone who disagrees with you has a "closed way of seeing the world." you should probably acknowledge that the statement applies equally to you. Hence the danger of relativism; you cannot simultaneously condemn another's belief and claim to be accepting of all.
Hey there,
I'm not offended by your words, I was just trying to understand what you were meaning, and hoping that you were not lumping "Christians" all into the same pile of "fundamentalism."
Not me, by the way! Must have been one of those other people.
I don't know, I kind of disagree with that. As someone who is learning yoga – and Dashama is indeed one of my teachers – I appreciate having photos to see so many different poses. And yes, some of the photos are non-yoga but to me those are just a chance to have a glimpse into her life in that moment.