Evolution?

The general public knows that the media uses photoshopped images, however very few of us understand just how far this "art form" has gone.

I was shocked to learn that in one country a billboard advertising the upcoming Harry Potter movie photoshopped Hermione's breasts to twice their natural size. Isn't she 15??!!?? Who decided Hermione needed size D breasts to be memorable?

The majority of the images we see on a daily basis have been "edited" up to 30 times, enhancing or "fixing" everything from the size of a models waist to the length of her neck. In fact, many images are actually a montage made up of 3 or more models - the "best" features of each model are chosen and then photoshopped together to create one girl with the "ideal" look.

These images portray an ideal that is impossible to live up to. Is it any wonder why the number of women and men suffering from low self esteem and anorexia have skyrocketed?

One Wikipedia entry defines photoshop editing as such:


Photo manipulation is the application of image editing techniques to photographs in order to create an illusion or deception (in contrast to mere enhancement or correction), through analog or digital means. Its uses, cultural impact, and ethical concerns have made it a subject of interest beyond the technical process and skills involved.


The impact of enhanced images portraying unrealistic beauty is worldwide. In France politicians have purposed a law that will require airbrushed/photoshopped images to contain a disclaimer, much like the ones on cigarettes. They feel this false advertising is equally detrimental to one's health.
(Read the article here: Proposed Law)
I agree with the brave lawmakers of France -The fact that we as a global society feel the need to dissect the images of 3 beautiful women to create a "perfect woman" is truly disturbing.

As a woman who has struggled with her own self image, I highly recommend this video:

Dove's campaign for real beauty

Here is another link. Click on the image to view a list of the changes and see the before and after effects.
Magazing Cover Before and After

Where is the evolution of beauty taking us? How will I (you) determine the outcome?

Tantra and Music

Image via Wikipedia

I am very excited to have been interview by TantricNews!
I feel honored to be recognized by the Tantric community.
I'd like to invite you to read the article :

Sound Healing with Jaqueline Marie

Please don't forget to rate the interview!

Namaste

Day of Atonement

Image via Wikipedia

As the sun goes down millions of people around the world choose to fast, reflect, and seek forgiveness. Voices are humbly raised in prayer, each beseeching God to absolve one's sins .

In Hebrew the word for sin is het, which translated means to err, or to miss the mark. It's original meaning has nothing to do with evil.

When we act without love we have erred. So a sin is simply an act void of love.

I'd like to expend my love and light to the Jewish community honoring this holy day. This beautiful tradition has reminded me to act from the heart, from a place of love, and to forgive and seek forgiveness.

Have a blessed Yom Kippur!

*What does the word "sin" mean to you?

Honoring the Mother

Image via Wikipedia

I've just returned from a beautiful ceremony honoring the Divine Mother. This was my first time participating in the Hindu celebration of Navratri, the sacred festival commemorating the junction of Summer into Fall. What an amazing experience!

The moment I entered the room I was transported - the energy was breathtaking. Men and women sat in sacred circle with eyes closed, hands at their hearts, breathing in unison. The smell of sweet incense filled the air.

In the center of the room hundreds of rose petals encircled three candles, representing the three main energies of the mother: Shri Durga/Kali as strength and courage, Shri Laxmi as abundance and grace, and Shri Saraswati as awakened wisdom and knowledge. (In the Hindu philosophy all three are needed for a blessed life.)

Sitting humbly at the front was the Tantric Priest Amarananda Bhairavan (Nandu). I took my place, closed my eyes, and the journey began.

Prayer. Intention. Chant. Kirtan. Blessing. Chant. Dance. Ecstasy. Chant. Blessing. Gratitude.

There is nothing like be bathed in the sound of a hundred voices chanting. Sitting in that room the vibration of love reverberated throughout my entire being. The joy of peace moved my body naturally, the recognition of an ancient truth hand my voice knowing the words and singing the songs.

I've returned home infused with the love and gratitude. Deep in my core there is peace. A gentle smile graces my lips. I feel alive in my femininity. I'm heading to bed completely in love with life.

Namaste.

Image via Wikipedia

Tonight marks an important milestone in my life: In 4 hours I will be in the studio recording the vocals for my first CD.

