I decided it was time to write a blog about swag.
But first let’s define swag… There are many definitions of swag, but as a slang word commonly used in the Australian language in our current society, swag is defined as something or someone that is stylish or styling. But does this mean that swag is just about fitting in, being cool or being sophisticated?
Is that it? Is it about where we buy our clothes from or what brand we get? Is it about the colour we choose or a style? Or is swag something deeper than this? Is it all of that and more?
So many I know have ‘swag’. Here are a few of many examples…
For starters, Michael Benhayon has swag – this emanates from the way he dresses, to the care he takes with dressing, the shoes he chooses to wear, to the way he walks, to the way he looks you in the eye and how he holds you with such warmth and joy. Even his eyes hold ‘swag’. If you have not already met him, wait till you do and you will know what swag means. He might wear green trainers that light up as he walks; he plays his musical instruments with his hands sliding on the guitar strings or on the piano with such grace and swag that it leaves you feeling your own beauty and joy. Swag could be his middle name.
Another man I know has swag too – Raymond Karam. Raymond’s swag also comes through his choice of clothing, as well as famous haircuts (alternating between the short crew to the curly 60’s style etc), but Ray’s swag also comes exhibited in choice of cars he drives. From vintage black Valiant with red leather seats, to more modern cars with powerful engines, his car swag is endless, as is his appreciation for cars. His eyes also hold swag, which comes from the warmth and the sparkle of someone who loves life and loves people and loves community.
And then there is another man who also has swag, and I swear I am not biased about this one (!) – Marshall Chang, my husband. Marshall’s swag is also revealed from the way he dresses, his choice of clothes and style, from the way he walks to the way he sits with you and looks you in the eye, the understanding he brings and his ability to connect with who you are, and see well beyond the imperfections. As a teacher, his students can feel his swag. The students often ask if they can walk with him, or next to him, and then they copy his walk. They ask him where he shops for his clothes, and ask him where he gets his shoes. They even call him “Lord of Swag.” Recently they gave him a mug with “Lord of Swag” written on it!
So now that we know what swag means, and had some examples… could it be that swag comes from allowing ourselves to express in full who we truly are, with spunk, and whilst having fun?
And… could it be that swag is not just limited to a few people or ‘swag role models’? Essentially we all have swag – it is just about allowing it out and having fun with it, not being afraid to let the world see you All of you.
By Henrietta Chang
Further Reading:
We are all Role Models
Serge Benhayon, an Amazing Role Model
True Role Models – From ‘Being a Good Man’ to Taking True Responsibility for My Choices
The Truth about Universal Medicine 
Wonderful to know the true meaning of swag. Its clear to see what i means just from the pictures of these three men.
Swag, and I suppose you could say sass too, comes from the inside out.
What makes these three men ever more beautiful is that they are highly approachable.
Love this – so true Henrietta, of course this is swag! And it makes so much sense to feel and see it, to not walk in the image of swag but actually allow it to be seen and felt by others. Brilliant!
“What is “Swag” and Who has Got it?” – anyone who lives and walks LOVE Henrietta : )
People who have swag is the way they move in the clothes they are wearing with a confidence of knowing who they are.
Spot on Mary, and I would take it one step further and say it is the way they move in their SKIN that emanates a confidence of knowing who they are! For our skin in a way is our first ‘set of clothes’ or as I call it sometimes, our ‘leather PJs’ 😉
It’s a real joy reading this. Swag is a real knowing of who we are and totally claiming this. Often those considered to have swag do so as an arrogance or at least a non-inclusivity, that they are trying to prove something. These men don’t hold back celebrating themselves and everyone at the same time. It is a real joy!
Indeed swag is letting the fullness of who we are out for all to see and feel.
I love the “swag” and yes when someone wears their clothes with swag there is an inner confidence and total grace that comes with it too.
Having swag is just us being comfortable in our own skin.
These are three very beautiful, in the full sense of the word, covering far more than physical looks, men.
There’s a very delicious confidence that’s described as you illustrate ‘swag’ with these 3 men, and it comes from that inner connection – truly knowing who you are and not being afraid to let the world see it all.
For me, and using the examples of Michael Benhayon, Ray Karam, and Marshall Chang, their ‘swag’ comes from their playfulness and incredible sense of presence when you see them, where their eyes are so welcoming and accepting. The super stylish clothes help out as well!
What three gorgeous men Henrietta, elevating the resonance of living vitality, confidence in the body, cheekiness in humour now available in reflection in the world. Love it. The young man who has just done a bit of renovating for me has swag – I could really feel it – yes it is overlaid by some nervous energy but it is there ready to burst forth. Just a joy to be a woman in the presence of a man with swag.
Just being ourselves brings such a beauty, grace and glow and the word swag is very apt to describe what is seen.
Yes, it comes out in many different ways but it is always beauty, grace and glow.
Swag – what naturally happens when you simply be who you are and unreservedly, unashamedly let it out – with no compromise what-so-ever.
Oh, your blog just made me fall in love with being ‘swag’, the swag in everyone, the swag we all have when we just let it out.
Gosh, these guys are super-amazing, in their eyes, their stance, their open and beautiful smiles.
“could it be that swag comes from allowing ourselves to express in full who we truly are, with spunk, and whilst having fun?” A big YES from me, and I feel it is that what people around us feel inspired by, our ease to be ourselves in life, fully enjoying it with a coolness about it that is very well captured in the word ‘Swag’.
That’s a great way to put it Lieke – there’s an ease and a total comfort-ability and acceptance of who they are – and that’s cool (and inspiring).
Indeed true swag is so much more than simply being confident and showing it for all to see, it comes from sharing ourselves from our inner hearts with no apologies or holding back.
I love how this sense of ‘swag’ is allowing men to celebrate who they are, to be confident without being arrogant and to be role models to other men. It is important to have that innate sense of confidence in oneself – if not love of oneself – not at the expense of others, but to inspire them.
I love this blog honouring the ‘Lords of swag’. Men who wear their tenderness as easy as they breath.
I love this blog. It feels crazy that the swag we have as children is seen as cocky! Yet when it doesn’t have arrogance and is actually your fullness lived without apology, with play-full-ness and consistency it is truly inspiring for others to see.
I love style and I can say out of my experience that you could have called me swag in the past from young age on, unquestionable. But my look was empty, as I dressed not being connected with me. Having a sense for a great style stays empty if it is not lived and “filled” with the essence. Now my look emanates and communicates something total different. Before it was a kind of protection now it is there to inspire other people to bring out their light and beauty in full also.
No matter if someone likes your style or not, but totally let you shine in all your fullness, because YOU are wearing it and it represents all of you- everyone can be a swag, ☺
What a lovely tribute to these men, I love that they express their outwardly style, through their qualities they hold and appreciate in themselves.
My husband so has this swag you talk about, he oozes it, the love and attention to detail he puts in the clothes he wears, the way he holds everyone with deep understanding and love, the way he is not afraid to show his delicate and tender side… I could go on and on …. When guys come from their heart we cannot help but melt.
It is refreshing to feel men moving with delicate, sexiness and assured strength that comes from their natural tender essence. A complete contrast to the otherwise tough exterior most present themselves with.
I hadn’t heard the term swag in the context you describe Henrietta, but from your description I certainly understand it now and feel the beautiful quality (of swag) in the men you mention in your post.
Each and every one of us are beholders of swag, and as you have shared, this quality (our swag) naturally radiates out through all we do whenever we live in connection to our essence and inner-spunk, and freely express who we are.
I have seen swag in a different way now .. that is the quality in which we are and not in how we look. The true beauty and openness that emanates from these 3 men here is very tangible and I can understand why you would want to appreciate them and who they are 💕
When we are being and expressing ourselves in full, whatever we wear looks like the coolest thing ever, whatever we say and do feels like the most amazing things.
Henrietta, I loved reading your gorgeous appreciation for the swag these men naturally emanate, the reflection these men offer everyone is inspiring for both men and women equally.
Awesome Henrietta. The way you have described these men’s qualities, and described that swag is more than the choice of clothes or hair style is stunning. The swag is in the way of being and has no attitude or mean edge about it, it’s cool but at the same time full of integrity and decency and a deep deep awesomeness which is holding all others as awesome too.
Having fun is the essence … be it of ‘swag’ or of life itself
I loved what you shared so playfully Henrietta, about the swag of these gorgeous men, and the real meaning of swag “could it be that swag comes from allowing ourselves to express in full who we truly are, with spunk, and whilst having fun?” at this moment I am enjoying feeling my own swag ready to come out and be lived.
To reclaim the word “swag” makes me so happy, as it has always been owned by hip hop culture and although a part of it was captured correctly a huge and important factor was missing and that is the quality behind the dress sense and style. These three men are the epitome of swag, true swag that is.
Such a super blog a testimonial to three gorgeous men that as you say all have swag. And I agree with you when you say
“could it be that swag comes from allowing ourselves to express in full who we truly are, with spunk, and whilst having fun?”
I certainly feel we have lost our true sense of having fun as we all seem so very stressed by our everyday living, that fun has gone to be replaced with getting through the day by what ever means possible.
I have just re-read my own blog and reminded myself of the fun we can have in our day to day whilst we appreciate deeply those around us!
I know what you mean – I find the greatest Joy in celebrating and appreciating others – it is also so much fun seeing people blossom into the fullness and love that they naturally are just have not always chosen to express.
Yes, when we have fun we feel light and this is reflected in our movements and the way we relate with others
What a gorgeous blog to come back to. There is a joy in the reading of it and the most exquisite loveliness to feel when connecting to the ‘swag’ of Michael, Marshall and Raymond. A reminder that we each have the same qualities expressed in different ways should we claim the fullness of ourselves.
I look at these three guys and love the sense of their ‘harmlessness’. They would to contemplate harming another man or a woman.
Lyndy you have nailed it with this word ‘harmlessness’ – it is a gift and a blessing to anyone to be in someones company that is completely harmless. These men a are indeed a blessing to us, and so are we or anyone else when we choose this way of being.
These three men are exemplary not only in their swag aspects but in their warmth and love that they bring to the community all around.
Swag is definitely being able to flaunt what you’ve got – and if you have the universe inside you why not flaunt it??
Love what you have shared Lyndy – swag is to be flaunted as we all have it!
I have never heard of this word “swag” , Henrietta. Very interesting to learn more about it and to know that the three men in my life all have and exude swag in who they are and what they do!
It is great to define exactly what swag is, because then I can appreciate it so much more in those who I see each day. Confirming another person’s swag has to be one life’s sweetest gifts.
I love this line Henrietta – “Essentially we all have swag – it is just about allowing it out and having fun with it, not being afraid to let the world see you All of you.” – simple and true!
I love this, it is not just about the clothes they wear, or the cars they own, it is not about being better than another, it is quite simply men enjoying who they are.
True swag is almost the complete opposite of cool. I observe in teenagers the obsession with cool and how this manipulates and shapes them into something they are not. Whereas swag that comes from a body rather than the mind is free from the pulls of needing recognition, approval or being considered special
I didn’t know the word so great to learn about it in your true and refreshing expression of it. Thank You.
Thank you Henrietta for writing about swag. This is a new kind of dictionary, where words are explained as to what they truly mean.
