This week I’m launching my “Natural Beauty Series” where we’ll look at natural beauty as it relates to several areas of your life.
Today, we start with makeup.
Do you wear makeup?
If so, why? If not, why not?
Clients and friends are following my lead by ditching makeup and exploring the “Natural Beauty” option.
And guess what? They’ve found it to be incredibly freeing. Read on to learn more about it.
ARE YOU FEELING TRAPPED?
In the conventional option, beauty is reliant upon external and cultural standards for how a woman should look.
From billboards to magazines to commercials on TV, we’ve seen the media prop up a standard for how women should look. That’s unfortunate, and it’s left a lot of women feeling trapped, feeling like they have to look a certain way (maybe you feel that way, too).
In the natural option, beauty is all about your body’s free expression of herself.
And really, this is all about being yourself. About being comfortable in your own skin. Learning to look in the mirror and go out confidently to approach the day.
Now, this isn’t to say you can’t take advice from external sources, but the Natural Beauty option will free you from comparing yourself to those sources!
I believe that self acceptance – in a more natural way – could be an option for you!
BODY KNOWLEDGE SYSTEM WISDOM
One day, I realized a few things:
Putting on – and taking off – makeup every single day just isn’t fun.
I wasn’t doing it for myself… I was doing it because that’s what I was expected to do.
The world didn’t come crashing down simply because I didn’t wear eyeliner one day.
My message for you today is this: listen to what your body is trying to tell you about makeup. For me, it was incredibly freeing to not worry with it every morning and every night… maybe it will be for you too!
Again – if you’re feeling trapped by the conventional option, the natural option can set you free!
NEXT STEPS
We’ll be looking at natural beauty in other areas of your life over the coming weeks.
In the meantime, are you someone who feels trapped by external standards of beauty? Do you feel pressured to make yourself look a certain way every day?
Are you ready to experience the freedom of the Natural Beauty approach? Share your comments below.
It’s Coach Stephanie, and I’m wondering if you remember the song “Treat Her Like A Lady” by Cornelius Ray and Sister Rose?
That song embodies the principles behind the practice of the Body Knowledge System®.
(We’ll listen to it here in a minute).
Your body deserves attention beyond the basics of food, shelter, clothing, and exercise. Your body deserves your RESPECT. and that requires your knowledge of her needs, wants, and desires. In exchange for that, your body shares her wisdom with you.
Wisdom? Doesn’t that reside in your mind?
No, not all of it.
So, how do you access that wisdom? Through your practice of the Body Knowledge System®.
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Let’s Listen And Move…
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Try this:
Pick a number between 1 and 10 to represent a scale of your current mood: 1 being sad (pessimistic) all the way to 10 being happy (optimistic).
Watch the video below:
3) Stand up and MOVE to the music… just listen & MOVE!
4) If you feel like it, keep moving to the music.
5) Now, where are you on the mood scale? I’ll bet it increased.
Keep moving to the music, or any music, until you’ve reached a “10”.
Embrace the feeling, enjoy the feeling, and engage your body in a commitment to continue to the feeling into your future.
============================ Join Our Online Community ============================
Join our online community of women who are learning RESPECT. and beginning the conversation as to what this means to you with other like-minded women!
Use this form to contact me and enter “Google Plus Groups” in the comments.
Then look out for my personalized invitation to join us! [Body Confidence with Stephanie Wood]
It’s that easy! And once you get my invite and accept, you are now part of this warm community. You’ll see the videos we’re recording to supplement these articles (and be able to have relevant conversations that you’re interested in to learn and laugh with each other plus share what you are involved with).
It’s Coach Stephanie, and this week I’m here to tell you that Body Talk 101 (from Body Knowledge System ®) is NOT the same thing as Body Language.
If you’re interested in learning more about Body Language, you can choose from hundreds of books on Amazon that cover that topic.
But what we’re doing here is Body Talk 101, from my Body Knowledge System®.
Allow me to elaborate.
