Friends, it is OCTOBER and that means Spooky Season is here. Before I jump into the newsletter I want to highlight last week’s honouring of Truth and Reconciliation with Orange Shirt Day and a reminder that the work of reconciliation is for everyday, not just one day. So while it was incredible to witness the Sea of Orange that flooded the campus I work and the city I live in, along with seeing so many wearing the beautiful work of our friend Christine with Awasis Boutique, let this to be your gentle nudge that while September 30th has come and gone, the work of reconciliation is here to stay.
Embodiment—a concept that often feels as elusive as a unicorn in our modern world. We can find ourselves caught in the whirlwind of envy and comparison, struggling to truly embody our authentic selves. But what does embodiment look like, feel like, and sound like in everyday life? When you spend a lot of time with a friend who speaks extensively on embodiment and practicing it (thank you Adrianne Vangool), you hope some of it can rub off on you! Let's explore how we can embrace this vital aspect of our existence as working women, mothers, and empowered individuals.
What Does Embodiment Look Like
Embodiment is not about perfection; it's about authenticity. I will repeat that again, embodiment is not about perfection; it's about authenticity. It looks like being comfortable in your own skin, regardless of societal standards or trends, who you scroll, follow, or what is showing up on your feeds. Embodiment is learning to embrace your uniqueness and expressing it confidently.
- In the workplace:It's sitting at the conference table, knowing your voice matters, and not apologizing for taking up space.
- As a mother: It's teaching your children that they are enough just as they are, and leading by example.
- As an empowered woman: It's standing up for your beliefs without fear of judgment, and celebrating your accomplishments, big or small.
What Does Embodiment Feel Like?
Embodiment feels like freedom. It's the liberation from the chains of comparison and the weight of others' expectations. It's a profound sense of self-acceptance and inner peace.
- In the workplace: It feels like confidently sharing your ideas, knowing they have value, and not seeking validation from others.
- As a mother: It feels like loving your body for the miraculous vessel it is, and passing on a legacy of self-love to your children.
- As an empowered woman: It feels like being unapologetically you, embracing your flaws as part of your beauty, and radiating self-assurance.
What Does Embodiment Sound Like?
Embodiment sounds like your inner voice finally speaking kindly to you. It's the absence of self-criticism and the presence of self-compassion. It's a symphony of authenticity.
-In the workplace: It sounds like you asserting your boundaries without guilt and encouraging your colleagues to do the same.
- As a mother: It sounds like telling your child they are perfect as they are, just like their mother.
- As an empowered woman: It sounds like you supporting other women in their journey to self-acceptance and lifting each other up.
How Can You Embrace Embodiment in Everyday Life?
1. Practice Self-Compassion: Treat yourself with the same kindness and understanding that you offer to your loved ones. Be your own best friend.
2. Limit Social Media Comparisons: Be mindful of the content you consume. Unfollow accounts that trigger envy and follow those that promote self-acceptance and diversity.
3. Connect with Your Body: Engage in activities that make you feel connected to your body, whether it's dancing, yoga, or simply taking a mindful walk.
4. Celebrate Your Achievements: Acknowledge your accomplishments and give yourself credit for your hard work. You are your own greatest cheerleader.
5. Embrace Imperfection: Remember that perfection is an illusion. Celebrate your quirks and imperfections; they make you unique.
6. Support Other Women: Lift each other up. When you empower other women to embrace their true selves, you're also empowering yourself.
7. Practice Mindfulness: Be present in the moment. Mindfulness helps you stay connected to your inner self and reduces the influence of external judgments.
In a world that often pushes us to compare and conform, embodiment is our rebellion. It's the audacious act of being unapologetically ourselves, loving our bodies, and celebrating our uniqueness. So, ladies, embrace your embodiment with all its quirks and idiosyncrasies. You are enough just as you are- flaunt it.
~Lisa
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