Appreciating the swag = appreciating the style and grace in the way that we move.
Thank you Henrietta – you got swag, as you know it, observe it, sense it, you must know it and can life it absolutely too. It is very gorgeous that we got swag just redefined, or I should say – called for what it is and expose the layers of false meanings around the word swag. Swag is just swag, you can feel it , you can see it – on the photo’s and we are simply reminded to know it within ourselves, our own style of swag.
Beautiful – there is that certain something that makes you stop and look and feel amazing about yourself at the same time.
Men are naturally gorgeous gentle beings but they hide this and create a hardened shell to protect themselves. The men you show here Henrietta are not afraid to show their gentle-manly qualities, and remain true to themselves and this is the swag I can see in them.
Henrietta, what I love about this blog is just how deeply you have connected with the men that you are describing and how much you see and appreciate them. It is hugely healing to appreciate the people in our lives.
I had never really heard this term swag until reading this blog, but I will now be on the look out for it in myself and others. It seems you have chosen some fine examples of it that go far deeper than just clothes, cars and hair styles.
I haven’t really known of this word “Swag” but when your sharing grouped these lovely guys together I see what you mean. They all come across with an attractive façade but are so much deeper and what draws us in is their sense of knowing who they are in the scheme of things and lack of judgement
We are sold the notion that swag comes from the clothes we wear, our hairstyle, makeup or shoes – and we invest in buying these things in the hope we will ‘have it’… Yet swag is not for sale – it’s already in us – and brought out through expressing who we are.
Swag, it’s what makes a difference.
So love this Henrietta – appreciation and inspiration all in one. We all have something equally great and unique to share with the world and that something is who we are within. The more we allow ourselves to simply express what we feel within, the more naturally we share the true quality and magic of who we all are in essence.
I love this blog, appreciating those who walk this earth with a sparkle and a shine for all the world to notice.
Swag describes Ray Karam. He is classically handsome, stylish in his dress, has a warmth and depth to him that is felt when he talks with you, and his ageless wisdom shines from his bright eyes.
Such a de-light to read and feel. It inspires me to start walking in all my fullness and share it with all. For who knows who might be inspired to do the same for them selves if they feel it – just like Marshall’s students.
Swag could definately be Michael Benhayon’s middle name. He is one gorgeous, sensitive, tender, caring, stylish, fun young man…did someone say music? His music is sent from Heaven.
Swag, it’s what makes a difference.
Dear Henrietta, this morning while doing some research about Shakespeare’s language I ‘accidentally’ came across the fact that he ‘invented’ the word ‘swag’ : ‘What hempen home-spins have we swaggering here, so near the cradle of the fairy queen?’ Puck in Midsummer Night’s Dream. Very cool word! Leading up to the English Renaissance English was the language of the street, of the oral culture, not that of literature (Latin was used, also French used in the law courts). Shakespeare played an enormous role with his lively enriching of English and becoming the accepted language for all classes.
I’ve heard Shakespeare was a pretty cool guy himself, with what he offered through the language and message of his plays. Is it possible Shakespeare also had swag?
You can so tell the difference from a person that ‘thinks’ they have swag or if swag comes from a true and natural confidence with their body. The two are completely different, the latter is they are not trying to be something or fit in, they are just being who they are.
This is such a spunky article full of swag! Loved re-reading and feeling the inspiration to let out even more of me, more spunk and more swag.
Agree Katerina this bog is so inspiring and I love re-visiting it and seeing the photos of these gorgeous men who inspire us all to be more spunk and swag.
I love, love, love reading this and taking this out in my life. It’s me giving myself permission to not hold back on appreciating the qualities of others which goes hand in hand with appreciating, accepting and claiming my swag too. And yes, there have been times when it’s been a little painful like appreciating a sexy playfulness in another and realising I’d been so serious much of my life trying to be right I’d missed out on my playful lightness of being. But what a beautiful way to bring love and understanding to myself, why I choose to be this way and letting it go as it wasn’t needed any more and that I have never been less!
Bring it on Karin! Holding back our qualities means the world misses out on the flavour we bring, our essence.
Letting the uniqueness of who we are out, unreservedly so, feel so good in the body it’s hard not to strut your stuff!
When we stay true to our heart, we all have swag.
I agree, everyone that lives their innate spark, does show their uniqueness in the whole. So nothing but swag 🙂
When we don’t express who we are it can be very obvious in the way we dress, act and move. When I look back and see how I have been in my life and clock the way I was I can totally see where I have not had any swag and then when I have been on track with my swag-ness. I still feel I hold back and that I can claim more of this swag within and reading this just inspires me even more. Thanks Henrietta.
I have noticed the more I am consistent in how much of myself I give throughout my day, the more swag I have and the more of a man I become.
What a fabulous blog and I love all the comments. I still have the smile on my face.
Love what you have shared Henrietta, we all have swag just by being and living the real you, and playing with that swag through our sense of dress.
It is not about the clothes themselves but the care with which they are put on and more importantly the feeling we get from the person which is defined by their relationship with themselves, with life and with people. We can all feel when someone is not trying to be ‘better’ than us but is genuine in their expression and sees the highest within us also. Such people provide great inspiration and the space for us to live that same glory. Around them we come alive.
Such a fun sharing on swag and how it is so much more than what we see in the outside. That Infact it starts with a relationship you have with yourself and builds from that. Swag is a pretty cool term to describe people who bring all of themselves and their own expression to the world. Very cool.
Love your blog Henrietta, especially in the light of something I stumbled across yesterday while preparing tutoring for a student. The Elizabethans had a ‘behavioural genre’ called ‘swaggering’. I am preparing Shakespeare’s King Richard III, a play exposing the conflictive and bloody nature of British monarchies, focusing on the deformed and ugly Richard 3rd who killed nearly all his relatives, including (it is thought) the young princes in the tower in order to gain the throne. in 1599 Samuel Rowlands mocks London ‘Gallants’, who ‘like Richard the usurper, swagger/ That had his hand continuall on his dagger’. This meaning relates more to the use of the word ‘swaggering’ that I was familiar with as a young person (Australia 1940’s 50’s 60’s) which described a man walking in a cocky, slightly arrogant and rebellious way. I am thrilled that this word has been completely transformed into something to be admired, as we see in the essence of these three gorgeous men you have named as being full of ‘swag’.
There is so much fed to us by adverts, the media, entertainment, you name it, that encourages us to look at the external images in order to show that not only are we as good as the next person but ‘better’. Yet the delightful reflection offered by the examples chosen in this blog, shows that far more significant is the essence within.
If I’m totally honest I still don’t know what swag is?
It’s great to feature on this blog and it makes me smile every time I read it and see the photos. This is equally important as Henrietta rightly points out, “So many I know have ‘swag’. Here are a few of many examples” This blog and the appreciation of what is seen in 3 men isn’t just limited to them, the clothes, cars, look or anything like that. It’s more then that it’s an expression, a true connected expression that stands them in the world. In this case it’s for all of us to see and claim and not just for a few. I love this blog for many reasons and because of the way it’s written, the quality of it, I don’t feel a pressure to keep something going. I know if I am truly connected and just being how and who I am then the ‘Swag’ is natural for all of us.
Haha and thank you. I won’t reveal the details here but let’s just say I love old cars, not for the status, look or the money. I love how they feel and what they remind me of. Old cars are like driving around sitting at the dining table, they are very much set up for us to chat and interact. I am not saying I don’t appreciate new cars but old cars value is their simplicity and care, they are setup to bring us together and always seem to spark up conversations with people. Whether you are driving in them or have them parked, everyone seems to have time for a chat.
We can all have’swag’. We just have to connect to our essence and move and live from it.
I can so relate to what you share here, true ‘swag’ comes from the way we are in expression. Expressing through the way we move and wear our clothes, drive our cars. Everything in life.
I know what you mean by ‘swag’ it’s not something you can easily define but it can be seen and recognised for the quality it emanates.
When we see people walk, that’s when we might think they have swag by the way they move. Movements of a person with swag are different, not from a style or a hip swaying, but because people with swag move and walk from their inner connection to themselves with purposeful action. That’s true swag!
There are not many men that I know of, who can be and consequently look so utterly gorgeous without having an air of arrogance or need about them. These pictures show men who hold a very settled self awareness that requires no accolade other than the simple joy of being themselves in the world.
Thank you for sharing the true depth of swag and what it really means and that we all have it if we choose to live and connect to ourselves and and our divinity inside us. Our true caring and love then emanates for all to see as with these beautiful men and many more inspiring humanity to be all we are.
Thank you for making Swag something much more than simply cool – when I think of these men there are cool personified because they are also gentlemen, sweet and fun and very caring, with tones of style and well, swag!
Swag is a word that should be used more often… thank you for bringing it back into my world.
I could feel my own swag rising to the surface reading the blog. You are on the money – it is in each and every one of us. When you see someone sharing their swag, no matter what shape, size, colour, creed – it is pretty cool.
Often those who think they have swag actually don’t at all or at least at not choosing to live it because we all have swag. The people I speak of are the famous actors, performers, singers, dancers etc. They definitely have a swiftly way of moving but is it truly from their body? Or is it to show off?
Swag is nothing that you can buy from the shop, it’s not a style to copy or a fashion to follow. It is the feeling from within the person of knowing who they are, and we all have it when we express our love from within. Your examples are beautiful Henrietta to show these guys who know from inside themselves who they truly are. Swag comes from the inside, not the accoutrements.
This is beautiful – a true quality of ‘swag’ that is unifying – inspiring us all to connect with our essence and to let it be seen in the way we express. Not trying to look good to impress or be ‘better than’ another but to invite all others to equally share their glory.
Some great examples of swag – in truth, we could put each and every person’s profile on this blog and reveal the true swag within us all.
I love that we all have Swag, it is just waiting for us to express it from within in our own unique way.
Every single one of us has access to swag, though only when we live from our heart and express the love we are do we emanate swag. There is not enough people living their swag so it is awesome to see so blatantly these three gorgeous men living it in full. PS I have to say I live with a man (my husband) who also definitely has swag and daily I am deeply inspired by his tender beauty and expression.
SWAG – Sensitive, World-ly, Amazing, Gentle 🙂
Love it Michael… something you can claim yourself too no doubt!
Thank you Jenny, reading that gave me goosebumps all over – reminding me to appreciate in full.
Knowing who we are and expressing this in full is seriously what the world is missing. I know I have from a young age been always identifying myself to be someone that I think I need to be, a style that I liked but with a little quirky twist to it so it became mine. Leaving the connection to who I truly am out of the equation. Only of late I have discovered who I am and still letting go of all these pictures and ideals of who I think I am. Thanks to Universal Medicine I am well on my way to returning to who I am meant to be and it feels super easy and real.
I am aware that I have some swag going on and I have observed it in others also….it comes from a true confidence and ease with my body….I am sure the more I claim myself for the wonderful woman I am the more that this will evolve and be felt. I used to hide and skirt around people and life, now I walk with a level of ease I have never known before. These men above are beautiful, full of natural swag and an inspiration.
Love how you have shared these role models and how they have ‘swag’, its not something that makes them fit in but something that naturally comes out of them when they live day by day.