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BODY TALK 101 BASICS (BKS®)
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Body Talk refers to the direct exchange of information between you and your body.
Your body is your best friend, and conversational Body Talk® gives you a way of communicating with your body to bring about immediate, tangible, material, and positive CHANGE!
But first you must (re)establish the intimate contact with your body that you were born with….
So let’s cover the basics of how you do my BKS ® Body Talk exercise:
This week’s BKS ® Wisdom Within teaches us about Body Talk…
Body Talk refers to the direct exchange of information between you and your body.
Body Talk is sharing & listening to hopes & wishes with your best friend, your body.
Body Talk inspires Body Action to guarantee Body Confidence
WAIT!
No additional bullet today. Instead of reading about taking action, why not schedule a time that I can help you practice this Body Talk technique?
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THE BKS® TALK IS MEANT TO BE EXPERIENCED
SO THIS IS WHAT WE DO NEXT
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This is important because with me as your Coach, we can facilitate this conversation so that the two of you are truly clear with your intentions for both of you. It is this conversation in the moment which makes it truly profound.
The Body Talk Basics are meant to be experienced, not just read about! So click the link below to get started with your no-cost conversation with me.
This online community creates a safe place to regain your Self Esteem through a sustainable system of body knowledge and your body’s wisdom. It’s a lot of fun!
Here’s how to join this private, no-cost google + group:
1. Use this form to contact me and enter “Google Plus Group” in the comments.
2. Then look for my personalized invitation to join us! [Body Confidence Community with Stephanie Wood]
It’s Stephanie and this week I want to speak with you about superheroes. Yep, that’s right… superheroes.
Everybody’s familiar with Superman and Batman of course, but I’m wondering if you’ve ever heard of Wonder Woman?
As you can see in the picture, Wonder Woman has a very confident posture… let’s call it “the power position”.
And you know what’s interesting about the power position?
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MORE CONFIDENCE, LESS ANXIETY
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Research has actually shown that assuming that position – even for just two minutes – can increase testosterone levels by 20% (which boosts confidence) while simultaneously decreasing cortisol levels by 25% (which reduces anxiety).
Isn’t it crazy that simply changing your posture can increase your body confidence and decrease your anxiety?
(Well, it’s not so crazy to me… I’ve been aware of this for many years!
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MY ENCOURAGEMENT TO YOU
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When you wake up tomorrow, why not assume the power position for two minutes? Close your eyes, breathe deeply, and stand confidently.
See if this practice affects your body confidence in a positive way… and if it does, let me know!
P.S. I’m launching my Body Confidence Community with Stephanie Wood for women who want to revitalize their body confidence with a sustainable system.
And as a bonus: sending out contest information so you can get involved with each other in this community. It is a good thing. It is all about community and supporting each other.
The older you get, the more your body changes (sagging skin, added weight, wrinkles, etc.).
And after age 35? You start to notice it even more.
So, what are your options?
You could ignore what really makes you sad when you look in the mirror.
You could go for laser treatment or plastic surgery
Or you could throw out everything delicious in your pantry
And frankly, none of those sound great to me. How about you?
So, instead here are a few reminders for you:
ENJOY every delicious bite to the UTMOST.
Work WITH your body to let you know when you’ve eaten enough.
Appreciate your whole self, especially as you age
Need some guidance with these reminders? I’ve got lots of experience on this topic. Anyone can read a few tips… the tough part is implementing them.
Let me coach you through this! Contact me before July 31st and you will receive a 45 minute Self-Acceptance as you Age’ coaching session for half price! (That’s a $75 value)
Let’s go deeper on this, and make it a practical reality in your life!
Your mind says: Tired? We have a plan, remember? You told me you’d walk the dog today!
Your body says: But I’ve walked the dog six days in a row! It’s Sunday, and I want a break!
Your mind says: A break? Are you kidding me? Get that word out of your vocabulary. We’ve gotta go, go, go! Who wins this one?
=============================================== Interesting scenarios huh? So what would you do if I told you I can help you make those negotiations with your mind and body a much easier process?
