Truth or Bare: Uncovering the Geisha Within

Most of us in the Western world imagine the Geisha to be a servant, a femme fatale, or even a sex worker. But you might be surprised to learn that the geishas of ancient Japan are closer to performing artists than prostitutes. The centuries-old tradition of the Geisha requires years of training to perfect the arts of dancing, tea service and, of course, seduction.

TRUTH: The traditional white make-up and crimson red lips were a trademark of the Geisha, and came to be seen as an exotic, chic look for its time.

BARE: This week, enjoy the ritual of grooming yourself. If you use make-up, enjoy the act of applying it. If you use lotion, put it on with care. The act of grooming is a form of courtship. So court yourself with a deep sense of reverence and gratitude for your body.

TRUTH: Early Geishas devised erotic dances to entice their male suitors.

BARE: The modern-day equivalent of this includes pole dancing, belly dancing, and salsa. Why not swing by a dance class at your gym? Or better yet, pick up a DVD and have some fun in the comfort, and privacy, of your own home.

TRUTH: At the height of the Geisha’s popularity, contact between the sexes was limited, so men often wrote beautiful poems, known as waka, to woo these alluring women.

BARE: Keep your eye out for poetry that arouses and inspires you. You can swing by your local library, bookstore, or even surf the web. Perhaps the beautiful lines of Pablo Neruda or the sacred verses of Rumi excite you. Go one step further: read them out loud, to yourself. Don’t be afraid to speak with confidence.

Dare to bare yourself for the relationship that is most important to your life—the one with yourself.

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