Living who we are is key – expressing our true swag without reservation for all to see.
So swag is a self possession, an expressing of who you are and all that you can be. How lucky we are to know so many beautiful, tender men.
I absolutely LOVE watching Michael Benhayon play the piano – there is just something about the way his fingers slide across the keyboard and how he holds his shoulders as he plays. I cannot help but eye-ball him, in the sense that I cannot take my eyes off him and would not want to take my eyes off him…and it leaves me with a sense, a memory of the same in me, some quality that is so profound, so deep within, so tender and precious…it is a gift to feel this in me. SWAG is just one word for this – Super Wonderful Awesome & Gorgeous!
Gorgeous Henrietta – ‘swag’ is our own beautiful and unique expression released!
If you had just put the word ‘Swag’ alongside the picture of either of these three men, I would have understood exactly what the word meant, even though I had not heard this definition before!
As I am living in Germany and be not familiar with the word ‘swag’ I had to get a feeling of. It seems like it is a word for someone who does express by the way they dress and more in a special way. For me it feels like it means: an awareness and expression of ones own power, paired with a knowing that this power only comes from the connection to Soul, while being very playful in this. And I see this definitely in the 3 mentioned sparkling guys above.
What a beautiful reflection of swag and what it truly means. It comes from the way we live and not what we can buy and is who we are. “Essentially we all have swag – it is just about allowing it out and having fun with it, not being afraid to let the world see you All of you”.
I had no idea of the word swag before reading your sharing , but I do see what you are talking about now after seeing the photos of Michael, Marshall and Raymond who all have a quality that shines from them. These men are also physically attractive and have a certain charisma and wonderful eyes. Apart from the physical appearance they are all deeply connected within and share themselves by inspiring others.
So… I think I’ve got swag too. Is there a group I can join? 😀
I can really appreciate the element of playfulness in having swag – so important that it is not about achieving something or having an image of what it is, just developing playful expression of our own.
It’s awesome what you’ve shared Henrietta that style doesn’t come from wearing what’s ‘trendy’ or ‘in’ according to other people, the media, high street shops and society, but from finding clothes that accentuate the flair of our own personality and expression… Colour, fabric and design all come into play.
It’s really about having the confidence to wear and have what you really like. Fully embracing your own style without reservation.
I like what you have said here Luke because it makes it real for me. Thank you
From these photos you can definately see there is a way to dress that genuinely suits and supports us in all our glory.
I like how you say Swag is an emanation, this can clearly be felt from the above photos.
I have seen many who ‘look’ polished, technically beautiful in appearance, say and do all the admirable things, yet when I face them I feel empty, I may start thinking I am not good enough unless I become like them, or I may start feeling tired, agitated or depressed. I used to think this was normal, but it is not. Because on the other hand I now know others such as the gorgeous men referred to here, who by the way they ‘live’ inspire me to connect more deeply with myself, to express more openly, to expand my awareness, to hold others in the deepest level of love and honouring, and to commit to life in full – just like they do in their lives. There is a huge difference. Seeking to ‘look’ good and be idolised, is no match to ‘living’ a life that inspires others to express the magnificence that they equally are.
Henrietta I love the openness and lightheartedness of your writing. This blog has ‘swag’ by the fact of its genuine appreciation of three very cool guys who show the swag within us all in all our varying expressions…Thanks for sharing and writing.
The reflection offered to his students by Marshall, and by Michael and Raymond to those around them is so powerful as they and everyone can appreciate swag, however they also get to feel all of the other choices that these three men make in life and how these are self honouring so people get something more – beautiful.
This is very interesting Henrietta because so often in life we assume some people have ‘swag’ and some don’t and that is the way it is and you are either born with it or not, however what you are presenting here is that anyone could have ‘swag’ if they simply let themselves be who they are and express that freely and openly in the world.
Spot on Andrew – swag is not limited to a select few…all we need to do is live from the heart, and this choice alone opens up the flood gates of swag.
It is beautiful to get to realise that we don’t need to keep striving to ‘become’ something in order to qualify, but that ‘swag’ is our most natural essence. So all we need do is to keep peeling back all the layers and behaviours we have adopted which stop us from connecting to and letting out what is just itching to express!
Oh yes. I would say we are all born with it. I was, than I did give it away. Now I claimed it back. Swag is in for all of us to get re-claimed and to get expressed again.
‘Swag’ has been sold to me as something I can buy; the makeup I wear, the clothes I buy, the things I have will essentially give me ‘swag’ – no one – other than Universal Medicine – has presented to me that ‘swag’ is within us all – and absolutely free. I love this blog because it shows me right there that swag is so possible and is in the way we live. Very cool to appreciate the beauty of this.
Step one: connect to your swag
Step two: let people feel it
Got it!
I have swag when I live who I am, express myself and claim it too.
Henrietta, it’s great being introduced to the word ‘swag’, I have not heard this here in the U.K. I love how you describe this word and that it is about us being ourselves; ‘Essentially we all have swag – it is just about allowing it out and having fun with it, not being afraid to let the world see you All of you.’
I was not aware of the word ‘swag’ in this context until I read your blog, Henrietta – as a child it was a term used to describe a thief’s bundle of stolen goods! So with my new understanding I am appreciating all the ‘swag’ of these three beautiful men who have style – and even more – something that runs deeply within – a sense of tenderness that is exquisite and expansive, as you watch them and feel their grace and beauty.
I love what you share about the eyes of these three men. It describes how they are open to the world with loving acceptance of who they are and everybody is. They hold this so clearly when they look at you, nothing to hide, nothing to fear.
There is a term in the Hong Kong culture–‘chok’ it describes how a person can appear cool, especially in front of the camera, almost always it is an expression without smile and there is an aloofness in the eyes as well with an outstanding way to dress. When I read this blog and hear the expression of swag, I find that superficially swag and chok are similar. However, in feeling deeper, the energy is very different. There is a warmth and a freedom of movement in swag which allows the realness of the person to be expressed, there is a feeling of connection present.
Looking at the picture of these guys I can feel that they hold themselves with swag, their posture and movement is communicating it from within.
Ha ha Ariana and Donna – I love your list of what swag is…And these can only be written with spark by someone who already has swag in their lives and have activated it too in living the swag that they are! Thank you!
Absolutely – True Swag holds another in Love and in the deep joy of True connection.
As do each of us, inspire each other to be true and therein live brotherhood on earth and expand the Universe.
Henrietta as you’ve shared so beautifully ‘swag’ is something that brings a smile to everyones face, it comes with a great joy, sense of being and purpose that the individuals live. Its stylish yes but its not arrogant at all.
The swag you mention here Henrietta is not just a look or a superficial style, but a multi-dimensional quality. Super swag I’d call it.
I love how we all have swag – so much swag to appreciate and celebrate including our own!
Very awesome said and delivered Henrietta, absolutely fun, absolute joy to read it.. Simply because you defined Swag to me in a whole different way than I had learned and copied. So this is absolutely inspirational as you said we all have swag.. And OMG these men do have Swag and so it is our turn to acknowledge our Swag within. Love it!
When we are fully connected to ourselves and expressing in our own unique and natural way it feels so amazing and our amazingness cannot be contained – it oozes out of our every pore for all to enjoy and for all to know in our reflection that they are amazing too.
It is such a delight to read and receive these words Henrietta.
To know some one who carries the swag as you have presented Henrietta is to now an amazing gentle-man. Henrietta you have chosen wisely for these three men are truly tender gentle-men.
When we are expressing who we are in full then there is no doubt that we are having fun with it. I certainly know when I have got my sway on and when I don’t, its crazy that we would dial it down when it feels so good. Here is committing to 100% of sway all of the time.
Swag is most definitely Claiming who we are. Bring it on baby!
So many people might seem to have ‘swag’ or at least a truck-load of confidence, but then when you scratch the surface, it is not real or very deep. This ‘fake it till you make it’ way is so common it seems, its actually amazing when you get to meet someone whose flavour and essence, style and panache, grace and dash flows from a place that is super solid. With these men here Henrietta, I can feel without doubt how real Swag comes when you know and appreciate your true beauty and the bigger picture of what you are about.
Swag can change the world! When it truly is lived that is.
I got swag!
So true Abby bring it on!
Me too Abby … I got swag and I’m claiming it!
Swag comes from within and it is not quite the same as coolness. I don’t think I will ever be a poster boy for coolness, but swag – that is a different matter!
I love your appreciation of these men Henrietta. It’s a gorgeous celebration.
Swag is not looking at and copying any of these gorgeous men, it is us all finding what is inside, feeling our quality within ourselves and letting it out. Everyone has swag, when we know who we are, it is there and can be felt by everyone.
Spot on Gill! And what an inspiration we can be for each other! Bring on the swag!
I agree Gill – well said. I personally only know one of the men and from that one example I know exactly what swag is, and like you have stated it isn’t about copying another but finding your own swag. When we don’t know who we are, and this happens a lot as teenagers, we see someone who is cool and dresses a certain way and then we want to be like them but it is still hollow and doesn’t feel right – looking outside of us to develop swag never works.
To feel the difference of someone who has ‘swag’, to someone who is ‘cool’ is to feel the absolute gorgeousness of who they are.
Awesome article Henrietta and the men displayed are true role models.
Claim it baby….when you got it, you got it…
And you do. Oh yes!
As swag comes from within as an expression of who we truly are, it is free of the expectations of society leaving us free to enjoy ourselves in expression in our lives.
We truly need more swag in our lives and our societies as the swag in us lights up the sparkling fire that lives in us all. When we all choose to live that inner spark and bring swag into our expression we will change the world forever to a better place for all to live.
And can I add to this list
committed
joyful
transparent
– these qualities make someone super sexy!
May I add,
– intimate.
What fun Henrietta, I could feel the walk, the look and it had such ease, there was no need for anyone to confirm it of compliment because it was simply the way they all lived and an inspiration for the way we can all live.
Indeed Lucy, the ‘swag’ these men present to us is so inspiring and is inviting us all to live to that inner spark and in that express our swag in every aspect of our lives and in everything we do.
I have been ‘swaging away’ since reading this article and having loads of fun and people have been inspired by my swag and then they swag. The chain effect of the swag…love it
Ha ha, love it Mary-Lousie – the ripple effect of the swag is felt far and wide.
These three gorgeous men are certainly amazing role models for us all. Choosing to express all of who we are means we move, express and live in a way that says we are not afraid to show the world how gorgeous we are. How cool is it to let everyone see our true qualities and light up the world with our every move like Marshall, Michael and Raymond?
This is where we all have the ability to be swags in our own right. It totally smashes any comparison because true swags are expressing all of who they are in all that they do. No one is same yet we all have the same make up and were impulsed from the originating source, Love.
Swag….much like true beauty is something that comes from within…
It’s gorgeous to feel the playful nature of having swag from these three gentlemen and the confidence to express themselves just as they are with this.
