The radiance of beauty always comes from within, that I believe to the core of my being. And the outer expression of our inner light is always a perfect compliment to our spirit. The honoring of our divinity comes in many forms. Anything from a sacred circle of friends, to a yoga retreat to restore and rejuvenate your soul, to the adornment of fine fabric and flattering fashionable clothing. Being a modern day Goddess can be fun if you want it to be! And every woman alive has this within, the practice of yoga and meditation that I teach, helps us to remember our divinity and embody the sensuous side of life that allows for all pleasures (within reason;).

Recently I began writing a weekly article for a wonderful new magazine called Bella Petite. I'm excited about their mission to raise awareness about height discrimination. It's interesting because I have always felt that this was a very strange aspect to society, where based upon a person's height, it would be determined if they could be considered a 'model' in fashion and other artistic endeavors.

If you don't know me that well, I will share with you a key element to my personality is the total commitment to freedom, creativity and the expansion of ones limitless potential. That being said, when I was an aspiring model years ago, I was very deflated to find out there were height requirements, just like 50 years ago there were gender and color requirements for certain jobs. At the time, I was not discouraged and just found other avenues for my creative expression and discovered ways around the old system and height prejudices. I still feel this is an important topic, however, as a young woman with dreams and goals, it would be wonderful to see one less social barrier to entry, so to speak.

This magazine is for all women, and their daughters or friends who are under 5'5''. The concept of fashion is often perceived as shallow and superficial, but that is not always the case. In many cases, fashion is a creative expression an extension of oneself. This can be done is such a myriad of ways! The fabric that we wear can evoke sensations of pleasure or discomfort. The fit and the cut of the clothing can determine whether we look good or not and many times its something as simple as one extra hem, a stick, a button or ruffle that can transform a woman from average and happy to gorgeous and glowing. In Bella Petite I love the articles about Eva Longoria, Jada Pinkett, Salma Hyak, Reese Witherspoon, Jennifer Aniston and the other shining examples of the possibilities that are available to all of us, regardless of our size and shape.

I celebrate it all!

I CELEBRATE YOU!

I am confident that as more celebrities and people with a strong voice who attract the ears of many, step forward and shine their light for the world to see, the social stigmas placed upon petite people (as well as other prejudiced human characteristics) will be lifted and we will begin to see the soul shining brightly, and the presence of unity, the acknowledgment that we are all one.

So, if this is a topic that interests you, be sure to tune into my weekly blog on Bellapetite.com and feel free to comment as this is an open ended and ongoing conversation.

I wish you love and blessings always in all ways.

Namaste,

Dashama