Love Your Face. Love Yourself.
February 10, 2012
In the latest issue of O Magazine, Oprah shares:
“I believe that each of us has an essence, a quality at the very core of our being that makes us who we are. It’s what guides our thoughts, our feelings, our tastes. It’s what sets us apart from everyone else. And I believe that finding ways to express that essence is one of the greatest joys in life.”
What if I could share with you a way that you can pinpoint this “essence” — yours and that of the special people in your life?
What if you could understand someone deeply simply by looking at their face?
If you are intrigued, then you’re reading the right post! In fact, I was intrigued about a year ago when I met Jean Haner, author of The Wisdom of Your Face and The Wisdom of Your Child’s Face. You see as a mother I always longed to confirm what I thought I knew about my children that no teacher could come to understand. As early as pre-k our children are already being labeled and treated a certain way–many times in ways that drown their curiosity, joy, and intelligence. Their true nature–what they are excited to share with the world– can be interpreted as something bad that must be hidden or fixed.
Jean opened my eyes to an incredible science that validates who we are to are very core and helps us to understand our strengths, struggles, and purpose in our lifetime. I’m thrilled to both have her as a mentor and to be her student.
The Wisdom of Your Face speaks to an ancient branch of Chinese medicine which teaches that we were born with a unique blueprint that is ours alone, and that this inner architecture is reflected in our outer design–the features of our face. This science provides us with an incredible tool. With this tool we can breathe easier, look in the mirror and say, “I’m so proud to be me….I love my face!!”
The link above to Jean’s website provides A LOT of research and information that you’ll love to read to learn more. Jean also offers workshops all over the country.
I’m happy to be interning with Jean in her practitioner program. As part of this process I will be conducting both mini-readings and in-depth case studies.
During a full-length consultation (60-90 minutes) you also may bring photos of a loved one or colleague to be read as well, as time allows.
Note: Children can be “read” but the consultation will be with the parent(s) using photos.
If you would like to learn more about these readings, or if you’d like to recommend someone who may be interested, please complete the form below and/or forward along this post. I’m seeking 10 case study participants between now and September.
I can share with you that this knowledge and practice has allowed me to better understand myself, others who I interact with everyday, and appreciate what we all have to offer the world and each other.
I’m looking forward to sharing more with you along the way and to hearing from you soon.
Honoring you and your inner architecture,
Monique
Straying from our Truth
March 6, 2011
c/o Paul Teixeira
Today is my Birthday. And what better a way to celebrate my Birthday then to give birth to something new; something that is a piece of me…a piece of my truth. So here you have it, a new beautiful ranting, a new blog.
On days like today I think back to my childhood and I really try to remember who I was and what invigorated me; made me lose time. For it is my belief that we are living authentically during those moments of simple pleasures, joy and timelessness. Whatever it is we are doing in those moments we can do forever! Ahh…remember those days? Yes, I know who I was, and I make sure to tap into that energy now as a Bigger Child. That energy is still within me; my core self, and I owe it to my child self to stay true to who I’ve always been.
I talk a lot. I talk a lot to lots of people, especially high-achieving women. In trying to achieve so much, many times we lose sight of our truth. It becomes blurry, fuzzy, and seems so far away. We stray. As high achievers we get a HIGH by multi-tasking; getting a lot of things done at the same time, or doing too much to please too many. But do we really get a lot done? Are we pleasing ourselves? How much joy or effectiveness am I getting out of one specific task or activity if I have to drop it to begin another, and another, and another? As a high achiever, what exactly am I achieving?
So today– my day– I focus on the intention and action of living my truth and not straying from it, which as we all know is so easy to do.
I read this today and it cemented the concept for me. Perhaps it will for you too:
“The moment we stray from where we are, we create a tension between two places– where we are and where we are thinking of being. It is this tension that blocks us from the sensation of being fully alive, because being split in our attention prevents us from being authentic– even though managing many tasks at once is considered intelligent. That we stray from the moment is not surprising. The more crucial thing is that we return.“
Yesterday, I received so much joy from sitting silently and watching my daughter, age 6, revel in her body, her creativity, her enthusiasm in her new dance class. I closed my eyes and went way back in time and saw myself dancing and singing uninhibited in front of no one, or anyone, who cared to watch. I could care less of anyone’s judgement or lack of it. All I cared about in that moment and for hours on end was the feeling I felt, and the dream in my heart. If anyone wanted to come along for the ride, all the better. It was all about the process, not the outcome; the performance, not the feedback. I LOVE this part of MY TRUTH!
