As long as I can remember, I have struggled with how to love my body. I have gotten so many messages from my culture about bodies, it is no wonder that it is difficult for me to sort it all out. Now, at the advanced age of 77, I am trying to figure out how to handle messages that tell me that I am to cover my body parts like elbows and knees when I participate in a meditation setting.
My aversive reaction has deep roots, and I am profoundly weary of anything that even hints at body shaming. It is a sensitive issue for me when anyone even obliquely suggests that there is something unacceptable about my body. I can only imagine how women must feel this much more acutely than I do.
My skin is a lovely part of me, my body is something to celebrate and not obscure. I enjoy the feel of open air on my body and that includes my face, hands, arms and legs. Our culture has lost its ability to celebrate skin and has cultivated perversion by its effort to keep skin secret.
One of the benefits of having my cabin is that I have always considered my beach as clothing-optional. For me, optional means close to not-at-all. I am happy that I have had that opportunity to enjoy that body sensation and celebration. I am glad that I have been able to share that opportunity with friends.
I think that men and women should be able to enjoy, even flaunt their body. Circumstances may put some prudent limits. But shame is not part of the evaluation. It is regretful that we don’t know how to express our vibrant sexuality except in deceptive, disguised ways. I certainly was never taught how to deal with this, and I think that there are few people who have a balanced view on how to respond or manifest their bodies.
I am still learning how to be relaxed around my body and around the bodies of other people. It is so nice when I can simply be present to my body or the bodies of others. No grasping, no aversion. I love it when I am able to integrate bodies, including mine, in my deep awareness.
Those are the times that I experience and understand that bodies and minds are one. It may only be a glance or a passing touch, but the spiritual connection happens. There is a celebration of bodies.