I find a lot of similarities between yoga and boudoir. Though I don't regularly practice yoga, B.C. (Before Children) I used visit the mat every so often. I was never a die hard… in fact at first I rolled my eyes at the concept. But then I noticed that during class I was so at peace with myself, mentally and physically. I was so aware of how I was feeling emotionally, and so aware of every part of my body. At risk of sounding cheesy, IN TUNE, I suppose is the best way to describe it. I felt like I had superpowers because I was SO in tune with myself, and felt as if I was walking on air every time I left class. I was walking taller, breathing easier, seeing the world in a fresher way.
Even though I only practiced occasionally learned something new about myself every time I set foot on my mat. I learned to accept where I was in my physicality and not necessarily aim for perfection. We all know that "comparison is the thief of joy"...but I really UNDERSTOOD that through my yoga practice. It wasn't about how I always seemed to be lightyears behind others in my abilities, it was about how much I had improved from the time before. I never did learn to do crow pose, but I learned to be ok with that and love myself a little more for trying.
As I've fine-tuned my boudoir technique and client coaching over the years, I've drawn so much from my limited yoga practice. From coaching breathing, relaxation, and body awareness, to self acceptance and not comparing yourself to anyone else, there are just so many parallels.
A proper boudoir experience isn't about what my other clients are doing, what they're wearing, or what they look like. A proper boudoir experience is about YOU. Not you after you lose 20 lbs, but you RIGHT NOW. It's about loving yourself as you are today. It's about recognizing how far you've come in your life journey, and giving yourself a big, loving, bear hug. It's about being able to look back on that moment in time for the rest of your life and reminding yourself how amazing you are.
Do you feel sexiest when you are strong? Vulnerable? Fully dressed? Nude? It’s all about you and what makes you feel amazing. Because ultimately that’s my goal. To take beautiful images, yes, but more so to make you feel like your best, most amazing self.
So this is my weekly rambling blog reminder to you to love yourself, appreciate yourself, respect yourself...I'm talking to myself, too.
xoxo, Stephanie