Not sure if anyone is familiar with the comic strip called ‘Calvin and Hobbes’…it’s the story of a young boy and his teddy bear/tiger who comes alive when no one else is in the picture. In one of the series, Calvin comes across Hobbes leaning against a tree looking serious and bored. Calvin asks him what he is doing and Hobbes replies he is being ‘cool’…Calvin joins Hobbes leaning against the tree and also makes a huge effort to look bored and serious, but after a very short time says ‘It’s boring being cool, let’s go play’…This is a classic example of someone trying very hard to look the part and play cool, whilst completely missing the point – the point being that it is all about being yourself. Thankfully Calvin gets it and ditches the cool act to have some real fun instead. This is in line with Leonne’s comment above, where swag does not come from playing a role…we don’t need to play a role, as the best swag is already in us, it is simply about letting us out.
I love it that Marshall was given a mug by the students with ‘Lord of Swag’ on it! This is such love and appreciation for all that Marshall is – a beautiful tender guy, a brilliant truly intelligent man, a good-looking up-to-date dresser and a man with a truly accessible heart. Leading the way for role model to kids. Great catch of swag Henrietta!
Yes, Lyndy, I agree with all you have said – and certainly am deeply thankful for my swag catch of the century – Marshall Chang!
You could think the word swag means to be hip and to be cool, but swag is the real cool as it is being true to ourself. This is true rebellion – going against what may be the latest trend or what has been accepted as ‘normal’ because so many are doing it, and instead following our heart.
I love how accessible this ‘swag’ is, how cool that the teenagers who are taught by Marshall get to feel his grace, authority, and connection with them. Its simply awesome that he is walking his ‘swag’ everywhere he goes, and blessing others every step he takes.
I can’t help but read this blog with a smile on my face. I used to put so much effort into being ‘cool’ because I thought that being cool had nothing to do with being myself. How lovely it is to be reminded that swag is natural to us and requires no effort and no recognition.
So true Leonne any form of recognition immediately takes us away from the true qualities of who we are. Trusting that we already naturally have everything to show the world our swag instead of hiding it, why not allow ourselves to express who we are in full? It is certainly a blessing for us all.
True – it is simple and the most natural expression possible, to live our truth.
‘…his ability to connect with who you are, and see well beyond the imperfections’ It is so beautiful to be met in this way. We often look at ourselves by seeing all our imperfections and to have a different way reflected to us helps us to connect deeper within ourselves.
Its lovely to see the care these men take being coined as ‘Swag’, whatever it is called I am always touched to feel men being celebrated for being themselves.
Previous to this blog I had not heard the word swag, but reading this blog and knowing these 3 gorgeous men I totally get it….. this is the new buzz word!!!
So true Henrietta… it is our inner qualities that are true swag and not the outer appearances.
What we wear, what we buy, is the result of how we are feeling when we do those things. If we are feeling full of joy, celebrating and appreciating ourselves at the time, then those qualities will come with us when we wear them, or drive the cars etc.
Beautifully said Henrietta… “Essentially we all have swag – it is just about allowing it out and having fun with it, not being afraid to let the world see you, All of you.” Not being afraid to have fun and be playful, showing the world all of glorious you!
I know what you mean about Michael Benhayon’s eyes holding swag…there is something reflected in them that is absolute in knowing where we come from, and in his gaze there is a recognition and honouring of you in your essence. These moments of connection are very powerful.
Indeed these three men have swag and are an inspiration for all who come across them. They emanate a lightness of being, joy and love and it feels a blessing to be around.
These men hold a special something and that is their connection to themselves, they know who they are and they don’t waiver in that knowing. When a man knows himself watch out world because every move they makes hold true swag.
Trying to have ‘swag’ just doesn’t work, neither does trying to fit in or emulate someone else and their swag. We all have our own unique swag that is within us and when we connect to it and bring it out the world is blessed.
There is much to be said about, ‘swag’ and its quality… I love it as a new word in my vocabulary to describe openness, confidence, sparkle, a way of movement, style, grace and beauty!
Seeing people walking with ‘swag’ is a joy as one sees and feels the impact they have on others.
Knowing these three men I get exactly what you mean with the word ‘swag”. They certainly have those delicious qualities of knowing who they are, being comfortable in their skin and not afraid of simply being themselves and they share this without even trying and with absolutely no reservations, for all to be graced by.
I haven’t heard the term “swag” used in connection to a person before, but the way you share your definition of swag and the three men you describe as having it, I understand perfectly what you mean! There is an undeniable attractiveness in the way they all present and live their truth in their lives. Almost magnetic.
I’ve heard of swagger, but not swag – my guess is that they are the same thing, swagger being the activity of having swag. I love this and I know it from my walk. A friend of mine often spots me walking and knows it’s me from a distance because of my walk!
I love this – I have often been told I have a bit of a swagger to my walk – confidence or a strut. When we walk without arrogance, this swagger can be an expression of our cool and confident self.
The beautiful things about these men’s swag is that it is real. Unlike swag that is about being cool or being better than others, this swag doesn’t make anyone feel less. In fact you feel quite the opposite.
For teenage students to be trying to emulate a teacher, Marshall must have a lot of swag! At a time when teenagers are rejecting most things from the adult world, this is exceptional. This true version of swag, not based on clothes or looks alone, is what allows others to feel their swag too. As you say we all have it, we just need reminders now and then.
I agree Ariana I haven’t heard the word ‘swag’ be referred to as this either and if I am honest would have related this word to someone that is a bit cocky, overly confident or arrogant but it sounds like these men are definitely redefining the word because from knowing them and what they bring to the world they are the complete opposite. They are tender, loving, caring, open, sensitive also bringing a true authority and power with them.
So often we attempt to ‘fit in’ but what are we attempting to ‘fit into’? Are the parameters that we are trying to squeeze ourselves into, the parameters governed by the ideals and beliefs set by generations of others before us, or are they perhaps just narrow parameters drawn by those who are attempting to not fit into the same shapes as others? Whichever version we are attempting to fit into doesn’t actually matter as the process is the same…..manipulate ourselves into unnatural shapes and ways of being, so as to line ourselves up with a picture that we hold in our heads. This process is in stark contrast to simply allowing ourselves to spill and flow into whatever shape and way of being we are naturally impulsed to be in.
It feels like what these men offer, with their swag, is the reflection of how it is to live life as your true self, with no protection, judgment, comparison. Just being transparent and open, meeting everyone with an open heart and a tender hug.
The swag pouring out of these three men is all about quality, a lived love, a tenderness so sweet it stops you in your tracks, it’s something we crave more than anything else, it’s something we all have the ability to feel for ourselves, it’s our choice to do so.
Henrietta, to your question: “What is “Swag” and Who has Got it?” – YOU have it ha ha, true! In other words is not related to just male fellows, but also any woman living her true sexy!
I love the appreciation of these three men. How lovely to be appreciated in the natural quality and expression by somebody. I also love how a woman is truly appreciating the swag of three special men. To me this is revealing through adoration and a quality of observation that holds everybody as an equal. Thank you Henrietta. Your swag is definitely found within your writing!
It’s so true, style comes from the confidence with which we show ourselves in full. We all have swag, it is for us to show it and deepen our understanding of this pretty cool word.
Henrietta, I did not know the meaning of ‘swag’ in this context until reading your blog, but now know exactly what it means. In fact, if you had just written a few words explaining that these men have ‘swag’, and then just had their pictures, I would have still known what this word meant, because although I have only ever met one of them, the feeling I get from all their pictures is one of men who really ‘get’ life, and just know how to be with themselves and therefore with people. How amazing to know men such as these.
I love the idea of swag, being yourself and expressing in your own stylish way. We can have so many meanings to words but from now on, this is my definition as it is a new word to me.
Me too Rosie, expressing from the inside out, from our uniqueness.
I love how Marshall’s students want to be around him, walk next to him and copy him. We are all role models to someone, whether we are aware of it or not. And herein lies a massive responsibility. The swag masters have got this one down pat.
Bringing sexy back, oooh yeah!
These three swagger-some men have certainly eclipsed another well known threesomes – the three tenors, the three stooges, the three bears . . . to name a few they are a triumvirate of light, style, joy and swag, (thank you Henrietta for introducing us to this word). It is gorgeous to be around such loving men, such intelligent men, such gentlemen. Let the appreciation rise in our hearts!
I love that I learnt a new word here Henrietta, but also that it is a familiar feel. Because reading about Marshall, Michael and Ray it is so obvious how loving ourselves emanates out to others this way. We don’t even have to try, we can’t help but light up others day, like the sun in the sky. What a beautiful and natural part of life for us to embrace.
I have never heard of the term “swag” before but I can certainly feel how gorgeous and cool these men are and they exude such beauty and gentleness. I am lucky to have also lived with three “swags” here in New Zealand -it must be infectious as they are spreading across the globe!
I love it Henrietta! Let’s forever more define swag as a quality that shines from the inside out and no longer from the quality of one’s outside ‘frostings’. Boys, its time to connect to your inner swag!
‘Swag’… Its that something we see with the way a person moves and you can see it in they way they walk… it’s something you find yourself looking at but just can”t put your finger on what exactly you are noticing… but it is captivatingly beautiful.
I love how your share that swag does not come from the clothes we wear or the brand we choose but that it comes from inside us and our expression. From there we buy clothes that confirm our swag, not the other way around.
I absolutely love the redefining of swag!
It is indeed a beautiful blog because it inspires us to see all men in an appreciative light
‘…could it be that swag comes from allowing ourselves to express in full who we truly are, with spunk, and whilst having fun?’ – Love this statement and how swag is not reduced to the physical – and also how it is not reduced to a few people but rather that we all have swag and it is totally a case of how much we choose to express who we truly are.
Swag comes from choosing to feel how to dress, and choosing clothes that will support you throughout the day, when you get that right you can feel the swag shining out.
When you have swag you make everything look great, because you feel great.
We all have swag the only difference is how much we choose to let it out.
What a gorgeous photo Henrietta, and thank you for bringing to life the word swag, and that we all have swag if we allow it to come out.
This is amazing ‘…with such grace and swag that it leaves you feeling your own beauty and joy.’ Those with swag actually offer an opportunity to feel your own qualities and a choice to begin to express those equally.
Haha, true swag – an expression of all that we are with our own individual flare and funk, with no hardness or holding back
This blog just confirms what we all know, and that is that we all read energy all of the time. We know instantly if someone is sad, angry, joyful, are letting out their swag or not etc. We see all of these things in each other and it is so important to acknowledge what it is that we feel and know. That is why I love this blog; anyone who reads it who knows the 3 guys mentioned would just nod their heads in agreement as they too have felt exactly what is portrayed in the blog.
These men are the most ordinary, down-to-earth men you could ever meet. To many there is nothing glamorous or swag about them. Yet underneath these men have so much love, tenderness and care in everything they do in every moment of the day expressed in so many ways. That to me is definitely swag!
I love these three men – each of them have brought so much inspiration and love to me and have lit up my life in ways that I would not have imagined. They are a blessing to us all!
Beautiful examples Henrietta, and I can see why you felt it was time to write about Swag! We’ve just been intro’d to a word that gives us a moment to appreciate Sensitivity, Openness, Fun and Grace in another, who wouldn’t want to feel this Swag?!
Henrietta, this blog is a joy to read – if it is the same or even a different word to describe ”women with swag – you have it in full, simply from being able to appreciate, feel and write so clearly on the men with swag 🙂
Swag is that special something that just oozes from people! Yes it’s about the choice of clothes and the care they take to look good, but it’s not just that, it’s the care they take to feel good and enjoy it.
