Adorned and Adored
Last weekend, I had the pleasure of being tattooed by Henna Tattoo Seattle. Since then, I’ve been admiring the gorgeous design and marveling over the idea of regarding one’s body as an object of divine beauty. The intricate patterns feel like they’re honoring this incredible vessel that carries me through this life. I find myself enchanted by my limb throughout the day, staring at it in fascination the way a baby discovers the magic of having a hand, fingers, a body. Again and again.
Which leads me to wonder:
How can we retain this sacred regard for the bodies we inhabit?
What practices help us re-remember what we were born with — the innate knowledge that our bodies are magical? That every part of us, however imperfect, is a miracle?
I invite you to check in with your body and ask: How would you like to be honored?
If being in dialogue with your body isn’t a regular practice for you, this may feel a bit awkward at first — that’s okay. Just be curious. Don’t overthink it. Close your eyes and take a few deep, grounding breaths. When the time feels right, ask it some questions and see what comes up:
• How would you like to be honored?
• Would you like to be adorned? Decorated? Touched?
• Would you like to feel the sun and fresh air on your skin? A warm bath? A cool body of water?
• Are there particular fabrics that you want to be enveloped within?
• What movements are inside you waiting to be expressed?
• How can I offer you the rest you need?
There are many ways to connect to our bodies with holy attention. Here are some to consider as you practice attending to yours:
• Slowly rub lotion or oils into the places that have been neglected or ignored.
• Place stones on your heart, forehead, throat, belly, or any area that wants attention.
• Spray fine mist over your bare skin.
• Hover over a bowl of hot water infused with herbs and breathe in the steam.
• Let your bare feet touch the earth.
• Let waves or flowing water caress your feet.
• Lie on the floor or ground with your hand over your heart.
• Let your body move to music in whatever way feels natural.
• Be quiet and still in nature. What happens inside? Around you?
I’d love to hear what comes up — let me know if you feel comfortable doing so.
From my sacred body to yours,
g