Over the weekend, I extended a birthday greeting to a friend over Facebook.

He complimented me on how radiant I look. It got me thinking and shared this as a post on Facebook.

It made me happier than if he said I looked beautiful. I asked myself why.

“To me, radiance comes from within, and while beautiful has many meanings including referring to surface beauty. While I rather be radiant than beautiful, I’d take beautiful too! There was a time when being called beautiful made me uncomfortable. I wanted to be recognised for my brains and legacy of good work instead of beauty as if beauty were a bad word. Now, I am at peace with compliments of beauty because I have finally understood and recognised the importance of beauty. Beauty inspires light, happiness and more good in our world. If looks could invoke happiness, may it include my beauty… and radiance.”

This was my friend’s reply: “To me, it’s energy and a healthy glow. A reflection of peace and acceptance of oneself. Be a light upon the world, truly. You’re looking radiant, Martha…“

Another friend Taryn Harvey whom I interviewed for Eros Evolution here said on on a forum where I shared the same: “Yes, I once cringed at being called ‘beautiful’ for same reason. I too have learned through my journey and experience that it’s okay to give these words back their true meaning and accept the energy and intent behind someone saying this to us women Thanks M x“

What does beauty mean to you? Do you consider yourself beautiful? Is beauty important? If no, why? If you are a woman, are you at ease with your sexuality and femininity?

A profound practice I run for women is called The Art of Feminine Presence. Sign up for a preview here. You may wish to check out my previous articles written relating to femininity here.

Who is Martha?

Surrounded by friends who were sexually inhibited and struck by dire lack of positive conversations around sex and sexuality, Dr. Martha Tara Lee set out to make a positive difference in embarking on her doctorate in human sexuality, then launching Eros Coaching in 2009. She works with individuals and couples who wish to lead pleasure-filled and confident lives. Since 2011, she has been and still is the only certified sexuality educator by the American Association of Sexuality Educators, Counselors and Therapists (AASECT) in Singapore. This accolade is only for those who meet the stringent requirements determined by AASECT, which is the leading professional organization for sexuality educators, sexuality counselors and sex therapists in the United States.

Martha takes prides in making sure all her events are fun, educational, and sex-positive. This comes easily to her because even though she is extremely dedicated and serious about her work, she fundamentally believes that sex is meant to be fun, wonderful, amazing and sacred. As such, this serious light-heartedness has shone through again and again. You can read the testimonials she’s received over her seven years of practice here.

Often cited in the local media, Dr. Lee is the appointed sex expert for Men’s Health Singapore, and Men’s Health Malaysia. She was recognised as one of ‘Top 50 Inspiring Women Under 40′ by Her World in July 2010, and one of ‘Top 100 Inspiring Women’ by CozyCot in March 2011. She has published two books: Love, Sex and Everything In-Between, and Orgasmic Yoga. For her full profile, click here.

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