These three gorgeous men emanate swag that no fashion models can come close to!
Yes, I agree hartanne60 – there is a refreshing elegance and grace emanating from these three gorgeous men, with no sense of them imposing, trying to sell anything or foster a false sexiness to entice others to buy something.
Beautifully said Stephanie!
“he plays his musical instruments with his hands sliding on the guitar strings or on the piano with such grace and swag that it leaves you feeling your own beauty and joy.”
Although I am not familiar with the word swag, I too know some of these men and sense entirely what you are sharing Henrietta. Michael Benhayon moves with a confidence and purpose that is so counter to many other men, and as you beautifully shared this is never to big himself up, never for ego, but there to inspire and ignite the equal confidence and power within us all.
Beautifully said Lucinda. There is nothing more gorgeous than watching Michael Benhayon perform. He dances with such exquisite grace and produces the most awesome music that over flows with a powerful tenderness we all know is sitting there within us waiting to be re-claimed.
What about smokin hot! Yes there is such depth and yet a lightness of being. I love what is held in Swag. Spunk style grace and an emanating quality that induces it in others! Thank you for sharing 🙂
I must admit I the title confused me, so I looked it up. Being in England, swag has long been known is a common name for stolen goods and is a bedroll for the Australia outback. How long ago did the word bad, still mean bad? Now something can be real bad which means its real good? Amazing the word has always been and said what it is on the tin. Clothes don’t make the man, but a reflection of he who wears them. The three amazing men you have described, express their swag in whatever they wear.
Now if that is not inspiring and leaves you wanting you to bring your swag out, what is! I know have a juicy amount of swag that is inside of me but can hold that back, sometimes just a little with ideals or beliefs of what I need to be to get the acceptance that I seek. Even though I have let go of a lot of this and am nowhere near in reliance of this to where I was – I can sense there is still a residue that needs to be kicked. Watch out everyone here comes the swag in full, time to claim it!
There is nothing more beautiful than something expressing from their essence. It can be felt by all and brings an air of grace and blessing to all.
“Essentially we all have swag – it is just about allowing it out and having fun with it, not being afraid to let the world see you All of you.” We do, it’s true Henrietta and thank you for highlighting 3 superb role models that show us without hesitation what it looks and feels like to get it all out on show and how irresistible we are when we do.
“Could it be that swag comes from allowing ourselves to express in full who we truly are, with spunk, and whilst having fun?” – I love this definition Henrietta…SWAG then is not defined by age, gender, having money to buy the latest clothes, it is a person unashamedly being themselves and not sticking to fashion or appropriate clothes but dressing as they feel suits them.
I love how you see these 3 men Henrietta. The way you describe them is super playful and fun and with a great appreciation for who they are.
Love it! I didn’t actually know what swag was, but now I do and through the men you have portrayed, I will never forget what true swag is.
You nailed it here Henrietta – SWAG is absolutely about ‘allowing ourselves to express in full who we truly are, with spunk, and whilst having fun?’. And we all have the ability to connect with our inner swag and share our gorgeous qualities with those around us.
The way we are in ourselves how we feel about ourselves and how connected to the divinity all around us oozes out of our pores for all to feel and see.
Swag is definitely the new ‘black’ 🙂 It feels like it’s an innate confidence, a love for life, for ourselves, for each other, for having purpose, knowing that we are a part of something so divine and way grander than we can ever imagine. A confidence that comes from knowing we are simply here to learn to live with true responsibility, to be all that we innately are. A joy that beams forth from living in this way, inspiring all those around us to feel that they is another way to live. Doing all of this playfully, as it is our true nature to be this way.
I absolutely love re-visiting your blog, Henrietta, the pictures themselves are so captivating, so much is being expressed, each man having his own unique essence, yet there is a consistent quality of love so exquisite they they all exude with such joy, it’s like heaven on earth.
It’s beautiful to appreciate that having swag does not mean fitting a mold but in fact the total opposite and bringing out your qualities from within into our physical expression and choices.
These three swag-some men you have written about here Henrietta, are, with a group of others, leading the way for men to exit from their caves or sheds! To encounter such gentle, stylish, swag-some men in life is such a pleasure amongst the array of other adopted scenarios for men (which I will not name as we know them so well) and is transforming the world as we know it.
These men are examples reflecting to the world that there is another way. There is a way with no stimulants, no perfection, no involution, but Joy, Love and Harmony in there every way. We are ALL this, and from this to return to – Can’t wait!
They reflect true swag for sure.
There is so much here to enjoy, such an amazing blog about three incredible men, written by an awesome woman who has the strength and the power to recognise true swag when she sees it.
I agree Shami, and the way Henrietta shares this is very inspiring.
I love how you have described swag Henrietta, might I add that it is knowing yourself and loving yourself that gives that depth of confidence and genuine love for all. Holding oneself in high esteem but not greater or less than anyone else.
Absolutely Bernard. It’s knowing, feeling and expressing your true gold and worth.
If you haven’t got a full body smile on by the end of this blog then if it was me I would possibly read it again. This blog has a different flavour and breaks open many patterns of thinking for us. I love it and loved it the first time I read it. You could say that’s because I’m in it but it was more then that it was the feeling that I was left in while reading it and at the end. There was a quality, a lightness and a smile that I couldn’t deny. A great fun blog from Henrietta, pure joy in every way.
I love it. Swag seems to come when you are whole-heartedly and bodily yourself with no abandon. You’re not trying to be swag, you just are.
Just being who you truly are then ooozes the swag.
True swag is being yourself and being open to letting the world see and feel you. When there is nothing to hide or pretend the swag or cool comes from the ease to just be. Quite remarkable in a world where comparison, competition, anxiousness and basically only knowing yourself for what you do is the norm. We definitely need role models like the trio of swag to remind us that it is not only possible but that it feels amazing to be and enjoy yourself.
Well that is certainly one amazing line-up of real men, expressing themselves in the world in a way that is absolutely inspiring for all us. Swag… by your definition, is something that clearly reflects a man living who he truly is, nothing less. What is remarkable to me about each of these men from their photos is just how natural each looks, without hardness, macho, arrogance or any hint of being better than anyone else. Just themselves, confident, clear and knowing of who they are. Stunning blog thank you Henrietta… and no, you are not biased, your husband is definitely a true swag 😉
When you look at the eyes of these three guys, you see the truth of a man, feel their bodily confidence without threat, deeply caring sense and total openness…you feel the deep respect for themselves and also for others too. This is swag. This is truth.
Totally agree. The swag is all in the eyes, the presence and the movement. This quality then makes any kind of clothing look and feel great because of the body and quality it is on.
The term SWAG isn’t one I’d use or am familiar with however these 3 men all have a quality about them that feels similar and you can see it in their eyes. The love and tenderness shines through brightly.
What a delicious description of these lovely men, their qualities shine out through their eyes big time.
An inspiring celebratory blog about strutting your stuff humbly and truly with all of you – or maybe we can say ‘swagging it’…:-)
This ‘swag’ comes with true authority that says,’ I know who I am, and am not afraid to show this in every moment’, in my own unique way.
Thank you Henrietta. Looking at these gorgeous three men I can see such different qualities yet in each of them there is an ease, an ease of being with themselves, in their own skin. This is what shines through and inspired those who meet them.
‘Swag’ – something we all have when we are fully claiming ourselves and letting the joy out – very powerful quality that oozes warmth, space and wisdom.
Thank you Henrietta for explaining so well what ‘swag’ is and that it thus is not for a chosen few but for everyone to express in their own way, when they are connected to their own unique way of moving and expressing.
We all pick up what is going on with far more than our 5 physical senses. The gorgeous qualities we feel in the 3 men mentioned here are because of the dedication, care and responsibility they live with every day. The love, openness, tenderness and sensitivity we live with comes through our every action and is felt in every interaction.
And then there is true sexy – boy oh boy do I know some women who are truly sexy! and then when I see a man who has true swag with a woman who is truly sexy, there is a love and connection that no one can deny and I know that true love is totally possible – these people are amazing role models.
I’m understanding more what swag is. For those not familiar a swag is a waxed canvas waterproof mini tent that literally fit a mattress and your bedding in it. For a camper a swag is considered everything you need rolled up into one package.. so the swag in these men comes from their knowing that they are and have already everything they need, what they purchase then becomes an expression of this..
Love it! I am new to the concept of swag but can now feel it undeniably.
The photos say it all, really – you can feel their confident presence, their unique personality and expression as well as their unified tenderness, their openness and the inner joy they all share, with not an ounce of competition between them. Simply gorgeous.
I felt quite shy when I first read this blog. Now connecting to it for the 2nd time makes me connect to the fact how lovely swag is and how we actually all hold swag inside. Including myself. How amazing if we would connect from our own swag to each other’s swags. We would swag the world around and around and around. How swagging would that be?
Thank you, Henrietta, I even didn’t know such a word. But now I know not only it but the true meaning of it as well.
S.W.A.G. Soul, Will, Awareness, & Grandness, humble qualities these 3 gentle-men all have.
It’s gorgeous how you describe the different flavour of swag of each man…each of us having our own unique expression of swag that are our own musical notes.
I have known many people with ‘swag’. Most of all they inspire me because of the way that they hold themselves, which offers me space to simply be with where I am at with no judgement.
How blessed are we to have men like this in the world…and what great role models for the younger generation, in allowing their beautiful essence to be expressed for all the world to enjoy, with no holding back.
That final photo of these three gorgeous men shows me that Swag is worn inside out… it comes first from within and then can’t but be expressed in the way they move and the clothes they wear.
These men show you can work hard and be successful in life with a natural swag rather than the usual forceful drive and competition that men adopt. Look at the photo there is not an ounce of competition in these men; perhaps that is why they are so approachable.
Love how the school kids recognize and appreciate Marshall and all his swag – what an awesome role model to have at such an critical age, someone showing a real, dependable, open and awesome way to be in the world.
Totally Rowena if the world was made up of people this open we would be in a very different world.
Henrietta you have really brought the word ‘swag’ to life. For me now the word ‘swag’ is synonymous with a person who lives the real fullness of who they inherently are. Glorious.
A trio of swag in the last photograph that can only inspire us to access, accept and express our own.
You can certainly feel the quality these three gorgeous men emanate through looking at their photos and from reading your blog Henrietta. I agree, we all have this quality and we can all choose to emanate this or hide it, and it is clear that they are not afraid to show and share their swag with the world.
I agree that ‘swag’ is way more than just being fashionable or cool. It is about being so at ease with yourself and not holding back in expressing who you are that your movements and your body reflects something very powerful and loving at the same time.
Love your description of these 3 gentlemen examples Henrietta, one of the clear common denominators in is the connection each man holds you in with their eyes. I know Michael and have experienced the warmth and joy in his eyes, I therefore feel I already know Ray and Marshall too by these qualities.
Swag can be expressed in many ways in the physical, in clothes, shoes, cars and such, in the way you move and walk and touch. But it all comes from within, that spark that lights us up and moves us through life and it all comes down to how open and unrestricted we can be to let that spark define our expressions and movements, how much of our swag we will share with the world.
