Jamie Ridler, one of our shiniest Style Statement clients and a Nia Technique instructor, says, “Sometimes you have to “roll around in your Style Statement until it feels right.” Indeed. We were back ‘n forthing about her first word (your first word is your “foundation word.”) When it comes to your Style Statement words, it is definitely worth splitting hairs. Meaningfulness loves precision. You must look behind the words. Feel and smell them. Stretch them over your body. You are, after all, doing research for your soul.
Sensuous or Sensual?
Jamie unraveled some delicious a-ha’s that relate to all of us:
“Well, after reading and thinking, I have to say that in spite of the research, I am more attuned to [the word] sensual. The reason I say ‘in spite’ is that certainly on www.dictionary.com there is a sense of sensual really being a vice, an overindulgence of the senses, particularly erotically. Sensuous avoids that by staying strictly grounded in the sensitivity of the senses. Sensuous is safer. I believe that without being lewd or lacking in morals, I am sensual.
Interestingly, I’m reading a book called Meditation Secrets for Women: Discovering Your Passion, Pleasure and Inner Peace, by Camille Maurine and Lorin Roche. And on the day before you asked for the [Sensual/Sensuous] distinction, I was reading about how women’s sensuality has become politically incorrect and about the power there is in reclaiming it: “Let there be no mistake: to live from your foundation in deep pleasure is a political act of power.”
With every sentence I found myself nodding my head and recommitting to my work – particularly the work involving experiencing your self. One of the things I highlighted with rigor in the text was: “Sensuality can be dangerous and unmanageable.” And to my mind, that’s been a part of the vice label, to draw a safe line around our senses, to contain, to control. And where I am called to live is in a place that is both deeply pleasurable and often requires courage – on the other side of the line.
The erotic piece is important to me as well. When my toes curl in the sand or the wind catches my hair, it isn’t just that I deeply enjoy the physical experience. It’s the way I fall in love with the world. Do you know what I mean?”
Yes! I certainly do know what you mean. And you inspired me to ask that question of myself… “How do I fall in love with the world?” In fact, let’s ask a few thousand people, shall we? I feel a Daily Q&A coming on…here goes:
How do you fall in love with the world? Answer here, or chime in below this blog post!
And if you’re wondering, Jamie’s Style Statement is Sensual Radiance. She’s a life coach whose work is based on “support people in expressing who they truly are and creating a life they deeply love,” and Nia instructor in Toronto. My very credible sources say that she’s amazing at what she does. You can find her professionally at Open the Door, or personally on her blog: Starshyne Productions. You can also cast a wish at her simply beautiful repository of wishes (we love this idea!): Wishcasting
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