I was on my walk this morning, and as I walked steadily, a deep warmth circulated up my spine. I checked in with myself, feeling into it more, while continuing to walk in presence. What came was a feeling of true power in my steps, a new level of intimacy I have with my body. With walking as part of my consistent daily routine, the level of connection felt with my body has deepened. The power that I am feeling is one, which I have chosen now to live, devotedly connected to this body. The connection with my body is something I have ignored for a long time, until recently.
So this morning as I was feeling in Love and in Joy with myself and in my every step, I felt the whole world walking with me. At that moment I was aware that someone was looking at me — a man, standing at a nearby bus stop.
It was only a split second, but a familiarity rushed through me: should I look away like nothing has happened, or keep walking ahead and ignore what I felt? Can someone really be looking at me, my face naked without a touch of make-up, bed head flying in the wind?
But with the awesomeness already felt in my body, I couldn’t but question, “Are these thoughts even mine?”
What I felt from this man noticing me was not anything uncomfortable or invasive, actually it was… awe.
Awe.
It was surprising — but is it really? Why do I feel surprised to be looked at in awe, when awe feels natural in my body?
As I honoured what my body felt in that moment, I turned my head towards the pavement and looked the man in his eyes, and he met me back directly with a firm nod. A simple, but equal acknowledgement.
How can the world not be awed by us women simply when we hold the connection with ourselves and do not hold back in expressing it? Is it even possible for the world to not notice us, when the trust we have built with ourselves expands into trust with others? When we allow ourselves to be truly seen, don’t we equally see the gloriousness of another?
And as I kept walking, my body confirmed and rejoiced, “This is my new normal”.
I am knowing the true me for the very first time. It feels natural and real, without any need for perfection, and it feels truly grand! It is so natural to not hold back my deep joy, and to not hide the innate intimacy I feel with everyone I meet, and to express it, whether they respond or not. This grandness as I have observed from my walk is very simple — consistency is key, and it has to be walked.
Walking with my awesomeness and connecting to myself, and the world as a woman, for all to see, is my new normal.
By Adele Leung, Image Director and Fashion Stylist, Hong Kong
For Further Inspiration:
Read Cherise Holt on The simplicity of honouring our inner beauty: Self-Worth: Honouring the Beautiful Woman I Am
Understanding we are amazing… just for being ourselves: Tanya Curtis on I Am Amazing Just For Being Me
Listen to this short nugget of audio treasure on self-worth with Penny and Jenny.