Kate Simmons
05-15-2008, 03:07 AM
Based on Docrobbysherry's question about if we still get excited when dressing (and many of us do), I've been thinking about the actual transformation and at what point it happens when we are getting ready. Does it happen or has it happened some time before we start in our mind or does it happen sometime during the process? Personally I believe it happens in the mind and that the physical result is merely a reflection of how we feel inside. The reaction we get is not unlike a girl who gets all dolled up and sees herself in the mirror and says:"Wow, is that me?"
The reason I say that is because you should see me when I start. Looks nothing like the result really and although I receive compliments on my guy looks from others that tell me I do not look my age, etc., I beg to differ with those comments as I know I can look a lot "better" as Sal, even if it takes a little work. Even so, therin lies the fun of it all (and the challenge).
I personally believe that mental feed back/feed forward processes are in place when we do this and sort of like a work of sculpture, we know the work of art is in there, all we have to do is chip away at the "block of marble" to make it reality but imagination is required to do that. So what happens? There is no "magic" involved really, it just requires diligence.
In my case, I do the prep work first, such as shaving and deciding on a particular look, then the foundation garments, then the clothes, no makeup as of yet. This can be a hard part for many because at this point we still look like a guy but it's all a necessary part of the finished product. Bear in mind that any building or edifice has a foundation and when the superstructure is completed, we do not see what is behind the walls, just the facade, which is the pretty aesthetic part.
When I'm satisfied with the trappings, next comes the makeup, eye shadow, highlighter, mascara, liner, brows, beard cover, foundation, blush and powder to tie it all in and cut down on shine. When I'm good with that, the wig and finally lipstick. Then enhancements, like jewelery, earrings, necklace, etc. When it's complete, I take a final overall look and usually say:"cool". I never think much more than that of it really, only if it seems to be adequate for the look I'm trying for. If I'm good to go, then it's out the door or whatever.
It's not just the look though. Somewhere along the line I have transformed as the total person and am in the mindset of being Salandra, so when I do interact with people, that is actually who I am and although I'm also still Rich, for all intents and purposes I have become this specialty part of myself and stay that way for the remainder of my time dressed. This is why I say the actual transformation has little to do with the appearance and a lot to do with the mental processes involved, kind of like activating special neural pathways just for this purpose. I've done experiments having the same mindset as Rich and find it's just a matter of choice mostly.
What this tells me is that humans are very adaptable and flexible and capable of fulfilling any role or goal attainable. This is also why I never have any dysphoria because I know it's literally "all in my head" and I can pretty much be anyone I want to be. I realize that attempting to understanding all of this is really not the important thing, rather who we are inside and being the best person we can possibly be is regardless of mode or motivation. Still, it makes one wonder sometimes when the actual transformation occurs.:)
The reason I say that is because you should see me when I start. Looks nothing like the result really and although I receive compliments on my guy looks from others that tell me I do not look my age, etc., I beg to differ with those comments as I know I can look a lot "better" as Sal, even if it takes a little work. Even so, therin lies the fun of it all (and the challenge).
I personally believe that mental feed back/feed forward processes are in place when we do this and sort of like a work of sculpture, we know the work of art is in there, all we have to do is chip away at the "block of marble" to make it reality but imagination is required to do that. So what happens? There is no "magic" involved really, it just requires diligence.
In my case, I do the prep work first, such as shaving and deciding on a particular look, then the foundation garments, then the clothes, no makeup as of yet. This can be a hard part for many because at this point we still look like a guy but it's all a necessary part of the finished product. Bear in mind that any building or edifice has a foundation and when the superstructure is completed, we do not see what is behind the walls, just the facade, which is the pretty aesthetic part.
When I'm satisfied with the trappings, next comes the makeup, eye shadow, highlighter, mascara, liner, brows, beard cover, foundation, blush and powder to tie it all in and cut down on shine. When I'm good with that, the wig and finally lipstick. Then enhancements, like jewelery, earrings, necklace, etc. When it's complete, I take a final overall look and usually say:"cool". I never think much more than that of it really, only if it seems to be adequate for the look I'm trying for. If I'm good to go, then it's out the door or whatever.
It's not just the look though. Somewhere along the line I have transformed as the total person and am in the mindset of being Salandra, so when I do interact with people, that is actually who I am and although I'm also still Rich, for all intents and purposes I have become this specialty part of myself and stay that way for the remainder of my time dressed. This is why I say the actual transformation has little to do with the appearance and a lot to do with the mental processes involved, kind of like activating special neural pathways just for this purpose. I've done experiments having the same mindset as Rich and find it's just a matter of choice mostly.
What this tells me is that humans are very adaptable and flexible and capable of fulfilling any role or goal attainable. This is also why I never have any dysphoria because I know it's literally "all in my head" and I can pretty much be anyone I want to be. I realize that attempting to understanding all of this is really not the important thing, rather who we are inside and being the best person we can possibly be is regardless of mode or motivation. Still, it makes one wonder sometimes when the actual transformation occurs.:)