The Power of Tuning In
How Does It Feel to Be You Today?
One of my great joys in life is the practise of Yin Yoga. A slower paced style of yoga, it incorporates principles of traditional Chinese medicine, using asanas (postures) that are held for longer periods of time than in other styles. The aim is not to create muscle or tension but to release the fascia in our bodies making us more flexible physically and mentally. At the same time, yin yoga works on the different meridians, or energy channels, that keep the flow of chi (qi, energy) moving around our body. This is important, as it keeps us healthy and unblocked.
As someone who lives in my head, getting into my body has been something that has become increasingly important as I’ve grown older. Using the power of the breath to calm, creates clarity of thought, releases tension, enables creativity and evokes compassion for myself and other people.
I’ll be honest. There are days when I just don’t want to get on my mat. The benefits of doing so, however, always outweigh any reluctance on my part.
What I really love about this particular yoga style is the use of the Feng Shui Five Elements. Feng Shui is probably better known as a consultation that happens within a home or office environment. Moving certain objects, or introducing colours, fabrics, textures, can promote positive flow to create a harmonious environment. The Five Elements also form the foundation of the styling practice I teach, Fashion Feng Shui®, which extends this concept of harmonious living to the contents of our most intimate environment, the closet.
So, back to the yoga!
Arriving on our mats, one of my favourite teachers always asks:
“How does it feel to be YOU today?”
This is such a powerful way of checking in with yourself. So much so, I bring a version of that question into my daily life. Every time I get dressed, I tune in and ask “How do I want to feel today?” Do I want cosiness, power, joy, glamour, elegance? Or to feel more active, creative, chic, calm, polished, grounded? The principles of Fashion Feng Shui® enable me to mindfully select what I want to wear so I align myself with what I need and how I want to feel. In other words, my choice of clothing acts as an aid to my well-being.
The Science Behind It: Why Clothing Is Far More Than What You Wear
Enclothed Cognition is a psychological theory, coined by Hajo Adam and Adam Galinsky in 2012. It states that clothing systematically influences a wearer’s psychological processes, their behaviour, and their performance. It requires both the symbolic meaning of the garment and the physical experience of wearing it to alter cognitive processes.
This is all well and good, but what does it mean and how do we make it work for our own wardrobe? Many of us have a subconscious ‘judge’ sitting on our shoulder telling us that we couldn’t possibly wear that outfit, it looks ridiculous or inappropriate in some way, we are too old, or too something BUT wearing clothes that energetically suit you will work as a positive aid to your overall well- being.
Why Your Clothes Really Matter
Let’s face it, we all know what it’s like to wear clothes that don’t feel comfortable; they’re always ‘too’ something, tight, loose, short, long, low cut, not appropriate for the occasion, or the garments just don’t look right somehow and so we lose our confidence.
If you’re constantly at odds with what you are wearing, it shows in your face as well as your body. I’m reminded of my beautiful new shoe, the kind that made my legs look long and shapely, which rubbed the back of my heel causing blisters which hurt like crazy. I was stuck wearing them until the end of the day. The result, excruciating pain, an inability to walk quickly (especially difficult for someone like me who has to move freely), and a totally miserable experience. How could I be the best version of myself when all I wanted to do was go home and change?
A Feng Shui practioner enters homes and offices with the aim of creating a harmonious environment. The first step is to check the space is safe – no sharp table corners for example - followed by ensuring it is comfortable to those who inhabit it. Only then, can they create beauty.
Fashion Feng Shui follows the same principles within our most intimate environment. The closet and what we wear. My shoes went against all three – they hurt (not safe), were not comfortable (rubbed) and ergo, I was not beautiful while wearing them (pained expression).
Every colour, pattern, silhouette, texture and fabric has its own energy. Frequently, I find myself drawn to one of them even though, technically, it is not supposed to suit me.
When Your Body Knows Before You Do: Why We Need to Tune In
One example I cite often, because it had such a profound effect on me, is that of the burnt orange colour. It is one of my least favourite colours and has no place in my wardrobe. But a few years ago, I became increasingly drawn to it.
I might even say ‘Obsessed!’
So much so, I ate carrots, sweet potato, squash, swede, and any orange coloured root veg. I hovered around any store with burnt orange clothing that caught my eye. Sales assistants offered it to me. My husband thought it flattered me. In a desperate bid to rid myself of this strange behaviour, I purchased a cheap scarf in this colour. The first time I wore it I lost count of the number of compliments I received. It was bizarre to say the least.
At this time in my life I was extremely tired. I remember every day beginning with a real effort to get out of bed. My mojo had long disappeared. So, in desperation, I consulted a TCM (Traditional Chinese Medicine) Acupuncturist who, like all trained practioners, uses the Five Elements in his analysis. He discovered my symptoms were those of a depleted spleen. My batteries were flat. The spleen is represented by the Earth element and one of its colours, you guessed it, is burnt orange. My instinct was drawing me to the energy of this colour in order to heal myself. Do I wear that colour now? No. It doesn’t flatter me at all BUT, at that time, it looked terrific.
Your Wardrobe as a Wellness Tool
At Fashion Feng Shui® we think of the wardrobe as a wellness tool. Choose wisely, and it can assist you in a myriad of ways. What you wear is not solely concerned with looking good. It’s also about feeling good, so you can be comfortable, confident AND beautiful.
Feng shui believes that every ‘thing’ in our life is living and we should treat them as such. If you’re unsure, ask any gardener that speaks to their plants in order to nurture and encourage growth and they will concur. It’s never been a stretch for me to have a chat with my clothes. They all have a voice. You just need to listen to what they are trying to say. Try it for yourself. The ones that really don’t want to be there will shout the loudest. Trust me. You will probably already know which ones are ready to leave.
So, every time you open your closet doors, I encourage you to ask;
“How do I want to FEEL today?”
You’ll be amazed at the difference the reply can make to the rest of your day.
Sue Donnelly, AICI CIP, FFIPI Fashion Feng Shui® Master | Spalding UK