What part of YOUR TRUTH do you revel in?
I also found much joy and laughter in reading an article in O about a busy working mother who had visions of her complicated, messy life turning around completely; of becoming someone other that who she was.
She shares:
“I am not and was never going to be the relaxed, organized, manicured career mom, any more than I was going to be the shiny, elusive cheerleader or the diligent Gap employee or the virginal good girl or the wise young lady who dates only responsible, emotionally available guys. I am a disorganized, melancholy second-guesser who rhapsodizes a little too loudly over the pleasures of a cold beer at the end of a long day.”
And, although she managed to have a few really amazing chaos-free days, she embraces her authenticity by proclaiming:
“This is true…I love this f_ _ _ing clown show of mine! Sometimes, even though my world is in chaos, I see myself braiding my daughter’s hair, drinking my tea, blending up a fruit smoothie and singing and dancing crazily to distract the baby from the blender’s scary, grinding sound, and I think…That woman is weird, but she does seem to be enjoying herself.”
I love that. I love that although her world-ly self tells her how she should be (which is not authentic to her), she honors what her spirit self tells her she is, and what feels right and real.
Today I celebrate me. The child me, and the somewhat developed bigger child me, who always wants to give birth to projections of myself and juicy bits of what I’ve always offered to this world.
Want a piece of me? Well, you have no choice. You’re gonna get it!
Cheers to me, to you, and to living our truth!
Monique
A Friend a Day Keeps Your Cold Away!
October 6, 2010
No, not again!
It’s quite ironic that I write this today, as I sit here feeling miserable with the beginnings of a yucky cold! But, I couldn’t help to discuss the “aha” moment I had recently after returning from a great trip to Memphis with my girlfriends (see previous blog below).
Prior to leaving to Memphis I was battling with a hard-core sinus infection that I was doing my very best to treat naturally. However, knowing that my trip could be dramatically affected by this infection, I broke down and purchased Extra Strength Sudafed for the trip.
Although I know that mind over matter helped to keep it under control during the trip (and I will give some credit to the Sudafed!), when I returned home I said to myself, “Ge’ez, I’m not sick any more!” I questioned further, “How is it possible that I left to Memphis with a terrible infection, rested little and utilized every bit of my available energy in Memphis, yet I came back healthier?” I didn’t have an answer, but I was happy with the result.
Later I read an article in O magazine which polled women to find out why they sometimes tear one another down. It listed the following (among other things):
Eighty-eight percent of the respondents reported feeling an undercurrent of negativity among females. That’s really sad, since we can be so good for one another. Research has proven that female-female relationships actually boost our immunity.
Aha! That was the answer I was seeking. My Memphis gals are no “Frenemies,” they are my soul sisters and are actually good for me, like a shot of Vitamin D! I love it.
Oddly enough (or not!), as I sit here sniffling I’m watching a segment on the Today Show about 5 Ways to Prevent a Cold. According to the segment, women have stronger immune systems than men, but still get about three colds per year. Hmm, sounds pretty right on to me, based on my history.
So, what tips did they offer?
1. Take probiotics daily, either via a supplement or 1 cup of yogurt a day
2. Take Vitamin D daily, especially during flu season; 1000 units per day
3. Drink 1-2 cups of Green Tea per day
4. Ge a Massage! (20 minutes will do the trick) to reduce levels of Cortisol (which break us down!)
5. Socialize with your friends! Women with a wide diverse social network (Health Psychology) have been found to get colds less frequently.
To view the full segment, click here.
Okay, so it’s confirmed folks, maybe the apple a day used to keep the doctor away, but perhaps a more memorable way to stay healthy and happy is to keep your friends close by!
My ladies, can you all move back home, please?! I think I need you around during flu season!
I’m back to bed with my green tea! I’ve checked off my yogurt and Vitamin D for today. I’m hoping the hubby will indulge me with a nice massage to do the trick!
Have a healthy week!
Monique
Illumined Life Leadership 