Earlier this summer, I partnered with Kat and Karla of Healthitude in Seattle to host Double Trouble, an event that included both an escrima training seminar and a fun photoshoot for all the participants. I taught escrima, Kat took beautiful portraits of everyone, and Karla used her photoshop skills to make our photos extra special.
I chose to share this picture with you because it reminds me of how important physical confidence is to all of us. I felt good taking this picture. I dropped down into my pose and Kat snapped the shot. I knew right then it was a good one. And seeing it now - all edited into a gorgeous setting by Karla - I think it looks great! I look like I know what I'm doing! And it felt that way too. My confidence shines through.
Have you ever had this kind of experience? Where people can tell, just by looking at you, that you know your worth?
Have you ever had the opposite experience? Where people can tell, just by looking at you, that you are nervous? or shut down? Or not wanting to be seen?
During our event we practiced with different weapons forms and enjoyed how our bodies felt powerful as we worked through them. Martial arts can create confidence in our bodies as we realize that we are capable of moving and standing and being in ways that are outside of the ordinary. This is true of other art forms as well. Consider how it feels in our bodies to dance, stretch, lift, and hold.
Using our bodies is the key to feeling good in them. When I'm not feeling good, I tend to get slow, sitting on the couch, curled up, and most likely snacking. I'm not interacting with my body like it is a powerful and beautiful machine. I'm not wanting to be seen.
This is true of all kinds of "being seen" whether photographed or not. When I am up and living my life, I am more likely to feel good in my body and be in a state of enjoyment. My face will show that I am happy and contented and alive.
If you've read this far, I'd like to offer you a challenge. Get up wherever you are and strike a pose! Let yourself feel how awesome your body is! You can even be a little silly about it. Imagine you're the one in front of the camera, the start of the movie, the hero of the tale. Because in reality, you ARE. Just of your own life. We are the main characters of out personal stories, so let's make them great! Enjoy how wonderful and unique and strong you are! And strike a pose!
And just in case you think I'm making this look too easy, I'll offer you a few of the other shots captured that day that didn't look quite as badass. haha. The point is to have fun! Move, dance, strike a pose, and remember how awesome you are! The confidence will come.
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