Life Modelling as a form of Meditation

I first began modelling for life drawing classes over a decade ago in Vancouver. I am unsure of how exactly I came across the opportunity, but it seemed enticing. I had been working on feeling more comfortable in my body, and by that, I mean being naked (publicly). I had already become accustomed to being naked in the men’s change room, and in the men’s sauna at my local YMCA. After going to the infamous Wreck Beach at the University of British Columbia, and not feeling 100% comfortable with being naked, I decided it was time to change that. So, along with continuing to go to Wreck Beach and insisting on myself to be naked, at least in a seated position, I thought being a model for life drawing sessions would be helpful.
It has been many years, and many modelling sessions, but when I first started, it was during the time that I was intensely practicing yoga at YYoga in Vancouver. I was blessed to have had so many wonderful, experienced teachers to guide me along my way, which eventually led to me taking a teacher training, and subsequently becoming a yoga instructor. YYoga offered a variety of classes, one of which being mediation classes. Of course, many argue that the main focus of your yoga practice should be mediation, over the physical aspect of the postures, one cannot deny the conditioning and strength building effect of yoga postures. Particularly the isometric contraction, stillness and, at times, long holds. Look how these transpose to life modelling!
I soon realized the benefit of my yoga practice for life modelling. Not only was I able to use my breath to maintain posture holds for long periods, I was also able to tap into my mediation practice. Life modelling became a yoga practice for me, along with the benefit of providing artists with their muse (oh the ego!). The outcome of becoming even more comfortable with my body, by allowing myself to be seen in various positions, was a blessing, as well. One certainly does not have to be a magazine cover model for one of the trendy fashion magazines, to do life modelling. A model can be anyone who is willing and able to allow themselves to be seen, to be able to be in a position for extended periods of time in stillness, and it helps if you have a unique pose of two to amaze the artists with. How you actually ‘look’ is but secondary.
Join me this Wednesday, January 31st 7pm GMT/ 1pm CST, for my first online drawing session with Drawing Men Online. Sign up on their website: drawingmenonline.com
Great blog and amazing the journey you have had, from it not feeling comfortable to a way of life