I am humbled. I'm overjoyed. I am beyond excited. I've been shedding tears of gratitude sporadically throughout the day. This is the beginning of a beautiful journey, one I have been preparing for my entire life.

It's surreal knowing that everything I have ever experienced has led me to this moment. All the joys, each and every heartache - not a step was wasted.

I've read that the universe will conspire to help you achieve your goals once you relinquish control. I am living prof that this is true.

Thank you universe! Thank you to every soul I have ever encountered! Thank you pain, thank you sorrow, thank you faith, thank you Love!

Wish me light!

A Lesson

Image by taivasalla via Flickr

This morning I woke up late. Flustered and rushed, I barely made it to my destination on time. I sat down prepared for what was going to happen only to be given a completely different experience, one I didn't want. On the drive home I received a distressing phone call. I hung up feeling sad and tired.

Taking a "realistic" perspective, one could say I've had a pretty crappy morning. Yet I am REFUSING to see it that way. Being the powerful being that I am, I know that I have a choice! I can choose to focus on the obvious negative, or I can choose to zero in on the more subtle positive. I can view the circumstances of my morning as a metaphor, and become empowered by the lesson the universe is giving me.

Whats the lesson? If I frantically rush towards something with expectation, the result will leave me feeling unsatisfied and let down.

Today I'm going to take my time. I'm going to really listen with an open mind and heart, free of expectation, want, or need. I'm going to see the gifts before me, knowing that everything is unfolding just the way its meant to.

My mantra for today" "Today is the greatest day of my life!"

painting by Rassouli

One moment gives way to the next.
A constant wave, time flows beautifully onward.
I go about my day in awe - everything is changed.

~Jaqueline Marie

Perfection

Image by janusz l via Flickr

I have the habit of censoring myself. I don't express what I feel. I morph my emotions and store them in a politically correct, tidy, BIG box that allows me to distance myself from them and the experiences they stemmed from. Admitting this is very hard for me. Correction, admitting anything less then perfection is hard for me.

I've realized my perception of perfection dictates my entire life. I'm always weighing my actions, my thoughts, my writings, my music etc. The voice in my head is a tyrant, constantly judging my every move. And you know what? I make darn good moves! My life is beautiful! I'm very happy with who I am, who I am becoming and where I am headed. So why do I still beat myself up?

Here is a truth - just as each of us are divine, every one of us is human. Therein lies the beauty of duality. In my desire to grow and transcend I have forgotten how important it is to be of this world. This bizarre idea of perfection my mind has created is a tool for separation - If I focus on and judge my every perceived flaw, is it not right to say I will be more quick to assess and judge the flaws of others?

I expect a lot from myself. Normally I would judge myself for even admitting such a thing, but instead I'm going to make the conscious choice to laugh at the part of my personality that is a huge control freak. I'm going to forgive myself for being human and having expectations.

Once again, the answer is forgiveness.

Passioin

Image by from eye to pixel via Flickr

Passion makes the old medicine new:

Passion lops off the bough of weariness.

Passion is the elixir that renews:

how can there be weariness

when passion is present?

Oh, don't sigh heavily from fatigue:

seek passion, seek passion, seek passion!

~Rumi

Bye Bye Baby

Image via Wikipedia

"2009, Summer of Death"

Having lost a wonderful man close to my heart on July 21st, I've experienced first hand the passing of a beloved. It appears that many souls are choosing to leave at this time. The multitude of this crossing, however, didn't sink in until I read Verena von Pfetten's article. (link above)
As I see it, death is a birth into the unknown. When we shed these bodies, the spark that is life is freed, and the soul returns home. Where is home? That is a question every woman must answer for herself.

I have this beautiful visual of all the souls leaving earth dancing hand in hand, intertwining as they ascend, becoming a single rainbow of light. At this point in my journey I understand we are all connected. Separation truly is an illusion. In the words of Rumi,

"What was said to the rose that made it open
was said to me, here, in my chest".

Afternoon Thoughts

Layer by layer, I am shedding my past. Circumstances beyond my control are presenting me with the opportunity to free myself from limiting thoughts, beliefs, and behavior. I've found myself in the eye of the storm - destruction surrounds me. And yet, admits the chaos, there is life. It's a definite art, choosing to see the beauty through the pain.

The great mystic Rumi said it best,
"Oh my friend, if you are longing to be written upon, become a blank sheet."