#PRAGNA - HONOUR YOURSELF!

"Pragna means in sanskrit understanding wise and kind person' 

It is no surprise. We live with stress and tension. How do we reward ourselves? Is it just having money? Is it just going on holiday? Is it just buying a new vehicule or going shopping? 

One thing we overlook is that our bodies need that extra recharge of energy. Massage therapy helps us find key moments for our bodies to get that special recharge. It is more than a recharge!

Through massage therapy you learn something unique about yourself!

You learn to love yourself better!

You learn to be comfortable with yourself! (body, mind and spirit)

Understanding yourself!

Be kind to yourself!  

You loose fears!

You get the healing time for your body!

We must understand the vital role of massage in maintaining physical and emotional wellness. 

Here, I discovered about the importance of tantra massage for females seeking self healing in my meeting with the lovely Karolina, the founder of Pragna - a massage and therapy business based in Stockholm, Sweden.  

How often do you recommend for women get tantra massage?

Karolina -  " I would say there is no general recommended frequency of receiving tantra massage for anyone. It all depends on the intention which the woman comes with and as well on her current state of being and her individual needs. If a tantra massage supposed to be a lovely nourishing time for her, it can be enough 1x a week or 1x a month, depending how much care the woman needs to receive to feel fulfilled. If it triggers an intense healing process, it might be good to take 3 sessions within 1 week or two, to keep the body open and support the finishing process."

What are the benefits of tantric massage for women?

Karolina -   "It helps people to connect with their body. For women, it means finding their femininity, tenderness and love within. It supports their self love and helps them to find their needs. Tantra massage can also enhance one´s sensitivity and capacity for pleasure. It makes women feel loved, nourished and safe - just as their soul desires deep down in every woman. If there is a sexual trauma from past, tantra massage is a great way to rewrite the experience as this type of massage is lead by slow and present touch and customized to any individuality."

What should women do to love themselves?

Karolina -  "Women shall put themselves on the first place. Often, from "love", women give so much to their children, partner, surroundings and they forget on themselves. They shall take care of their soul and body on a regular basis. Meaning - nourishing time as a meditation, walk in nature alone, massage, spa, beauty salons, dancing, laughing, feeling emotions, walking naked at home and wearing beautiful dresses when going out."

Thank you to the lovely Karolina for her contribution to this short interview. Make sure to book your massage session at Pragna - Massage & Therapy - in Stockholm, Sweden!

Instagram: pragna_massage

Website: https://www.pragna.se/en/tantra-massage-2/

MADONNA: 40 YEARS OF FEMALE POWER

 

Madonna has defined the true essence of female success and confidence. She has spent the last 40 years giving her fans not just music, but a poppourri of fashion, lingerie, art, as well as sexual influence. She has been creative not just in her music, but had the privilege to be working as an actress in 22 american films. She has accomplished so much after two divorces and raising six children. She has let the world know that she will always test the limits and if people do not like it, she could careless. Now at age 64, Madonna will be preparing for her 40 year music career world tour!

FEMALE CONFIDENCE

Madonna has continued to surprise us with her unusual, creative wardrobes as well as her expression of sexuality. The inspiration she gives to many women and young girls is that you can accomplish anything no matter what people say. This has been Madonna's ongoing mantra as she defined her career. Behind the sexy lingerie, thongs, high leather boots, and sexual lyrics, we can suggest through tabloid newspapers that she was always criticised for her creativity.

Expressing sexuality in the 1980's was challenging for women. Madonna broke barriers, shocked people, and made people hate her. However, she had the musical and artistic talent to accomplish what she was able to do in that decade. She exposed the negative attitudes of women expressing their sexuality.

From the beginning of her music career, she has tested the limits. For example, singing a song about losing your virginity or wearing a corset on her other popular song was impactful! If anyone looks at her music videos, she has giving her fans a variety of 'Madonna,' in a way that she is this powerful woman that can look sexy in a sheer top, in a corset, or any lace while also appearing wearing a long dress as well as a 1940's female suit. This balance is the genius perspective of Madonna!

When you listen to her lyrics, you can sense her empowerment. One of my favourite Madonna songs: 'Human Nature' - she mentions the words --- '...oops I did not know I could talk about sex! Oops I did not know I could speak my mind!...I am not sorry! It is human nature. I am not your bitch don't hang your shit on me...!'---

I am inspired how she also says these words while wearing latex throughout the video! WHO DOES THAT! 

