Inside-Out and Outside-In Wellbeing
We often say yoga is a work in, not a workout. In Yin, we concentrate on how the postures feel rather than how they look – a stark contrast to other aspects of our lives.
Over Christmas, I re-watched The Devil Wears Prada and thought about that meme moment:
“Yes, because that’s really what this whole multibillion-dollar industry is all about, isn’t it? Inner beauty.”
Here’s the truth: I love clothes and makeup. I love my morning ritual of getting ready. Heck, when I was a student going out, the best part was getting ready with good vibes and good gal pals!
But there’s a conflict-appearance versus wellbeing. As a healthcare professional, there’s a fine line between supporting someone’s health journey, avoiding body shaming, and not being perceived as judgmental.
We need to break down these barriers. We need to give room for both to exist and be experienced-because that’s how we move forward. It’s the look good, feel good duality. Both can coexist.
We tend to criticize people for being “too vain” or “not taking enough pride in their appearance.” We body-shame for being too fat, too thin – or even for maintaining weight (as if that means you eat whatever you want, when in truth you’re working at it).
In a previous blog post, we spoke about all the things we save for “good.” Instead, we thought about using the nice soap and lighting the nice candle.
So why not combine our outside-in / inside-out approach to wellbeing too?
· Wear the nice perfume (before it goes off).
· Use the body creams and lotions you were gifted.
· Wear the clothes – dress them up or down, modify and have fun.
· Use the makeup you have before it expires – or don’t, if that’s your thing.
Inside out. Outside in. Let your joy exist.
Wear makeup to the gym if you want – own it and feel good! think bitchin’ Stranger Things vibes.
Whilst you’re working on the inside, can you prop up the outside – or vice versa?
Love You: Owning Who You Are! Inside-Out and Outside-In Wellbeing
Love you: Health and Well-being with Lorraine 