I love words. One of my favorite words is proprioception. As defined by Wikipedia:
Proprioception (PRO-pree-o-SEP-shen), from Latin proprius, meaning "one's own", "individual", and capio, capere, to take or grasp, is the sense of the relative position of one's own parts of the body and strength of effort being employed in movement.
The implication is clear - an expert of eyelash and eyebrow artistry is a master of proprioception. For example, without refined proprioception, we can bend beautiful lashes out of shape, or distribute too much weight on a client’s face.
In particular, when making volume lash fansproprioception is what it’s all about! Here are some ways to improve your proprioception with proprioceptive training:
1. Get Into your Body
I'm not just referring to everyday working out here. Some people can get through a whole gym routine being in their head the whole time. Dance... Move... Breathe... Take a lover ;) I threw that last one in there to make sure you were paying attention! Dancing does work really well, and can be practiced in between clients.
2. Challenge Balance Equilibrium
Challenge your balance on the regular, using balance boards or by just simply standing in ‘tree pose’ on one leg. From side-to-side our bodies are different - notice which side is easier. When starting out, hold on to a wall to make balance more accessible as a beginner.
3. Coordination
Tapping your head and rubbing your belly is a good place to start. Find ways to challenge your coordination as often as possible! This is good for keeping your mind sharp as well.
4. Paint
I have mentioned this one before. Painting helps you understand your pressure distribution and where your hands are in space. Try painting with your eyes closed. In fact, do any of the above tips with your eyes closed too!
How's your proprioception and coordination? Day-to-day mine is very different… They say you teach what you need most, so on that note, I am going to sign off and go and paint with my eyes closed ;) For more wellness related articles, check out my series Move Lash BE Better xo
Sarah Moore
A GladGirl from the start, expert eyelash artist, Sarah Elaine Moore has been bringing GladGirl eyelash extensions into the homes of her premier Hollywood clients for over thirteen years. Sarah attended the Make Up Designory in Burbank CA in 2002, studying Film & Television Makeup. She has also trained with the world-renowned Fletcher Pilates Company, where she spent six years exploring how beauty professionals can prevent injury and increase longevity in their careers. Sarah is currently a Volume Lash Trainer at GladGirl Academy. Her mission through her guest posts on the GladGirl Blog is to make the best better, inspiring confidence and instilling value in eyelash artists and clients.