My inspiring words from Madonna; 'We judge ourselves too much!" So, do not judge yourself! LIVE YOUR LIFE HOW YOU FEEL MAKES YOU HAPPY!

FEMINIST

Madonna has been expressed support of women and women's rights through her work. She directed the film W.E, which was based on the abdication of king Edward VIII. In fact, the key point of the story in this film was the strength of the woman Edward VIII ends up falling in love. The woman, which at that time was criticised for the abdication of the king. 

Another film which Madonna acted, was 'Evita.' Here she portrayed the former Argentine First Lady Evita Peron who was cherished by her  people for being a feminist fighting for female equality, woman's rights, and empowering women.

She even mentioned on Instagram Live session in September 2020, her plans for her own biopic film that it would cover “my struggle as an artist trying to survive in a man’s world as a woman.”

EXCEEDING LIMITS

Madonna has always explored the meaning of what it means to be sexual, to be sexualized, and to sexualize oneself. And now she’s exploring what it all means as an older woman – the ultimate taboo, for many people, who think old ladies should just disappear. She knows those people might not get what she’s doing now, and will vilify her once again. And she thinks they’re squares. (Credits: Nancy Jo Sales)

“But life is quite complicated. She’s made some mistakes. She’s not perfect, she has hurt people, not everything she does is correct — and that’s a state of being human. I’m the same. The more I age and time passes, I realize that her unwavering stand for her beliefs. What she was trying to accomplish has really changed the world and produced a space. And you can’t create that space by being nice.

 (Credits: Pagesix.com, Choreographer Kevin Stea)

ROSES OF PASSION

 

Red roses have emerged in Greek and Roman mythology for ages, whether be myths from the Greek goddess of love Aphrodite, or Roman goddess Venus. The red rose was the chosen flower of Venus, the Romans' goddess of love; it was also sacred to Isis, Venus' Egyptian counterpart. In Greek mythology, it is said that rose bushes grew from the ground through Aphrodite’s tears and the blood of her lover, Adonis.

In Roman times, the wealthiest citizens—as well as gods and goddesses—bathed in water filled with rose petals, which provide an amazing aroma and skin-softening benefits (www.scentandviolet.com)

The tradition of giving Valentine’s Day flowers dates back to the late 17th century, during the reign of King Charles II of Sweden. During a trip to Persia, King Charles II was exposed to a new art—the language of flowers. 

(Credits: Cants of Colchester - https://www.cantsroses.co.uk)

ROSE MYTHS

The rose story of the Greek goddess of love, Aphrodite, trying to save her lover stains white roses with her blood or the blood of her lover stains the roses. According to Greek poet Anacreon, the white rose first appeared during the birth of Aphrodite, and it's from her blood that roses later became red. The goddess discovered a plot against her lover, Adonis, who would be mauled by a boar while hunting. She eventually cuts her foot on some rose thorns as she rushed to warn him, specks of blood splashed the white petals and stained them red. Unfortunately, Aphrodite gets to her lover Adonis too late to warn him and he dies from his wounds.

Another legend implies the handing of roses was used as a form of secrecy or confidentiality. According to historians, Aphrodite's son Eros — whom she named the flowers after by rearranging just one letter of his name — gifted a rose to Harpocrates, the god of silence, to bribe his secrecy over Aphrodite's ongoing affairs.

This myth of secrecy/confidentiality became so popular in Ancient Rome that homeowners painted roses on their ceilings as an indicator that --"what’s said in this house stays in this house--." Any guests that arrived at the house were expected to use discretion on anything uttered "sub rosa," Latin for "under the rose."

CHRISTIAN SAINT NAMED --ST. VALENTINE--

The Christian martyr, St. Valentine, has become the most known version of the origin of love and a day called Valentine’s Day. This legend has it that the Roman priest married couples in secret Christian weddings so the men could leave the army. St. Valentine was sentenced to death — but before he died, he wrote a note to the jailor’s daughter that said, “From your Valentine.”

(Credits: www.discovermagazine.com)

ROSES IN SHAKESPEARE LITERATURE

William Shakespeare, cited the romantic nature of red roses in his writings. In Romeo and Juliet, Shakespeare said, "A rose by any other name would smell as sweet."

