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Underwater Portrait & The Art of Surrender
At the core of every woman resides a gentle essence, a wellspring of intuition, empathy, and nurturing energy. This isn't something to chase or mould – it's already there, an intrinsic part of who she is.
Yet, in a world where the masculine often overshadows the feminine, she was made to believe that her feminine energy is somehow lesser. She was conditioned to suppress its power and prioritise traits associated with masculinity like control, rationality, ambition, competitiveness and achievement as the only path to success.
How many times has she heard those words, 'Stop crying like a girl' or 'You're too sensitive'? These phrases, ingrained in societal norms, have chipped away at her confidence, leading her to internalize the notion that her femininity equates to weakness. Yet, the reality is far from it. When she stifles her innate feminine qualities—her nurturing nature, intuitive insight, sensitivity, empathy, and expressive spirit—she loses touch with herself and those around her, leaving her feeling drained and unfulfilled. She finds herself walking a path that is not hers.
However, the moment she allows herself to embody and live in alignment with who she is at her core, magic occurs! By reconnecting with her innate essence, she can navigate the world authentically and powerfully.
Water & Femininity
WATER SYMBOL OF FEMININITY
Elements have always held profound symbolic significance in our world. Among these elements, water stands out as a powerful symbol of femininity, deeply intertwined with the essence of womanhood. From ancient myths to modern psychology, the correlation between water and femininity is a rich tapestry woven through cultures and time, offering insights into the nurturing, flowing, and transformative nature of the feminine spirit.
Water, in its essence, embodies fluidity, adaptability, sensuality, grace, softness, and intuition—qualities often associated with the feminine. Like water, women possess an innate capacity to nurture, heal, and create life. Just as water nourishes the earth, women nurture their families, communities, and the world with boundless compassion and empathy. Water, as the embodiment of femininity, effortlessly and naturally awakens the feminine soul.
The Merlesque Experience
The Merlesque Experience is not just about capturing and creating stunning ethereal fine art portraits to cherish; it's about empowering women to soften back to their femininity, embrace their authenticity, celebrate their uniqueness, and learn to love themselves to the core. Just as life begins in the womb, so does the journey home. The Merlesque Experience is a symbol of rebirth and renewal.
Water has this beautiful and gentle power to slowly soften the mind so her feminine soul can lead the way. A subtle yet profound shift occurs as the body softens and surrenders to the embrace of water. Muscles relax, and tension dissipates; every movement flows seamlessly. With each moment submerged, there is a gentle sense of re-connection to the feminine essence, a softening of the barriers that separate her from her true self. We have had the privilege to witness many beautiful metamorphoses naturally unfold between the first and last submersion.
The Art of Surrender
To fully embrace her underwater portrait photoshoot, she must first embrace the concept of Surrender. A practice that involves letting go of control, becoming one with the element, and allowing it to unfold naturally. Here's how the art of surrender parallels the Merlesque Experience and encompasses vulnerability:
EMBRACING VULNERABILITY:
Just as surrendering to the Merlesque Experience requires a deep sense of vulnerability—mentally, emotionally, and physically—embracing the art of surrender in life demands a similar courage. It means stepping into the unknown, acknowledging uncertainties, and facing fears. Whether it's being photographed in an unfamiliar element by two "strangers" or navigating life's challenges, embracing vulnerability is a testament to one's readiness to grow and evolve. It's about acknowledging that vulnerability is not a weakness but a strength—a willingness to be authentic and open to new experiences.
TRUST:
Central to the art of surrender is trust—trust in herself, trust in her intuition, trust in the universe, and trust in the process. Much like the Merlesque Experience, where trust in the process is essential for a successful underwater portrait shoot, trust in life allows her to let go of control and have faith that things will unfold as they are meant to. It's about cultivating a deep sense of trust in herself and the world around her, knowing that even in the midst of uncertainty, she is guided by an inner wisdom and supported by the greater forces at play.
LETTING GO:
Embracing surrender means embracing the art of letting go, relinquishing the urge to control every facet of her livfe fueled by fear of the unknown or a fixation on specific outcomes she believes are the sole paths to happiness. However, in her quest for control, she inadvertently confines herself, overlooking the myriad of marvelous possibilities that lie beyond her narrow focus. In the realm of underwater portrait photography, letting go of control becomes an essential practice. By doing so, she opens herself to spontaneity and serendipity, allowing the underwater environment to lead her toward unforeseen moments of beauty and authenticity.
LETTING FLOW:
True liberation comes when we embrace the uncertainty of life when we trust the flow and when we trust in our ability to navigate whatever challenges come our way. Surrendering involves allowing life to flow freely without trying to force or manipulate it. It means being open to new possibilities and opportunities that arise, even if they deviate from our original plans. In releasing your grip on control during your underwater portrait shoot, you begin to recognise you cannot control the uncontrollable. Instead, you must surrender to the natural ebb and flow of water and embrace the enchanting possibilities of this underwater realm, allowing it to guide you into moments of pure magic and artistic expression.
ACCEPTANCE:
Surrender requires accepting what is without judgment or resistance. When we surrender to water, we acknowledge the inherent unpredictability and uncontrollable nature of the element, just as we recognize the same in life itself. Acceptance does not mean resignation or passivity. Rather, it is a recognition of our own limitations and a willingness to flow with the currents of life, trusting in the wisdom of the universe to guide us on our journey.
Surrender is One of the most Powerful State of Being
SURRENDER TO THE DEPTHS OF YOUR FEMININE
Surrendering to your feminine essence is not an act of submission but rather an empowering embrace of your true self. It is not about weakness but strength—about having the courage to let go of what no longer serves you and to embrace the flow of life with grace and humility. In this surrender, you find liberation. You find empowerment. You find peace. You find yourself. In this state of surrender, you discover the boundless potential that exists within you, ready to be unleashed and expressed in all its beauty and authenticity.
Thank you for reading this blog post. I hope it has given you a glimpse into the beautiful and intricate process behind our artistry.
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Keep smiling!
Arielle x