It’s been three months since I completed my Kundalini teacher training (yay) and it’s taken me that length of time to process the transformation and realizations I had throughout the ten months of training.  A day before graduating we were asked to give a speech and pick a quote that inspired us. As soon as I picked up my book the pages landed to this quote:

“You don’t need make-up; you don’t need to make up for anything. You are known by your spirit. You shall project out by your radiance. You shall be loved and honored by your excellence.” -Yogi Bhajan   

I was shocked; this quote embodied what I had been I had been feeling for as long as I can remember. Had I been trying to make up for something? I wanted to be known for my spirit rather but I wasn’t sure how. Years ago when I first got into the beauty industry (and I won’t tell you how long it’s been), I realized something. After hearing the stories from countless people in my chair, something was undeniable: they were there because they wanted to look and feel better.

Many of the same stories were echoed by clients that had never met. There were countless bad relationships, complicated family dynamics, partners who were too afraid to commit and the list goes on and on. Many shared the feeling that they were doing so much yet like it wasn’t enough. It was evident that these situations changed how they perceived life and even shook their self-worth. It made most question every aspect of themselves. I knew all too well this feeling; I was going through my own storm.

I got into the beauty industry to uplift others, but to be honest it was difficult for me to uplift myself. I had a routine where I would get up shower, put on my clothes, apply makeup and go about my day, pretending that everything was ok. I moved through life in a numb manner. I was focusing so much on my external appearance that the inner me was neglected.  I had lost touch with my essence. It affected my decision making and every aspect of my life; I was so bogged down with past hurt that I couldn’t listen to my intuition.

The day I walked into my first Kundalini class I had no idea what to expect. We ran in place, chanted and meditated, it was one of the most intense experiences I’ve ever had. All of the years of stored behaviors began to fall away. In the end, I felt such a release of emotions I cried. I walked out beaming. That day I started to take measures to come back home to myself, to let my inner glow shine through — all without a lick of makeup. Slowly the years of pain began to melt away.

As humans we let things that happen weigh heavily on us, we let it dull our sparkle and radiance. We hide the inner beauty we possess and steadily hold on to pain and disappointments as if our life depends on it. We tell lies to ourselves and speak poorly. We become our own worst critic, cutting ourselves down before anyone else can. We forgot to tap into our own personal power and feel like we need to continuously make up for something we believe we lack.

The more we suppress our inner beauty, the further we get away from our purpose. You are enough and perfect exactly as you are.

Here are some ways to be more radiant:  

Dance- moving releases endorphins that send signals to your brain that promote euphoria, happiness and high pain tolerance just to name a few.

Cry- crying releases toxins and alleviates stress and aids in the production of endorphins and oxytocin, which are often known as the “feel good chemicals”.

Meditate- meditation helps to de-stress and decreases blood pressure. It can also help boost your immune system, increase memory and awareness and improve your overall sense of well being.

Yoga- not only is yoga a great way to stay fit, it’s a way to strengthen the connection between the body, mind, and spirit. When we stregthen that connection it’s possible to move through life with ease.

Speak kindly to yourself- the words you say can either tear you down or lift you up. Your words create your reality.

Listen to your intuition- stop second-guessing yourself and really listen to your inner guidance.

Apply your makeup with intention- use it as an accessory and not a crutch.

Do something kind- find a stranger or someone in your life. By serving others you’ll find that you also serve yourself.

Slow down and breath- you can change your mood and your outlook by controling your breath.

Need a meditation? Try this for radiance and ease

https://www.3ho.org/kundalini-yoga/chakras/eight-major-chakras/meditation-radiance-and-ease

Watch a portion of my graduation video:https://www.instagram.com/p/BsxBhvmABVW/

You are enough!

Love E xoxox