(Credits: Rome and Juliet by William Shakespeare)

COLOUR SYMBOLISM

Red roses are a symbol of love and passion.

Yellow roses symbolize friendship.

Orange roses symbolize desire.

Pink roses symbolize gratitude.

*** The representation of roses and love is clear, love can be beautiful and painful, like a red rose and its thorns! ***

*** Don't wait to receive roses from a lover or partner, buy yourself the roses YOU like and YOU enjoy! ***

(www.discovermagazine.com)

MAGICAL GIRDLE - WORN BY GREEK GODDESS APHRODITE/ROMAN GODDESS VENUS

 

MAGICAL GIRDLE

What would a magical girdle that seduces men look like then and now? 

For the case of Greek Goddess Aphrodite/Roman Goddess Venus, there is no actual description or if this magical girdle was a tunic with rope, a belt, or a piece of extra garment below her waist. This magical girdle was the symbol of union and binding. It personified the feminine element, associated with the goddess of love. It is considered the most powerful symbol in all of Greek mythology, being even stronger than Zeus' lightning.

The allegory is simple: love is the greatest power in the universe when used in its purest form!

Often the word love suggests an emotional or carnal attraction, but when used in this way, it is a destructive force. When love is in its purest form, the one who wears the belt of Aphrodite/Venus has nothing to fear in the world. (Credit: greecehighdefinition.com)

The only actual account of what might this magical girdle resemble can be interpreted through Greek poet Homer in one of his famous poems the - Iliad. Here the Greek author refers the magical girdle as being woven within the fabric, passion itself, heated longing, and all the beguilements and allures of love strong enough to “steal the wits from the wise.” He describes the moment Aphrodite instructs Hera to place the girdle beneath the folds of her bust, declaring to the Queen of the gods, “I do not think you shall return unsuccessful in whatever it is you desire to do.”

In Homer's - Iliad, the magical girdle is described as - 'kestos himas poikilos' (in Greek), usually translated as "embroidened girdle", more broadly any kind of strap and Aphrodite is said to - 'ἀπὸ στήθεσφιν '- "loosen it from her chest," this implies it is unlikely to be a girdle worn below the waist. According to the poet Homer, it seems her girdle must have been some type of loose rope. Whether it was a rope under her breast or a modern girdle worn under her waist, it seduced men during Greek goddess Aphrodite's reign.  (Credits: Iliad by Homer)                          

 *** So ladies if you had a magical girdle to seduce men, what would it look like? How would you wear it? How often would you use its magical powers? ***

If you enjoyed this article, feel free to leave your comments or opinions. Thank you!

(Other Credits: www.theoi.com, frescoe by Pompeii)

GODDESS OF LOVE, BEAUTY, AND DESIRE - GREEK GODDESS: APHRODITE

 

How would the goddess of love, beauty, desire look these days? How would here influence be among men and women in relationships? One thing history has taught us is that influence and human nature have evolved through life experiences, failures, and successes. The Goddess Aphrodite personified charm, sensuality, and feminine beauty. She may be considered a role model for some women today. Perhaps her influence in sexual sensuality to men and infidelity would be arguable in Western culture. Here we put a spotlight on remarkable goddess.

Symbolism

Goddess Aphrodite embodied all possibilities that love and desire had to offer. She was mostly labelled as the connection to sex, marriage, and fertility. She was also honoured to be the goddess of the fertility of the earth, for example, vegetation and farming. Her affairs lead her to become the patron of prostitutes. (credit: mythopedia.com)

Love Affairs

Historical researchers claim the goddess Aphrodite had many affairs with mortals and immortals. Wow! What a goddess to have this type of freedom to jump between different types of men that she would see in lifetime! - Scholars believe she even had affairs with notable Greek gods such Poseidon (god of the sea) and Zeus (god of the sky and of all gods).

In her first marriage to the god Hephaistos, she fell in love with a less older man named, Adonis. The goddess' 1st boytoy was also to have sparked the interest of the goddess of the underworld - Persephone. Eventually, Adonis, was allowed to be with both goddesses every three months based on a decision by greek god Zeus. Unfortunately, Adonis dies in Aphrodites arms after being killed by a wild boar.

The goddess Aphrodite then, moved on to her new lover, Aries - the god of war. She has five children with Aries. One of the most notable children in this affair was Aros or Eros, whom we know today as 'Cupid.'

