Defining a Culture of Sisterhood

This round of the Lotus Project has just started and we're already getting down to it!  We're digging deep and looking within.

There were a few topics on the agenda this week, but the writing towards the end of the session was probably the biggest thing for today.  I asked the girls to write down 10 things they liked about themselves.  Have you ever done that?

Try it now.  I'll give you a few minutes.

It's hard.  Really, really hard for some of us.

But, what if I asked you to write down 10 things you didn't like about yourself? You've probably rattled off your top five in your head while reading this.

Why is that?  Why are we so critical of ourselves and each other?

I posed this question on my FB page last week:  What does the "culture of sisterhood" mean to you?  I had some beautiful answers.  The most reoccurring theme was this: building each other up instead of tearing each other down.  Makes sense.  We should start by building ourselves up personally.  Smile in the mirror.  Say nice things to yourself about your body.  Then share compliments with other people.  Even strangers! Gasp! Imagine how much more pleasant life would be if we genuinely complimented people.

The other reoccurring idea was the concept of positive action and advocacy for the rights of women globally.  Appreciating what we have and working to make it better for others is beautiful.

Empowering ourselves and each other...that's the heart of it.

The Lotus Project is a program to encourage young women to strengthen their inner selves in order to reach their full potential and to recognize the value and beauty each possess. The Lotus Project was the idea of teacher, LaRissa Paras, who continually witnessed students struggling with self image issues and feelings of desperation. When the opportunity to submit a grant proposal to the Greenville Youth Advisory Council came up in 2011, Paras jumped at the opportunity to make The Lotus Project a reality. Because of the continued success of the Lotus Project, another grant has been awarded for this school year. 

The Lotus Project is built on the principles of sisterhood, inner strength, confidence, health, relationships, gratitude, and responsibility. All of these elements put together equal true beauty. The young ladies will be participating in small group discussions (led by amazing mentors) and large group seminars following the aforementioned threads, as well as being involved in other activities including, but not limited to, taking yoga and self defense classes, professional photo shoots, visits from nutritionists and doctors, and will be encouraged to volunteer in the area. The students will also be guided through a series of challenges that involve journaling and self-portraits that encourage the young women to turn their perceived negatives into positives, and stress the uniqueness we should all celebrate!