Have
you ever wondered what it would be like to really know how to make the
most of your own unique beauty? How it would feel if you just knew how
to put yourself together for any occasion and feel confident, no matter
what the latest fashion look happened to be? Could you imagine having
a wardrobe of clothes where each garment was a favourite and your outfits
reflected your best qualities to the world.
Most of us instantly recognise beauty and style in others, just as we
are quick to spot their mistakes, yet the ability to master our own
appearance and to build up a wardrobe fit to take us anywhere is a rare
talent. Cultivating your own personal look is more important than following
any passing trend and in today's fast paced lifestyle the impact of
our appearance shouldn't be ignored. An estimated 93% of the impression
we make on others is through the way we choose to express ourselves
physically. So, the good news is that with just a little bit of savvy
and groundwork we can take charge and ensure that it's our best self
we present to the world.
In most areas of the health and beauty industry we are waking up to
the benefits of holistic living and recognising that for any treatment
to be truly effective there has to be an approach which honours the
mind, body and spirit; the inner and the outer self. Clothing and image
for so long have been synonymous with just the outer self - and the
younger, thinner and more perfectly beautiful the better. The casualties
of the fashion and beauty industry have been widely publicised recently;
shocking statistics revealing the extent of eating disorders, the dangers
of cosmetic surgery, women's poor body-image and it's impact on career
performance reflect a serious wound in our psyche.
Yet I have never seen an ugly woman walk through the door of my studio,
despite the frequent protests of being too fat, too skinny, too old,
plain …The truth is that chasing the dream of magazine perfectionism
has left most women out of touch with their own beauty.
I have seen 'miracles' unfold as women cast aside clothes and make-up,
used more as a mask to hide from the world, and step into the power
of their own personal expression. The most attractive image a woman
can choose is the one which communicates the essence of her spirit -
whether that be her exotic, passionate allure; her gentle, softly spoken
serenity; her practical, earthy sensuality; her bohemian creativity
or her chic sophistication - whilst at the same time flattering the
shape and colouring of her body and being appropriate for her lifestyle.
Trying to look like a supermodel, actress or your best friend is never
going to be as effective as finding what really works for you. Infact,
nothing is guaranteed to make you feel more off-centre or disempowered.
It may take courage to break the old mould and set yourself free as
an individual in the world, but imagine giving yourself permission to
really be that expressed, that beautiful, that timeless and that you.
Imagine how much more strongly you could show up in your life - your
career, your relationships - even your own health and fitness - if you
recognised and welcomed the true face and body of the Goddess in your
reflection in the mirror and worked together in harmony.
© Laura Berridge 2001