Getting dressed is part of our daily routine. Some days we may carefully plan our outfits out, and some days we don’t give it much thought. Whatever we choose to wear not only affects how others see us, it also confirms how we feel physically and emotionally. What we present to the world through our style choices communicates something about ourselves, so it makes sense to be mindful. If style goals are in alignment with our authenticity, the visual message we are sending reflects that truth. Truthfulness alone does not make style good or beautiful, but those elements are related.

“Being is not something the human mind creates; it is something the human mind must align itself to—we must orient ourselves to reality. Similarly, what is good is inherently tied to what is true, which may not be what we want it to be. Finally, beauty is not a matter of subjective preference, but the manifestation of the good.”

https://intellectualtakeout.org/2024/08/c-s-lewis-true-good-beautiful/

This is why we may feel bad or not ourselves when we dress out of alignment with our inner beliefs. Style validates and communicates what we believe to be true about ourselves, and helps us set our intentions for the day. When our beliefs conform to reality they are easily reflected back to us, and confirmed in reality.

For example, when someone dresses to conform to social norms within a subculture they authentically belong to, it affirms the shared values of that subculture, because it respects that subcultures lived experience and truth. This doesn’t mean that subcultures are static, but there must be some boundaries in its truthful definition, or else it ceases to distinguish itself from everything else, and thereby ceases to consciously exist.

It is important to reflect on our vision for how we want to communicate our values, purpose and authentic voice to the world. When we are consistent in our practice, we develop confidence, and this radiates out to the world to build trust in our personal brand.

But how?

You can’t purposefully and effectively communicate what you are not aware of yourself. However, we are always communicating, whether intentional or not. Everything we think, feel, and do as humans will energetically create a picture of us for the world. This is an abstract concept, but we all effortlessly engage in projecting our own energetic landscape, just as we continuously “read the room” or pick-up on the energetic images of those around us. We sense it with our five senses, but we also feel it in our bones, our guts, in our goosebumps. This is not “woo-woo” magic, it’s science.

Extroverts and introverts are both aware of this energy. This is why some people feel like energetic gifts in our lives, while others drain us spiritually and physically. Take a few moments to reflect on those times when you have felt this strong energy and how it affected you. Those of us that are most sensitive to certain energies, may feel an immediate and visceral reaction to bad energy triggers. What you feel is real, whether or not it is perfectly accurate on a rational level alone. If you do not feel safe for example, around certain individuals or groups, you don’t need to stick around to find out why. There is no reason to rationalize our feelings, simply accept them and honor them in yourself. Sometimes we find out too late that we should have listened to our gut.

We live in a physical world, but everything physical is manifested from the spiritual.

Personal style can seem superficial, but it is part of the visual manifestation of who we are and what we are communicating about ourselves and our personal values. Just like any communication, visual communication is not about forcing our sense of reality on others. For example, the “office-siren” trend may have convinced some people that they would come across as confident, powerful and desirable in a professional setting, but it has resulted in some of those people being fired for inappropriate attire. Even in cases where it did not result in being fired, the overall effect may have projected insecurity and desperation, leading to embarrassment.

Communication is a dance. It is give and take, and mistakes will be made. We will step on each others’ toes. We will need to take turns leading. We will need to find suitable partners. We will need to find our own authentic music and rhythms. We get to express ourselves by how we show up energetically, but we must also give room to others on the dance floor of life, understanding that we all hear the music a little differently and get to dance to our own beat.

Our lives are brief. We don’t know how many steps we have left on the journey, so let’s agree to step out in good faith, to practice authenticity coupled with kindness, and allow all individuals to express themselves. We are spiritual beings living in an imperfect world. Dress yourself with love and give yourself and others grace. You are beautiful, loved, and radiant, because you are wonderfully made.

💗Wishing you Amazing Style and Daily Love
More articles at https://goodadvice4life.blogspot.com/.