An Homage to the Body (Body Go Deep, Part 1)

I have always had a complicated relationship with the body. 

It hasn’t felt like my own. It has been used, abused & assaulted. It has been judged, shamed, ridiculed, picked apart and rated. 

Often living mostly in my head, I haven’t always been “in my body”. I have treated it like it was just a thing to adorn. And, also a thing to mourn. As it has ebbed and flowed from cycle to cycle, decade to decade, I have witnessed the metamorphosis but haven’t been present in it. 

And ohhh how this body of mine is miraculous. She is weathered, firm, seasoned like the core of a tree that stands resilient and proud no matter what storms may come. She is tough skin, soft belly and strong back. In fact, my back is actually made of steel. (Scoliosis surgery will do that) but more on that later. 

This holy vessel has birthed children, movements, monuments and inspired many to channel their own healing power. My voice has also proclaimed to the world that I AM A SURVIVOR of many things, and living out my personal motto, that a broken wing doesn’t mean you can’t fly. 

But the wings aren’t broken any more. In fact my wings are fully expansive and fluttering. I’m not shrinking anymore, nor am I hiding myself or being unkind to my body. 

I am here to love myself. My curves, my lips, my grey hair, my crooked spine, my big ole butt, hips and feet and teeth. I’m here to own all of it, stand in it and hold it so close to my heart. I’m embracing the power of the Amazonian I am. I’m here to live in my truth. 

This yoga practice and renewed commitment to showing up for my body with love is how I plan to live out my days for the remainder of 2021. 

I invite you to do the same.