I’ve been flipping through Barbara Sher’s Wishcraft, since I’d heard about the book from Hayden, of Through the Illusion.   The point of Wishcraft is for the reader to discover who they truly are, where they truly want to be, and how to get there.   Last night, I stumbled upon a fun little exercise that we could all benefit from.  In Chapter 3 of Barbara’s book, she tells us to assume the position of Spy.

We choose our surroundings, our mental input (books/music/etc) and our “things” based on that little inner voice, who tells you not to buy this sweater, or that you must own this set of hand-blown drink glasses.  Through these preferences, we express a style – we show off that little inner-me.  The hum-drum day-to-day experience doesn’t recognize super-girls, alter-egos and fabulous femmes-fatales, though.  The world asks what it wants of you, doesn’t ask for the extracurriculars, and sends you on your merry way.  And how fulfilling is that? It’s no wonder that we often feel beat down or repressed.  We get that downtrodden feeling, like the world doesn’t care if we’re special.

Barbara says, to discover (or rediscover/experiment with) your magical inner persona – to rediscover that special someone hiding inside  you – look at everything in your home as a detective would – noting the hobbies, the interests and the clues in decor.   Take notes!

What you are doing is taking a step back from the reality you know right now, to discover that inner being – that alter-ego.  You’re seeing your environment for the “first time” because you’re disconnecting yourself from what’s there.  By taking notes on the little clues you’re finding, you’re defining that alter ego’s style.  Remember that style isn’t just what you wear, but it’s the way you show who you are to the world.  Style encompasses how you dress, how you decorate your abode, the activities you participate in, or even your knowledge of obscure literature.

Does the girl who live here love the color blue?  Is the furniture fun and kitzch or modern and sleek.  Could she be a Marie Antoinette?  Or is she more of a Marie Curie based on her reading material?  Check out the closet.  Is it full of dramatically draped dresses or flirty, feminine pieces?  What does that say about the person who lives there?  Is that person an artist waiting to bloom?  Who might this person be?  Is this the home of an avid horticulturalist, who will be able to save the rain forests by propagating one plant at a time?

Embark on this little exercise like anyone would embark on a new adventure.  Start small, by noticing colors, shapes,  etc.  Soon you’ll find yourself connecting this clue or to that clue – and from there, use a little imagination to flesh out the characteristics you find.

Want a real-life example?

This person enjoyed the work of Matisse, Renoir;  they were fond of great artists, and chocolate candy bars.  This person loved the color yellow, and their workstation was filled with odd knick-knacks and old photos.  This person loved the less-than-mundane and was inspired by things like gypsy caravans and tales of heroism and triumph.  They punctuated their works with unexpected endings.  This person had very eclectic tastes, and cultivated them as a writer.  The author wrote about giant Prunus persica (because they loved gardening), and a love affair with candy to rival their own.   This person was quite the popular author, in fact.

This person was fantastic, creative and renowned!  Who says you can’t be?

You try it.  Who did you discover?

Maybe by day, you work in an office where the attire is non-negotiable.  That could definitely put a damper on that dramatically costumed super-girl with the walk in closet full of sequinned jumpsuits.  Or maybe your idea of getting ready for work is putting on your pajama pants and a hoodie and sitting down at the kitchen table – that’s comfortable, but it doesn’t give you a chance to actively express your je ne sais quoi – you know, the one who buys vintage hats on E-bay, and books hot-air-balloon rides to far away lands for her birthday.

When you’re done with your list and your clues, connect the dots.  What do those things say about the person who lives there, and how can you nurture that person?  If you have a fantastic eye for design, head down to the library and dive into piles of interior design books.  If you love the idea of crafts, but you have a closet full of boring outfits that don’t suit you, pick up a book on how to sew, and start embellishing your wardrobe.  Maybe you’re a wine connoisseur or love to bake – find books on parings or take a class on how to make yourself something decadent.

The point is to discover that inner magic – it’s not some hoo-doo, woo-woo, transcendent, mystical thing.  You’re using the clues you give yourself to discover something that’s been covered up by years of “Real Life.”  As Barbara says, in her book, “”In the age of ecology, we ourselves are the only creatures we would ever expect to flourish in an environment that does not give us what we need.”"  This discovery of who you truly are,  should give you the foundation to nourish that alter-ego who’s buried underneath all that real-life sludge.  Discover, experiment, enjoy.

Related posts:

1. The Inevitable
2. Wholestyle Manifesto
3. New Year, New Focus

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