Yes, you are one in the same with your mind, body and spirit but each one has a different objective. The Body Knowledge System™ can help you. Contact me with your challenge and we can set up a free Healthier You Consultation at your convenience.
Learn how to answer this question for yourself – when I am hungry or tired, I will listen to _________.
I believe we have a love/hate relationship with the number on our scale so I invite you to take my Body Image Survey and share your tips for changing your relationship with your scale.
But first here are my three tips to stop your love/hate relationship with the number on your scale.
1. When you say: “Oh My God! I cannot bear to look at the number on the scale!”
Tip: Don’t look! Move around and dance with your body and enjoy how she (he) feels.
2. When I see the number on the scale, I make a judgment that it is not to my liking!
Tip: Acknowledge that your body may enjoy being at this specific weight but become more aware of your food portions
3. I feel my clothes are a ‘scale’ as well….so does that make me less of a person with what I am in the world?
Tip: Your body is your best friend and having a relationship with her (him) will bring you closer to how you want to present yourself in the world in the clothes you feel most comfortable in.
Bonus Tip: Look in the mirror and notice how you feel in that outfit. Your body is your best friend and having a relationship with her will bring you closer to acknowledging how she looks in the mirror and how you feel…versus fixating on ‘the number’
If you have a 4th tip, I’d love to hear it and in return I’llgive you a strategic healthier you consultation for free!
But you can take control today and I can help you get there!
I invite you to take this quick Body Image Survey so that you can become clearer.
The way you see yourself is not merely an issue of physicality. It involves the total you: Body, Mind, and Spirit. The numbers on the scale are objective. They provide standards of measurement. So, why do we let ourselves feel so awful over a number?
Free yourself from what is holding you back from being happy with YOU!
If these numbers are bringing you down, please read on! From birth, we’ve been sized up by numbers. Right after you get a name, you get a height and weight.
And from then on, numbers continue to play an integral role throughout your lifetime.
Whether it’s your mom’s opinion of how you look, or your doctor telling you to lower your cholesterol (not saying you should not watch your blood test numbers), the numbers keep popping up.
But today, you can take control. And I can help you get there.
Send me your ‘number’ challenge and I will gift you a Healthier You consultation…for free!
The way you see yourself is not merely an issue of physicality. It involves the total you: Body, Mind, and Spirit. I invite you to take tis quick Body Image Survey so that you can become clearer.
Numbers are objective. Numbers provide standards of measurement. So, why do we let ourselves feel so awful over a number?
For instance, how do you feel every morning after stepping on the scale in the bathroom?
You have an ideal number in your head, so if your scale doesn’t reflect that number, does that put you in a bad mood for the rest of your day? Why is that number important for your body image?
Wait! Let’s address that in the comments below or with a conversation over the phone.
Free yourself from what is holding you back from being happy with YOU!
I got a beautiful dog a few months ago. His name is Copper and he’s pure bred Akita. He’s a wonderful companion and I’m so glad that we decided to get him. Copper’s got a routine. In the morning, he wants his food . . . and he wants it first thing. And guess what? He gets his food, every single morning. His body knows what he needs and I make sure that he gets it.
However – I’ve found that women don’t treat themselves as well as they take care of their animals’ needs and desires.
I mean, think about it . . . how many times have you missed your own breakfast? Animals have daily routines. They know what their bodies need, and they act accordingly. Somewhere along the way, we’ve stopped paying attention to our own bodies. For example:
How many times have you been sitting at your desk, working away, while your body screams: “Take a break! Walk around! Use the restroom! Get a snack!”
Again, our bodies know what we need. But we’ve taught ourselves to ignore our bodies and thereby, create unhealthy routines.
My dog – Copper – knows what he needs. But he needs me, his owner, to help him implement. He can’t the open door to let himself out and he can’t drive to the store to get more food when we run out. He needs me for that.
In the same way, you need someone who will help you learn how to listen to your body once again . . . and not just listen, but ACT on what you’re hearing. You need a partnership with a coach.
