Henna: Off The Beaten Path of Self Care

Guest Blog Post by:

Client- Nicole Bills

I am a Healer and Life Guidance coach who was approaching a new chapter in life where both my children were becoming adults. “Who was I in this new chapter?” was a difficult question to sit with. As I had more time to myself, I became aware that I did feel worn out and bedraggled. 

Realizing that I had started to become lost in the hustle and bustle of rearing a family, maintaining a marriage, and running a business - it happens even to the well-trained of us! 

Taking time to reflect within, I decided to try and implement novel self-care with henna tattoos. 

I chose henna because it encompasses self-nurturing through physical touch and adornment. The ”me” at any stage deserves to feel beautiful and worthy. 

It’s become one of my go to rituals when getting ready for an upcoming girls trip. After all the weeks of stress from group planning, coordinating, & packing I get to pause, clear my ruminating thoughts, and receive restorative pampering -  especially important when I’m headed out on a camping trip!

Finding Christine, a henna artist in Austin, Texas, was providential. I am grateful that she took time to explain the cultural ties and historical importance of Henna. It’s knowledge that’s given me confidence when people stop and compliment the art, it’s an appreciation of culture that I can pass onward. 

I feel cared for in each session, from Christine greeting me with a warm cup of chai, to holding a sacred energetic space that allowed me to open up, reset my intentions, and love on myself. 

If you'd never considered this type of self nurturing, I'd definitely try it to help you venture out. and offer yourself something a little different.

How Boudoir Henna Enhances Both Self-Connection and Healing- and Critical Questions to Ask Yourself.

Photo Credit: Felicia Reed Photography

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Henna artist credit: Many Roberge @wickedgoodhenna

You’ve been thinking about getting boudoir henna or even a boudoir photoshoot to remember and enhance the experience but then the feelings of body insecurities bubble to the surface once you become serious about actually doing the thing.

Those old voices in our heads say things to us like -“Those stretch marks are too obvious and just hideous”, “I know this won’t look good on me”, and “I’m going to wait to lose 10 lbs, 20 lbs (or insert your magic number here) and then I’ll do x, y, and z”. We continuously put ourselves off until we think we can meet some measure of ourselves that is deemed loveable and acceptable.

We need to learn where that voice really comes from and learn to hear it but not listen to it. Hear it as an observer but not internalizing it. Let’s be real here. This voice is really a mild form of self abuse to deprive us of things that we really want to seek pleasure from. In my years, I’ve learned that each and every time I’ve wanted to do something, I’ve found that I literally waited 5-10 years before I gave myself permission to do it.

It’s not that I even changed anything about myself at all. As my growth mindset and self development work began shifting my own inner dialogue, I gently learned to be an observer of this voice. I acknowledged it but took it’s power away by asking myself some very critical questions.

Photo Credit: Felicia Reed Photography

Let’s put our conscious thoughts in the driver’s seat in 2021.

Can you answer these questions honestly?:

Whose voice is it that speaks in your head about your body?

Where does that voice actually come from?

How would you feel if a boudoir session gave you permission to be decorated on parts of you that you’ve rejected and largely disconnected from?

What if you enjoyed the experience and giggled at the fact that it felt amazing on your skin?

What if the experience allowed you to embrace those parts of your body that you’ve subconsciously disconnected from for years?

What if it gave you the beginnings of a loving self connection?

How would that make you feel?

If you are even remotely thinking of having a boudoir henna session be it for yourself or to surprise your partner or just because you want to and you’re ready, I urge you to listen to your inner voice. It’s there for a reason. Your inner voice doesn’t lie. It is your authentic self and it wants your love and attention. When you allow your body to be decorated, you are saying to yourself that your love and accept ALL. OF. YOU.

Boudoir henna (and casual henna sessions) does many things for us and it’s an act of loving exactly who you are at this exact time in your life, whatever your body looks like at whatever age you may be.

Don’t you want to look back, smile and say “Hey, I broke through those unkind voices in my head and did the thing and it felt AMAZING!” 

Rest assured. Your confidence will soar.

Much love to you.

Christine,

XX

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