I had not heard this word before but from those men whom you have mentioned I can see and feel exactly what you mean. The treasure we all hold is within just waiting for us to live true to its light – and as we do so, another may be inspired to learn to understand and remember their own.
True swag is personified here and yes, these three have it in spades! I just love how the people with swag, with that spunk snd zest for life, move their bodies – for me swag is in the movements as well as in their expression through clothes and obvious regard for themselves. Bringing out the inner-swag is so inspiring for others to feel and be around.
True swag cannot be copied or bought – it comes from living everything you are and celebrating it in your every move.
Beautifully expressed Kylie. I know what you mean, meeting someone who is living, moving and expressing the true swag is truly inspiring.
When attracting a mate superficial and shiny attracts superficial and shiny and swag attracts swag. Therefore if we want to know how we’re doing, we only need to look into the mirror of our mate. If we look and say ‘it’s not us’ then there’s something about us that we don’t want to see.
When a man has swag it is in complete contrast to the superficial, hard, macho exterior that so many men project outwards. Not only does a man’s swag not project out but it beckons all in.
I agree Alexis, swag in men shows how men naturally are and is in big contrast with the stereotypes of men we are bombarded with in our societies, stereotypes that do not allow space for the swag in men coming out.
Swag comes from space that has been created within the body, as opposed to sophistication and cool that comes from restricted space within the body. The outer is always a reflection of the inner.
It is silly how we can each have certain hang ups around fully expressing who we are, yet be so inspired when we are around people who do not hold back being themselves.
Haha, as a young teenager, swag is a very commonly used term and I can say hands down, that the swag of these three mens is by far the best – true cool from how they dress to the cars they drive, but also in their respectful and gentlemanly attitudes which have lost their street cred for some, but is the most timeless and essential way to be cool.
When we try to be cool, it is all about how others will perceive us, our exterior look, wanting something more than acceptance, it’s actually wanting to be envied a little, for others to want to be like you. What I feel swag is, from your blog and looking at these three men, is something completely different. There is a knowing that they are absolutely awesome and so is everyone else. The difference is, they are choosing to live in a way that honours who they are, meeting others with the same love and respect that they hold for themselves. With swag, if feels like it is about the love you hold for yourself and others, equally so.
I’m not really familiar with the use of the word swag, but just looking at the pictures of these three gorgeous men the thing that I feel first is love, an absolute acceptance of the love that they are and a livingness of that love, it is radiating from them to be felt by all.
Aside from connotations of 1960s Cockney bank robbers I’ve not come across the term swag used in this way but totally get its meaning from what you’ve expressed. Such a great article to read as I’m really feeling how each of these men super appreciate who they are and equally see this amazingness in everyone they meet, openly inviting those they meet to fully appreciate this amazingness that’s inside all of us and go for it and express it.
Yes Karin. These men are super gorgeous role models. They reflect what is truly amazing, and instead of keeping themselves as more or different, the loving playful connection they offer invites all of us to connect to our own essence and shine our own reflection of that same gorgeousness we see in them.
Woo hoo Henrietta Chang! It sounds like you are choosing ‘swag’ yourself. Such a fun and joyous blog of celebration.🎉
I love the word swag, I love these swag role models, especially Ray Karam, swear its nothing to do with him being my husband. I’m not bias, I swear!
I loved reading this blog Henrietta, I think it is because of the joy and pleasure that’s possible to feel in your admiration for these men. How sad it is when we hold back and let our ‘swag’ get influenced and jaded by jealousy and sexuality. Just seeing people relishing life and doing ‘their thing’ with love and tenderness is the most beautiful thing. Swag – it is inspiring and well worth this fitting tribute here.
There is nothing more sexy than someone living their true swag.
Expressing in full is what we are all here to do – we all have swag and choosing to connect with it and express it is really our life’s purpose. Choosing not to connect with our own swag, is a true sign of our irresponsibility as human beings!
They say dance as though no one is watching, when the truth is you should dance like everyone is watching, not because you want the attention, but because your confidence is such that there is nothing to hide in expressing your true self.
Awesome Adam, I appreciate the fact that we do not need to hold back from expressing in full-swag so everyone feels what is on offer.
Henrietta, your blog opens up a whole new way of looking at the word ‘swag’. I always thought that someone walking with a swagger was up themselves and trying to be somebody more special than others. However, when you speak of men like Michael, Marshall and Ray as a ‘trio of Swag’, I know exactly what you mean – they all have a certain unique something that expresses from their essence and conveys a sense of light-heartedness coming from a solid foundation within themselves. In this sense we all do have swag once we connect to ourselves and allow ourselves to express it in full.
Swag – letting people in, and letting yourself out/be seen, gorgeous to see such openness and warmth in these men Henrietta!
This blog has given me a wee loving kick up the backside as I feel I have let me swag sag a bit and I’m off to shave, shower and shampoo ready for Christmas Day.
I so agree Kevin, it is quite easy for me to also let my swag slouch, so maybe I should turn over a new leaf and feel what will honour my body.
I love that you felt inspired and wanted to up and claim your swag more, Kevin. I bet it was noticed and appreciated from near and far.
Henrietta you’ve certainly redefined and bought back the true meaning of swag, well these three men have for sure and its great to appreciate and celebrate people who have true swag.
You couldn’t have picked any three more amazing “swag” role models who show what it means to be all of them. It is true when you share; “Essentially we all have swag – it is just about allowing it out and having fun with it, not being afraid to let the world see you All of you.” You have defined the true meaning of swag, not an overconfident cover up for feeling insecure with an arrogance that is truly off-putting, but a true self confidence that embraces everyone with a love and equal-ness.
What beautiful men, in every which way.
As men such as these express themselves with swag it is inspiring to feel this and to let out our own expression.
I love seeing these three beautiful men and enjoyed reading your descriptions about them, Henrietta. And thank you for teaching me a new word, that I had never heard before as I am German this is not so surprising, it seems that this word hasn’t made it into the German vocabulary yet, whilst many other English words have.
I had never heard the term Swag, so great to have that understanding. These men have their own individual beauty of swag. They are truly reflecting there own beautiful essence in who they are.
I was completely thrown by this definition of swag; previously the word would have conjured up the image of the black and white jumper of the cartoon masked house thief, with his sack of stolen goods or ‘swag’ over his shoulder. Whatever word you use, and like Ariana, I’d probably use the word ‘Class’, these guys certainly have it. There is a non-imposing way of being they each have that is inspiring for all of us and great to be around.
Bring on the swag! We’ve all got it – we just need to let it out!
I absolutely love this blog – we all have “Swag” it’s just a question of how much we’re willing to let out and how much of who we are we let the world see.
As far as I knew a swag was a type of camping bed too.. I am left wondering can women have ‘swag’ as well?
Just being around Michael, Marshall or Ray is super inspiring, because they are expressing something that we all have inside. I love how everyone has their own unique style but that we all feel similar when we are living from our soulful essence.
Thank you Henrietta for this gorgeous blog which inspires us all to bless the world with our own ‘swag”.
A trio of Swag – what a great picture! I am not familiar with the term swag being used in this way but from this article I can get a good feel for what you mean Henrietta, and I agree swag is more than being good looking and able to pick nice clothes.
Even though all these guys are super stylish there’s a warmth, openness and presence that they have that is what really shines through and feels so inviting and beautiful and I agree Henrietta it invites you to open up and be all of you too.
I’m loving this new meaning for me of the word swag, and what beautiful role models you have given us Henrietta, and also reflections that we all have the capability of this within us naturally so, both men and women.
I love it Henrietta. Swag, beauty, class and style all come from the inside and how we express ourselves rather than our physical clothes or ability to copy what’s deemed ‘fashionable’ by the media, celebrities, society and the like.
I havent heard of the term Swag being used towards people before but knowing and feeling some of these amazing men I completely get what it means – just ‘strutting our stuff’ and being and expressing all we are – Love it, thank you!
‘Strutting one’s stuff’ came to mind for me too, with the understanding that this is one walking unashamedly being oneself – no holding back, no pleasing and not changing in any way or means to fit in with the crowd . . . and certainly not in a ‘look at me’ or ‘I’m better than you manner’. Now that’s what I call SWAG! Oh yes, these three men have true swag in buckets-full and then some!
Swag alert! There are more than three! A spot of swag spotting sounds fun – Maybe start with looking in the mirror and feeling what you see looking back at you . . .
Awesome Henrietta, I agree, when I allow myself to be at ease with life there is a natural flow that can take all sorts of expressions and it’s something that comes from within and it emanates out if we allow it so. It’s like an inner fire that is to be let out, a fire that varies in how it gets expressed but carries the same warmth.
Hey too true Henrietta, these guys have swag! And what gives one swag? Expressing in full all we are which includes connecting to our rhythm and flow and moving in that flow . . . and yes doing all this with sass and spunk and a twinkle in our eyes.
This is very cool and shows how we live and the quality we live in brings a natural and true sense of swag. I love the way these guys are reflecting to us all a very deep and gentle way of being.
Thank you Henrietta for defining the word swag as I had never heard of it before and whenever another is describing something to me I always love an example and these three men are fine, inspiring examples of the meaning of the word swag.
This is the first time I have heard of swag too.
What I sense from these 3 gorgeous men is that they are living in a way that makes swag their natural expression – there is no try – just a glorious settlement of who they are and why they are here.
I had not previously come across swag used in this way. To me it was booty or treasure and these men most definitely are treasure and treasured.
There is a gorgeous, tender and very irresistible innocence within these three men (and some others I have the great privilege of knowing) that makes them stand out a mile. Thank you Henrietta for bringing to our attention what it is that puts these beautiful men on the Swagger Map, putting a spot light on the inherent qualities within them. It is so inspiring to see how these men have claimed and are expressing themselves to the hilt, such a beautiful appreciation of who they and what they bring to this world.
It is amazing to meet men who wear themselves with inner confidence, appreciation and joyfulness.
I couldn’t agree more Kehinde
In contrast to being cool as in outstanding, special and unapproachable the true swag is completely open, embracing and inclusive whilst being true to oneself and encouraging everyone else to just be the same in their own unique but universal way. OMG, living the esoteric way of life is soooooooo swag.
Love it Henrietta, and agree wholeheartedly with the swag these men ooze in every way. It’s great to get a better understanding of what swag is, and after reading this there are so many people I have the pleasure of watching their swagness and are inspired by.
What a fun blog and yes I agree, all these guys have swag, a term that I have never heard before reading this blog
Big learning this morning in reading this blog. I too have never heard about swag, but do now fully understand and appreciate the word and the activity of it for what it brings to us and bring joy and playfulness to life.
Henrietta I have learned a new English word – swag – and I love it how you presented its true meaning as your descriptions are so wonderful tangible. “Essentially we all have swag – it is just about allowing it out and having fun with it, not being afraid to let the world see you All of you.” So there is no time to hold back our swag as for sure it will make the world a bit brighter, what I can feel is very needed these days.
I hadn’t reflected much on ‘Swag’ but even as you describe it Henrietta, I know that it is something known to me and that it has been felt in these gorgeous guy and in a few more I’ve meet. The key ingredient is being in their fullness and allowing it to ooze from them in the most loving and tender way. No holding back here.