That’s where I come in! For 20 years, I’ve helped women learn to listen to their bodies…to give them what they need… oh, and lose weight in the process (if appropriate).
If you’re interested in partnering with me, send me an email today. We’ll schedule a free 20 minute consultation and go from there!
Tomorrow morning pay close attention to your cat, your dog, your gerbil, your hamster, or your ferret—as soon as they open their eyes to greet the day. The first thing every mammal does after waking is to systematically stretch every muscle, elongating tendons, and breathing fresh air into every cell.
What did you do this morning?
Slap your alarm clock until the noise stopped, throw yourself out of bed, and stagger to the bathroom. Perhaps your morning routine is a shave, a shower, a pass by Starbucks on your way to your desk for the next 10 to 12 hours. Perhaps there is a trip to the gym on your way home, or a pub, and then rushing to pick up your children at school or day care. At home it’s homework, or housework, meal prep for the rest of the family, children’s bedtime routine, a few minutes for your partner and then falling into bed for not enough time asleep.
Your pet or any mammal on the planet knows better.
From birth, every mammal is aware of the body, their body—because their survival depends upon their bodies, not their minds, not the weather, nor other members of their pack, herd, or extended family.
In addition, is their awareness that the survival of their species also depends upon their body and its ability to reproduce. Without human distractions, such as greed, lust, envy, and competition for status and power, the mammals maintain their awareness of their bodies from the first breath they inhale to their last exhalation.
During the day, your cat or dog’s awareness of their bodies continues in the forefront of their minds. An injury, an infection, an illness gets immediate attention. The body’s ability to perform the basics required to survive is the paramount value in every mammal’s life. When the animal senses a weakness or a vulnerability, all activity takes a back seat to healing their personal primary survival tool: their body.
When injured, your dog or cat will apply healing saliva to the open wound to prevent infection. When ill with a viral or bacterial infection, your dog or cat will retreat to a safe place to rest and sleep off the invader. When aging makes the end inevitable, the elder will not waste energy in futile attempts to escape his destiny, rather he will do what is necessary to survive for the remainder of his time on earth.
Tonight, pay attention to your pet’s nighttime routine. A dog will circle the den checking for snakes or poisonous insects before flopping onto the sleeping place to refresh their bodies in order to survive another day. Listen carefully. Preceding sleep will be a deep inhale followed by a loud exhale that guarantees total relaxation for a sound night’s rest.
What is your nightly routine?
A glass or two of wine, an hour of mindless media entertainment on your TV or PC, floss and brush your teeth, perhaps popping a few sleeping pills before falling asleep over a book, a magazine, or late night TV. Do you take the time to ease your body into sleep through meditation, yoga, breathing deeply or simply smiling about what a wonderful day you have just experienced and in anticipation of a better day tomorrow?
Mammals have one important and significant advantage over human beings, and that is their ability to “live in the now”. By being present in every moment of every day guarantees their well being and fulfills their purpose on the planet.
Body Knowledge contributes to fulfilling an individual’s purpose (for mammals lower on the food chain, it’s reproduction). Feral animals experience the purist form of body knowledge. Sensitivity to their physical well being contributes to the quality of life as well as their longevity. Domestication of any species creates space between the natural existence and a life imposed upon the animal by others.
As human beings, we are the most “domesticated” species in the food chain. Therefore, experience the widest gap between the body knowledge we were born with and the influences of our environment. As individuals, in order to conform to external rules, we learn to ignore our bodies, our intuition for guidance. Under the misconception that our survival depends on external elements, we widen the separation as we accept values and standards that are created by others.
If your life is less than perfect, it’s past time to return to the gift everyone was given at birth: body knowledge. Pay attention to your body again.
As your awareness of your physical well-being increases, so will your overall comfort level. Respect your body, listen to it, take the time, and spend the energy to make it feel good not just on the weekends or vacations, but every day for the rest of your life.
Hey there,