Magical Girdle

Historical researchers claim the goddess Aphrodite wore a magical girdle that made the person wearing it irresistible. (credit: mythopedia.com) This girdle was considered to be her weapon because she could make any god or mortal fall in love with her. This girdle became so populaire that other goddesses asked Aphrodite to borrow in order to attract and seduce their lovers. (credit: britannica.com) Moreover, the famous Greek poet, Homer, had a famous scene in his story of ILIAD where the goddess Hera asks Aphrodite to borrow this magical girdle in order to seduce the god Zeus. (credit: mythopedia.com)

***So ladies, you have the VENUS in you to accomplish anything and overcome anything! BE THE GODDESS YOU ARE! LET YOUR GODDESS SELF BE EXPRESSED***

(Statue credit: 'Venus de Milo,' Alexander of Antioch)

LOVE YOURSELF WITH A ROSE PEDAL BATH

 Have you ever soaked in a bathtub of rose pedals? This type of bath is more than often connected to romantic practices during Valentines Day. In fact, treating yourself to a bath in a bathtub filled with rose pedals is rewarding for you by moisturising your skin, cooling skin, release stress levels, and restoring your glow. 

BATHE IN BATHTUB FILLED WITH ROSE PEDALS

Rose pedals have a long history of soothing the skin or reduce stress. The Egyptians, boiled down the roses and use them in balsams and perfume oils. In the Middle Ages, Persians appreciated rosewater and used it for medicinal treatment. 

By soaking yourself in a bathtub of rose pedals, the rose water will sooth irritated skin, brightens your complexion and tightens pores for a smooth appearance. The rose petals also give off a natural calming scent that has the power to melt away the day behind you. 

GOOD FOR SKIN HEALTH

One of the most natural ways to take care of your skin is dipping yourself in rose water. I strongly recommend it. The rose pedals give off strong anti-inflammatory properties, which will ease redness of the irritated skin, thwart acne, cure dermatitis and soothe the irritation of eczema. It is a fantastique cleanser and helps clear dirt and oil in clogged pores.

It also sustains the pH of the skin, hydrates, refreshes and moisturizes and enhances radiance. The presence of antioxidants in rose water strengthen skin cells and restore skin tissues.

Rose oil and powders provide a rich but gentle source of vitamins A and C and magnesium to the skin. These combinations assist with the regeneration of skin, soothing and nourishing dry skin, and soothing irritated complexions. Rose extracts help to balance oily and acne-prone skin which is ideal for anyone. 

The best roses to choose for your rose pedal bath Rosa damascena, Rosa centifolia and Rosa gallica. Remember, color is not important, selecting fragrant flowers with a scent is the best choice!

PREVENTS INFECTIONS

The strong anti-inflammatory properties of rose water help prevent and treat infections. History shows that rose water has been used widely in traditional medicines.

RELEASES STRESS

The fragrance/aroma of rose petals is known to be a potent mood enhancer, rose water also possesses strong antidepressant and anti-anxiety properties that help alleviate anxiety. This aids you in getting a good sleep and relaxes your mind and body.

HOW TO PREP YOUR ROSE PEDAL BATH?

1. Pour a warm water on the bathtub. (Avoid very hot water, which dehydrates the skin)

2. When the tub is halfway full, pluck the petals from a bouquet of roses - (organic is best to avoid pesticides that may irritate your skin) - under the running water. Let the stream of water disperse them, while infusing the bath with the roses.'

3. Pour coconut milk or lavender (or both) under the running water to elevate the experience. (Coconut milk softens your skin and lavender deepens your relaxation)

WELCOME TO MY BLOG!

WELCOME TO MY BLOG - Fab Shades de Beauté! Here we share the love of natural human beauty, celebrate all types of beauty, and recognise the essence of our own human imperfections through research, history as well as evolution.

Hope to establish a web community here to bring a bit of inspiration or self esteem for anyone out there who questions themselves or their beauty.

I say, 'EMBRACE YOUR OWN BEAUTY!'

I will also share reviews of hair products and skincare products as I have favourite brands from here and look forward share tips. Some of my favourite brands are La Roche Posay and Garnier UK.

Feel free to share your comments and concerns! 

You can also see some of my other work at following links:

Instagram: serge_le_aventuriere

Website: https://sergeplo.wixsite.com/sergecreativepoint