Thank you Henrietta. It is well and truly time for swag to become a household name.
Gorgeous gorgeous blog Henrietta! Great Christmas present of a blog. I have never heard of swag, except in the famous Aussie words ‘Once a jolly swagman. . . ‘ but now it will be the BUZZ word of the New Era. They are certainly three gorgeous swaggy or swaggy-some guys that you have show-cased here. I can feel it has joy, love and style as powerful ingredients.
Do girls have swag? Or is that ‘sassy-ness’ ? Or true sexiness? Or what??
The only way I had heard the term ‘swag’ used before was in terms of a bag that might hold precious belongings. I guess what you are saying ties in with this, because we all hold within us the richness and colour and when we flaunt it unashamedly we do have a certain swagger. I love that you have written a tribute to this and especially the style of your husband Marshall too. Here’s to those guys and everyone who embraces their true value.
I hadn’t heard the word swag before but I had heard of swagger, which does denote a level of carefree ease with which we can all move, not burdened by any self imposed measures restricting how we move and live.
Bring on the swag! How gorgeous to know it’s not from anything I can grab on the outside but just about me groovin’ and moovin’ with ME.
I love this Henrietta, I have never really heard of the term ‘swag’ before, but I can feel what you mean by swag and how these three gorgeous guys emanate the spunk factor which is not just about what they wear but comes down to an expression through every single movement they make.
I didn’t know that this was the true definition of swag, but I love the fun way you express your appreciation Henrietta, for these gorgeous role models, who inspire us to simply be ourselves and not hold back in expressing in our own unique way.
I’ve never heard of the word ‘swag’. I love the deep, light and joyfull way of appreciating these three men. It was an absolute joy to read! Thank you Henrietta.
I agree Henrietta that the three gorgeous men have swag and that we all have it and this has inspired me to express to the men close to me that they have so much swag too. Swag is what feels truly sexy, when a man knows who he is and is able to express that.
Henrietta I smiled the whole way through your article, such a light playful read and yet so joyfully true.
I have never heard of the term swag. To me a swag was a camping bed. But if these guys are swag, I am loving it. They really are awesome in their own individual ways and not macho or pushy or trying to get attention, they just get your attention because of who they are. I have met all 3 and they are beautiful men.
The “trio of swag’ of swag is a superb photo, it draws you in and says so much.
It is interesting that you have a different understanding of swag Rosie…I do too, I remember it as being a bag of stolen goods. i.e. the robber’s swag. Like you I much prefer Henrietta’s description of swag, and all these men have it in bountiful supply.
Completely agree Rosie, there’s no trying to be anything, just simply and naturally being who they are, this is what’s delightful.
Thanks Henrietta for the great presentation and appreciation about swag ,and these wonderful men -role models infact .What a reflection
Indeed Greg, through the reflection of these role models it is easy to understand what we can say with the word swag, but even better it is to start living it too from the inspiration they bring.
Indeed what an awesome reflection these 3 men are for all of us. It goes to show there is no picture of what a man should be, rather simply themselves and then the ‘swag’ and true grace cannot be ignored.
I like this Henrietta especially the words in your last sentence. There is so much fun, playfulness and what I would call spunk when we just let ourselves roll naturally and express who we are. It’s beautiful to see as everyone has their own different flavour, but the commonality is that the essence of Joy and warmth that comes through when we freely express is the same.
I didn’t know this expression “Swag” but have loved learning it by these three beautiful examples.
And I thought ‘swag’ was an Aussie portable bedroll that you took bush! Thanks for enlightening me Mrs Lord of Swag.
I love this blog too Ariana, these gorgeous men are inspiring us all to not be afraid to let the world see all of who we are. The more we celebrate ourselves the more we inspire others to also appreciate and see that we are all equally amazing.
Gorgeous blog, thank you Henrietta. I love the appreciation of these men and what they share and reflect to the world, pure swag without holding back. What a blessing to have them as our role models.
Amazing! I am inspired to go and do some shopping now 😉
Love this blog, it is so gorgeous to see the most amazing people showing their true beauty through expression. It is in how we dress ourselves, as in how we are with ourselves.
Love this Henrietta, such a ‘swag-full’ presentation of a quality that we all naturally hold within. This trio of swag are what true ‘role models’ are all about. Living and expressing the lightness of their being with all the spunk, fun and joy that this naturally brings.
Gorgeous contribution in deep appreciation of these amazing men and what they bring.
What beautiful photographs and real true men and what a great word swag and the true meaning exposed being so clearly seen and lived.
These are true role models, for men and for women, where the swag comes from within.
Yep, that´s the point; true swag being the true you and enjoying, expressing and sharing it openly for everyone to be inspired turning, on their own swag.
This proves its not the clothes, the cars, the haircut, how anyone looks… its all about the quality we bring and this is what can be so strongly felt in all the photos – different hairdo’s, different clothes, but the strength of presence, of love and joy shines forth.
And swag can also emanate from women. Natalie Benhayon is a great example of this. When she walks, you can’t help but notice the grace she moves with, the confidence, and lightness. It is gorgeous to have all these role models to be inspired by.
How inspiring is this to read… the photos on their own speak a thousand words and emanate pure swag!
I love these examples! They are all awesome, and in no way trying to be something they are not or more importantly not trying to be better than everyone else, because let’s face it, we often know swag to be something someone is aiming or trying for and that’s when we know it just doesn’t feel true.
Very fun blog Henrietta, thank you.
I love swag. Like I love spunk and sass. And to read a blog paying homage to swag and putting pictures of 3 incredibly handsome, loving, tender, awesome men who as you say define swag, is pretty awesome. Nice way to start the morning, gazing at a trio of swag and a reminder that I have (as we all do) my own expression of swag, that is always there to be expressed. From one swag lover to another, thank you.
There is something absolutely irresistible in watching someone move with the all that they are uninhibited. To shine our light divine and make no apology for it is the ultimate definition of swag. Something all three of these men embody and no doubt inspire to re-ignite in others.
Wahhh LOVE your blog Henrietta, it’s full of swag too, ha ha, … so gorgeous to feel the appreciation you have for these beautiful men, and the unique essence they all do bring, walk, dress, live and shine!!!
‘The unique essence they do all bring, walk, dress, live and shine!!’ – Gorgeous Zofia – swag in a nutshell. Love the way these men move and shine.
Won’t it be beautiful when love is the only “cool” we aspire to, and we have no need to stand out simply because we feel so complete having returned to all that we truly are.
I hadn’t heard swag used in this way before… but without doubt these 3 men have a depth and beauty that is shining and embodied; you can see it in their eyes. This confirms the truth of who we are.
Swag, a popular saying among the Australian population (and American I’m pretty sure) and these role models here show no sign of attitude, they just are themselves and when people get to know who you truly are than nothing is more cool.
What a fun blog full of appreciation for swag, a movement that we all reap the benefit from.
Henrietta I love this blog and you sharing on what swag actually is, thats so true about what you share as I never really knew what swag was but these three men most certainly have swag, all in their own way but all coming from such a deep care and attention to detail.
It’s amazing to see how locked up in words we get, almost like the need to understand or have things ‘right’ overrides the joy we can naturally bring. This blog was a lot of fun and lead very much by Henrietta Chang. It was a joy to read the first time I saw it and everything thereafter was a continuation of that same joy. From reading the comments it doesn’t seem everyone has tapped into the true meaning and feeling of this blog. Maybe there is a reaction to the joy? It’s possible when we don’t live something we react to others living it? This blog is testament to Henrietta and us all, life is and can be a joy if we allow it. Enjoy the blog.
Everyone is just LOVING this blog – the fun and celebration is spontaneous. Or I could say; ‘We are all digging it, man!”
Brendan, I love your definition of swag here! Wearing your true colours on the outside, or even baring it all, in other words, not hiding anything!
It has been so beautiful re-reading this blog and all the comments by everyone! Thank you!
“Swag” is certainly a funny word that made me shake my head the first few times I heard it, wondering if I had heard it right…The first time I heard it was when my husband shared with me that the kids at school called him the Lord of Swag – and this was shared as a beautiful thing, something they looked at and where inspired by. Funny how words are used these days…But when you allow yourself to play and have fun with things like this, you get to feel the essence of the person, and in the end it does not matter what you call it so long as you feel the depth that is there, and this is the real gift for us all – a gift for it is there as a reflection and reminder of the very swag that lies within each and every one of us as men and women.
Love what you have said Henrietta! And I love it that each new wave of kids coming through re-names that essential quality that we all carry and that we recognise intuitively. Let’s do the ‘Swag’!
It is a commonly used Australian word for sleeping bag but here it seems to be mainly American (or Facebook really) for ‘cool’.
The urban dictionary is in massive reaction to the word ‘swag’ but essentially defines it as the young generations’ word for ‘cool’.
Initially I wasn’t feeling the word swag it felt shallow and a bit superficial, just about clothes and style and I was a bit ‘meh’ but then I read more and you spoke of how these men meet others with their eyes and I could feel the depth, love and holding in their eyes in these photos – especially with Michael Benhayon … I nearly fell off my chair! So I understand that swag can be far more than the clothes we wear, it is more about being all of who we are with no holding back yet with absolute openness, love and authority.
Coming from England I am not sure that the sound and connotations of the word ‘swag’ for me really encompasses the emanating power of love, tenderness, grace, ease and self containment that describe Michael, Marshall and Raymond. You have done a really amazing job at explaining what this word means for you and I totally agree! When you look at the pictures of these three men alone, without even having to have met them you can tell that they live life without holding back. Thank you for sharing your appreciation of these three gorgeous men! I totally love them too!
swagalicious To the bone.
Amazing to have role models like this. As having swag isn’t the clothes we wear but the way we express and are with others.
It’s great to give real definition to the word swag with sexy men who ooze tenderness and grace.
I’ve actually never heard the word swag, but know someone who walks with confidence swaggers and these guys do brim over with that. It’s amazing to have role models that can show us all that we can show all of us on the outside.
Yes it is amazing to have such role models. I love what I witness in the photos of these gorgeous men, the depth and fullness in their eyes, the tenderness, the openness. I feel invited to equally shine and be all of who I am. Isn’t it amazing how inspiring we can be to one another by simply choosing to express all that we are.
‘Swag’… its kind of like having that ‘X’ factor, that essence of something that you notice, are intrigued by and you can’t keep your eyes off of… and when your swag is as foundational as these three guys, it is as if by some kind of diffusion, it drops you into your ‘swag’, into a deeper connection with the essence within you too.. Great blog Henrietta, a great testimony to Michael Benhayon, Marshall Chang and Raymond Karmon and, as you also show how we are all affected by each other’s energy or ‘swag’!
An absolutely wonderful read Henrietta. I agree – these guys definitely have swag with capital everything. There is no rank and no better than with this swag, simply a reminder to us all that we have it too.
True Leonie – ‘capital everything’ – and also true there is no act or role being played or lived up to, just the inside really shining and inviting all of us to join the groove and express from who we are . Love these beautiful men.
