Recently, I was on a brand call with Maggie from Nuance Co. She was browsing through my mood board on Pinterest and asked why I loved and pinned so many female statues. What did I like about them? Why was I so drawn to them?
I responded with, “We use to be so comfortable in our bodies, not having to cover up or worry about what others thought, and I think that’s so beautiful." That’s what these sculptures from history remind me of.
Being free in our own bodies. Being accepted for who we are and not afraid of being seen. Throughout history, female statues often depicted women with exposed breasts or bathing, representing an era when people were free to exist naturally. Yet today, women are judged—mostly by other women—for even having the outline of nipples visible through our shirts. Why?
I feel like we, as women, have become deeply disconnected from ourselves and our own bodies. We're shamed for the smallest things: too much cleavage, a pimple on our face, or being too loud. We feel we need to cover up or hide ourselves. We make ourselves feel smaller to avoid standing out so we're not "too much." One thing I always keep in mind is something my mentor Desire says: "If I'm too much, go find less."
Have women been made to feel smaller? Yes, without a doubt. But we also need to take some accountability. Women often belittle other women into taking up less space. If we want to change the system and how we're perceived, we must start within ourselves. We must stop judging by staring at women or whispering behind their backs. If you don't like something about another woman, ask yourself: Why is it bothering you so much? Is it that you wish you were brave enough to wear what she's wearing? Do you wish you had the courage to stand out in a crowd or stand up for something? Are you afraid of not being liked? Dive deeper into those feelings.
When it comes down to it, we need to feel more comfortable and confident in our own bodies, and that comes from self-love and acceptance.
I have a mentor who practices Tantric Arts, and one of her suggested practices for me was breast massage. In Taoist practice, they believe the chest is the source of all creativity. She asked me when was the last time I touched my chest, and honestly, I couldn't remember.
I don't know if it was shame or if I simply didn't think about it or carve out time to nourish my own body.
Benefits of Breast Massage:
Replenishes the Heart: when you massage your breasts, you give back the loving energy and replenishment we so often give to others, while releasing growth and anti-aging hormones.
Supports emotions: when you allow yourself to be soft, it creates space for other emotions to come to the surface and be liberated.
Cleanses and stimulates: this practice helps break up any stagnation within the chest and stimulates acupuncture points around the breasts, including points on the kidney, spleen, stomach, liver, and pericardium meridians. Regular practice also helps in the early detection of anything unusual in the breast tissue.
We also talked about that, as someone who performs facials all day (which I am blessed to do) and holds space for others and their energy, it's vital to be able to fill up my own cup. To touch my own body and replenish it with love and nourishment. This doesn’t mean being sexual but sensual. Light candles, pick up your favourite body oil, and massage your body from head to toe, relaxing your nervous system and giving yourself back some of the energy you've held for others.
This is how we heal—by healing our own mindset around our bodies first. By learning to love ourselves first.
When was the last time you intentionally massaged your body? Or even look at your naked body with astonishment in the mirror?
EveryBODY is uniquely beautiful. We just have to take the time to see it in ourselves first. Then, once you build up your own confidence, it doesn't matter if people judge. Let them say whatever they want because you are your own confident woman.
Sending love,
Sabrina
Mmm I loved this so much! Such beautiful reminders