Whether it’s a goal you can’t seem to reach no matter how many times you’ve tried, or something you judge about yourself, these challenges and blocks often stem from deeper roots—a belief that has become part of the story of who you are. Just as our perception of ourselves when it comes to our physical appearance—another surface-level aspect of our lives—extends far beyond what we can apply to our skin, the way we adorn ourselves, or how we seek to feel more confident in the eyes of the world.
I’ve always had a strong understanding of what was considered beautiful in a physical or material sense. Some of my deepest programming around beauty—though at times delusional and self-centered—were the very beliefs that helped me feel confident in my younger years. It wasn’t until years later, and parts of that well curated facade of my ‘beautiful’ life were stripped away that I began to realize the shaky ground that confidence was built on.
The concept of holistic beauty focuses on nurturing beauty from the inside out, encompassing the mind, body, and spirit. True beauty radiates from your inner well-being, and is deeply connected to your emotional, mental, and spiritual health.
It's time to stop prioritizing how you look, over how you feel.
Understanding Holistic Beauty
Throughout history, societal beauty standards have constantly shifted. From the fuller figures with long waves of blonde hair depicted in Italian Renaissance art to the slim bodies and even slimmer brows of the 1920s, the ideals of beauty continue to evolve. What remains unchanged, however, is the belief that you need to conform to standards that may differ from your true self to be regarded as beautiful.
Yet, there is a balancing act between everything: your inner world and outer existence, loving how you look and feel externally while leaving room for, and being devoted to, the parts of yourself that you wish to see and feel differently. Beauty transcends physical appearance. It lies in qualities like compassion, resilience, kindness, intelligence, and self-confidence. These attributes, which shape our character, radiate outward and make you the most magnetic and captivating version of yourself.
The holistic approach to beauty is as much about inner well-being as it is about outer manifestations like glowing skin, luscious hair, brighter eyes, and a powerful aura. There is no single source of this concept; rather, it is an ever-evolving practice of well-being and self-love.
While building what I initially envisioned as an online course, I’ve come to understand that there are indeed pillars that play a role in the greater vision of beauty. You may resonate with one, some, or perhaps none, but my hope is that whatever seeds are planted sprout into a deeper acceptance and love for your whole self.
Pillars of Holistic Beauty
Mind Body Spirit Connection
When you prioritize your mental, emotional, and spiritual health, it literally shows. Holistic wellness is no quick fix; it's the practice of tending to your whole self as you cultivate confidence, self-acceptance, and self-love.
Nutrition as a Foundation
Hydration and Detoxification
Clean and Natural Beauty
Self-Care
Exercise and Physical Activity
Natural Aging
Imperfect Action
Holistic beauty is not a passive experience; it's an active, transformative journey that requires intention and dedication. Preparing yourself involves both mental and practical planning. While you may not subscribe to all the pillars—and I certainly don't recommend trying to take them all on at once—committing to the underlying themes of self-acceptance and valuing your inner well-being is essential. Practical readiness might involve making time for self-care, placing your journal somewhere you'll see it every day, or creating a space and environment for self-reflection.
The journey to holistic beauty is ongoing and personal. Approach this path with openness, curiosity, and self-compassion. Beauty begins the moment you decide to be yourself.
Additional Resources to Explore
A curated collection of videos, podcasts, and prompts to delve deeper into the world of beauty.
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Reflect
List three to five qualities or characteristics that represent your inner beauty. Why do you value these qualities and how do they contribute to your overall sense of beauty? Consider specific experiences where they really shine.
Think about the people, experiences, or cultural influences that have shaped your perception of beauty. Write about moments when you realized that beauty was not solely about external appearances. Reflect on how these experiences influence your own self-esteem and your ability to see beauty in others beyond physical appearance.
Reflect on daily acts of self-care and self-kindness that you engage in. They could be practices like meditation, movement, journaling, or time in nature. How do these activities help you connect with your inner self and cultivate a sense of inner beauty? Reflect on how taking care of your mental, emotional, and physical well-being contributes to your overall sense of beauty.
As you continue to dismantle any notion of beauty that doesn't reflect your true self, I invite you to sit with whatever insights or feelings arise. Notice what happens as you embrace these sensations, even the uncomfortable ones. By allowing yourself to fully experience these emotions, you'll find that the need to judge or identify with these old stories fades. Instead, you can begin to believe in your own truth.
Want to talk more? Send me a note, and let’s connect!
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