Awesome, about time somebody blogged on swag. So much of what it’s about for me is actually saying to yourself that it’s okay to stand out, to feel amazing even when others don’t.
As with every word there is first a lived way then the word describing this lived way. By introducing the livingness of the Trio of Swag we cannot but get the true feel and meaning of the word. That way words are alive and resonating hence activating the precise energy in the listener to know from and with the body what is being communicated, not just from a mind interpreting the meaning by comparison or recall.
Love this, Alex – a super helpful explanation of how it all works. And it makes complete sense.
The verb ‘to swagger’ is one I am familiar with here in the UK. It means to walk with confidence. I imagine the word are linked. And yes I can recognise swag in many people I meet. Its a confidence that oozes without needing to show off or brag, but definitely not hiding away either. For me its about someone being very comfortable in their own skin.
Gorgeous Henriette, lots of joy in your writing, I had never heard of the word ‘swag’ but I do know these guys have it according your description, love it.
Pure swag.
Thanks Henrietta. I have learnt a new word. Still not sure what that exactly means, but these photos say a lot!
I love the playfulness in this blog, and the appreciation of such beautiful men.
Sitting with this word ‘Swag’ more. Men with swag seem to hold a steady confidence with themselves, again the photos show this. Insecurities like lack of confidence etc are really highlighted in photos, and here, these three men feel cool, calm, collected and confident… it is beautiful to hear this quality is being role modelled to younger men.
I agree Abby, ‘a steady confidence’ that is unapologetic and there for all to see, feel and be inspired by… so simple and normal really but in the world today it is profound.
You can see and feel each of these men from the photos, they take great care in how they dress and hold themselves.. This is my introduction to swag.
Love your blog Henrietta – re-defining the use of the word ‘swag’ as “not being afraid to let the world see you All of you”. This photo says it all – ‘Raymond Karam, Marshall Chang & Michael Benhayon – A trio of Swag’
“Could it be that swag comes from allowing ourselves to express in full who we truly are, with spunk, and whilst having fun?” The joy in the swag shared by these three gorgeous men is so very inspiring and shows just how spunky it is to allow our own swag to shine, reflect and share in the joy we all possess. A brilliant blog thank you Henrietta.
Having different meanings for the same word can get very confusing and ultimately divisive in a way that we don’t bat an eyelid or question such separation. To me swag brings up pictures of people behaving in such a way that the focus on the clothes they wear, the material wealth they own, money, cars etc becomes the sole focus. But what your sharing here Henrietta is – what if words could describe qualities that come from within us, rather than words being used to define us based on what is around us, and that it is what’s within that is highlighted or made more apparent than in the what is around a person.
Henrietta, I love this, your celebration of all those you mention here is beautiful and your invitation to us all to live our own swag for in truth we all have it, it’s just about allowing the world to see it and having fun with it as we do.
Spot on Monica! We all have swag, it is just a choice to live it and allow others to see this and be inspired by it!
I simply adore this article, the simpleness in sharing what shines from another, from the deep knowing and acceptance that each of us has the very same ability within.
It does not matter the word that we use, but what does matter is the quality that emanates from us – you have nailed it here Leigh as it is all about sharing what lies within with no holes barred and a full acceptance and celebration of this in another as well as ourselves!
What a playful article Henrietta. I fact this article has swag!
Cute blog Henrietta, and so true that swag/swagger comes from the way we walk, talk and dress, which is all a part of how we express ourselves.
A true definition of SWAG – never can swag carry the initial meaning you gave Henrietta as it felt very superficial. True SWAG does indeed express a deep honouring, living and carrying in all movements of the person a depth of warm, open heartedness that can be felt.
Bam, here we have true models that younger and older people alike can’t help but want to know more about. Showing the world that we needn’t sell ourselves out in order to gain attention and recognition. We need only be ourselves, and not hold this back, as you rightly say Henrietta. Every one of us holds a magnificence within that deserves to be seen by all.
p.s. I trust you’ve written your own ode to your own swag Henrietta Chang!
“Every one of us holds a magnificence within that deserves to be seen by all.” – spot on Victoria, and it is essentially our responsibility to do this, for to live this means we are there to remind everyone around us that it is indeed possible and not just possible but natural for us to do so!
Hear, hear.
I agree all these three men are super cool and very gorgeous, but I didn’t know that was how you used the word swag. I thought in Australia a swag was a bed roll you took camping.
It is, but like all things Aussie the word ‘swag’ has perhaps been abbreviated from ‘swagger’ which means to walk in a self confident way. Although dictionary definitions often attribute it to arrogance because we are yet to fully appreciate what it means to walk our true self and give ourselves permission to do so, despite the judgement that may come our way. What this reveals is that there is a certain awe if not outright jealousy that many of us feel when we watch someone move without imposition.
Yes that is a great point. I also have heard the word swag attributed to people who are up themselves as if that was a bad thing. Many who hold themselves back find it very confronting to see someone who is expressing in their fullness and can react jealously. Then there are also those who walk in a false fullness which is another form of attack on the beauty of the truly claimed person and their walk. One thing that is for sure is that these gentlemen are the real deal and a joy to behold.
It’s interesting that in the UK to be with a swagger is a derogatory term that means to, “walk or behave in an arrogant or self-important way.” Yet, what you describe here are three very confident men, who walk with confidence in the knowing of who they are and what they bring. Have met these beautiful men I agree with what you share, Henrietta about their grace, tenderness and sensitivity in which they move, plus the connection, sparkle and love they hold you in leaves you in no doubt that you are this also! I am so glad you have brought “swag” back to its true and proper meaning!
Definitely Rachel – even though it’s (probably) a new word and expression, it’s being not just redefined, but unified with its true meaning.
So true Henrietta and agreed, these three men have qualities that go way beyond our usual association with the meaning ‘swag’ and have in fact completely changed my whole understanding of this word. The biggest and best swag is the way they meet you and the look in their eyes is so inviting, playful, lighthearted and completely there! These guys have style and oodles of it, but it is always expressed in a way that invites us to explore and celebrate our own, it never comes with a ‘look what i’ve got’ attitude, but with that graceful ‘you are like this too’ feeling. Awesome!
Very cool Henrietta Chang. ‘Swag’ in the way you’ve described and with such sterling examples – men I also know and who blow me away – feels like a natural confidence that cannot but exude from within.
It’s not about the clothes, the car, the haircut – though these may all be chosen with care and a natural reflection of the man (or woman) – it’s the energetic quality that can’t but be felt. A quality of confidence, of presence – with no apology, and yet (and amazingly in this world today), not one iota of pretence of needing to be more.
Thank you Victoria – you have nailed the essence of the blog itself, and the men in it! So beautifully said!
Very true, Victoria. These gorgeous men make no apology for the sparkle in their eyes or the depth and tenderness of their presence.
It is a great joy to see people expressing their ‘swag’ and it is clearly seen in these men from their photographs.
Henrietta, I can feel how these three men you write about definitely have ‘swag’ and how it comes from the expression of their true selves, no trying to look a certain way or dress in a way to impress, it is simply our natural expression of who we truly are. I am starting to feel my own way of dressing and walking and being that is natural to me – my own ‘swag’ and it feels fun and confirming.
What a treat to open up my computer this morning to these three gorgeous lords of swag. As you say, Henrietta, such examples amongst us are constantly reflecting the divine presence within us all, which can be expressed with our own unique style and pizzaz.
Spot on Janet…and what a gift to the world when we each do this!
I’m amused reading your blog Henrietta, as we don’t really use the term ‘swag’ in the UK, I’m wondering what our alternative is and if we have one (I’m sure we do) what I do know is looking at all those photo’s there are three men who are very comfortable in their own skin, they know who they are and express it, yet there is no imposition.
Swag means something very different where I live Henrietta. So it is great to read how these gorgeous men truly represent this word. They could be the ‘We three Kings’ of swag!
What a great role model each of these men are for all those they encounter. It’s particularly impressive to think Marshall is inspiring young men and women in his role as teacher. And it’s not only about cool clothes and cars – these men are modelling something far more profound: how to be a man with heart.
The thing with style is its source. There is style and …. style. Many people bet on style on the exterior, the clothing, the accessories and build a character that is reflected to be that. For other people the source is their inner-being. It is an emanation first and foremost. A coolness that is with them all the time because it belongs to them.
I must be behind the times but despite being an Aussie I have to confess I’d never heard the term ‘swag’ until now! What an apt expression it is – and how apt are the men chosen to represent it. I know all three and can agree each brings a unique blend of true expression and style. I know they live in a way that honours themselves and others too. Let’s just say it – all of this adds up to true sexiness!
I just love the introduction to the true meaning of swag; a word that I have always felt was rather strange to look at, but now I have a whole new appreciation of what it is actually conveying. ‘Essentially we all have swag – it is just about allowing it out and having fun with it, not being afraid to let the world see you All of you.’ – And these beautiful men are definitely great Ambassadors of Swag!
My first response to the word swag was that it relates to the proceeds of a burglary – so I’m glad to have it redefined in this instance! The kind of swag we are talking about here relates to a sense of beingness, of who we are and living and walking that in life. More related to ‘swagger’ maybe – but without the arrogance. I shall practice ‘swagging’ today.
I have not heard the word ‘Swag’ used in this context before, but I can see what you mean Henrietta about the 3 men you have shown to have swag, there is something about them that makes you look twice and want to know more.
The photographs speak for themselves. Amazingly beautiful men from inside out.
Love it Henrietta – we should never just assume the way a word is used is it’s true meaning but investigate and check it out for ourselves.
I used to get caught by the glitzy photos of pop stars and the happy images portrayed in adverts and such, thinking that is ‘it’ in terms of the ‘swag’ talked about here. But now I have realised those were just substitute empty images of the real thing. I like your definition here: “allowing ourselves to express in full who we truly are, with spunk, and whilst having fun’. Yes spot on.
Yes Glonaz, great point.
These men, are not trying to show themselves off or prove anything. They just let themselves be themselves and that’s what brings out their swag
I love this and thank you Henrietta, I see a whole encyclopaedia of redefining words following.
“Swag” – not a word I’m familiar with as a Brit – unless it’s what burglars take when they rob someone!! But I agree with the examples you give Henrietta – the authenticity these men display – their real-ness and their love for humanity in general. If this is swag I’m all for it!
I’ve never heard the expression ‘swag’. But these three pictures couldn’t have explained it better. Love it.
I love it Henrietta bring on the Swag and bring on the real men who are not afraid to show their tenderness and sensitivity.
By not expressing our innate swag, we are holding ourselves back; that means no one has fun!
It is interesting how words can have different meanings over time and in different places. ‘Swag’ as described here is new to me. However, I grew up in England where ‘to swagger’ describes someone who is trying to move in a way that is showing off to gain attention. To swag meaning to inspire and light up the world with every move is beautiful.
My thoughts exactly Mary, on the meaning of the word swag as I read the title – “What is a Swag and Who has Got it?”
I have met Michael Benhayon and have had many sessions with Michael which have always left me feeling more of myself….In his sessions, I have always felt deeply held and surrounded in a blanket of love, and is the reason why I keep going back.
‘not being afraid to let the world see you All of you’…. this is key I feel to just being and sharing the gorgeous divine beings we all are.