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Last night, I went out with two lovely ladies for Halloween and we happened upon a burlesque show. I had seen photos from this particular troupe of girls and their show before. From the snapshots, I thought the shows were silly fun, and everyone was meant to laugh and revel in feelings of freedom and self-expression.  The fire dancer at the end! What I didn't realize was that the shows were a powerful experience in self-love. So powerful that I'm still thinking about it today, feeling the impact of what I saw seeping deeper into me. It wasn't until I saw it in person that I understood what was actually happening in those photos. In the photos, it seems as if the women perform and everyone is apart from them, watching, maybe gaping, maybe laughing uncomfortably. In person, none of that was happening. There was laughter, but we weren't laugh at anyone - we were laughing with them and with each other because it was so damn fun. Being there, I came to understand how dynamic the whole thing is. Nobody is just "watching". The audience is as much a part of the show as the girls are. The energy of the audience, and their willingness to let go and cheer and scream, is a vital part of the experience. This sense of togetherness, of sharing in this as a group, is one part of what made it feel alive and electric. The other part is how empowered the women are. In my life, I have always associated empowered women with perfect bodies. It's the message we're forcefed over and over. We're told that until you look perfect, you can't claim your perfection. But last night, I saw something totally different.  I saw back fat and cellulite. I saw wide hips and big booties. I saw small boobs and small booties.
I saw it all, and it all felt so damn perfect I can't even describe how powerful it was. Not one woman was ashamed of any part of her body. Each woman was sexual and confident. Free and feisty. Nobody was asking for permission to exude ownership of their bodies and their beauty. They owned it, and we all bowed down in awe. And on top of that, they owned that room. As they undressed, there was never a sense their sexuality was for us. It was always for them. It was theirs to do with as they pleased. Even as they walked through the room, throwing gloves on people, touching people's shoulders, swinging their breasts around, there was never a feeling things were about to get out of hand. There was no question who was in control. I feel cheesy admitting this, but thinking about it today makes me a little emotional. I feel as if someone has given me permission to love myself. To really love myself. I can no longer look in the mirror after last night's show and start picking apart my perceived flaws. It feels so wrong now. It feels like a disservice to the goddesses I witnessed. It feels like a lie, like a crazy lie that needs to be cast out of my mind. I had no idea seeing a burlesque show would have such an impact on me. I wish I had better pictures to share with you - I was so in the moment I didn't want to stop and get out my phone. I am eternally grateful to the bold and amazing women who performed last night. You are my new standard for perfection. You are my goal for empowerment and femininity. Thank you.
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This visualization was recorded as Episode 21 of my mini-meditation podcast. If you prefer to listen to it rather than read the text, click the button below the image!
Take a deep breath Visualize a white light pouring down into the top of your head It melts down all through your mind It melts through worries and concerns It melts through self-doubt and insecurity It melts through stress and fatigue Raise Your Vibration in 5 Minutes
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In this age of phones, apps and social media, we are so inundated with external information that we sometimes don't even realize it. It's rare to have a day where something outside of us doesn't zap us a bit. You might see something on Instagram and think "Oh, I thought I'd have that in my life by now," or you might see an article and think, "I didn't realize I should be doing it that way." Images of exotic vacations, fitness routines, meditation practices, makeup tutorials, books, movies, and podcasts constantly stream before us.
In order to find some balance, this episode is all about tuning into what you personally want and need. This episode is the antidote to the never ending quest for you to put your attention outside of your own heart. Take a deep breath, relax, and return to the still place inside of you that knows exactly what you want and need at this time. For more episodes and to subscribe to Raise Your Vibration in 5 Minutes go here. |