- Published on
"Calvin Was Curious" - mixed media on reclaimed wood, 7.5 x 18. Ready to hang. Available on Artfinder.
We took a mini "staycation" at a spot near the beach this week. A couple of days, a couple of nights, just enjoying each moment without an agenda, a phone, a computer or a task list. Sometimes just sitting near the water, feeling the breeze, squinting against the sun is effort enough for one day. And it is mighty refreshment for the brain.
It is easier to hear soft undertones in the world when you park your brain for a while. Repeated phrases. Recurring themes. This week, it has been weight. Women (mostly), including myself, who find their aging selves softer, rounder, more Rubenesque than they wish to be. Slowing metabolisms, menopause, pharmaceutical side effects, global warming (I threw that one in to see if you were paying attention - ha!) - our bodies begin to turn into rounded Weebles with time and circumstances. One incredibly beautiful woman described herself as a "jiggly meat cocoon" (thanks for that visual, which is now stuck in my head, btw). Good gosh. We need a new way of thinking.
It doesn't really matter what we tell each other. Or what our lovers, children or friends tell us. Our thoughts and feelings about our bodies are internally generated. And what I see and hear is women verbalizing the negative, but not the positive. Which makes me wonder how much more negativity is nattering about on the insides of those minds. Hmmmm.
"Calvin Was Curious" - mixed media on reclaimed wood, 7.5 x 18. Ready to hang. Available on Artfinder.
We took a mini "staycation" at a spot near the beach this week. A couple of days, a couple of nights, just enjoying each moment without an agenda, a phone, a computer or a task list. Sometimes just sitting near the water, feeling the breeze, squinting against the sun is effort enough for one day. And it is mighty refreshment for the brain.
It is easier to hear soft undertones in the world when you park your brain for a while. Repeated phrases. Recurring themes. This week, it has been weight. Women (mostly), including myself, who find their aging selves softer, rounder, more Rubenesque than they wish to be. Slowing metabolisms, menopause, pharmaceutical side effects, global warming (I threw that one in to see if you were paying attention - ha!) - our bodies begin to turn into rounded Weebles with time and circumstances. One incredibly beautiful woman described herself as a "jiggly meat cocoon" (thanks for that visual, which is now stuck in my head, btw). Good gosh. We need a new way of thinking.
It doesn't really matter what we tell each other. Or what our lovers, children or friends tell us. Our thoughts and feelings about our bodies are internally generated. And what I see and hear is women verbalizing the negative, but not the positive. Which makes me wonder how much more negativity is nattering about on the insides of those minds. Hmmmm.
So this made me curious. What happens if we make this next part (or something like it) our internal dialogue today?
All you bellies, butts, thighs, wrinkles, stretch marks, moles, scars, bunions, gray hairs, crooked teeth, eye bags, chicken necks and saggy bits: you are PERFECTLY FORMED....a miracle, a spirit house, a warrior, a gorgeous human, a kind soul, filled with love, playfulness, curiosity, street smarts, wisdom, sweetness, sass and humor. You are a shining star! You are BRILLIANT!
Now go out there and shake your groove thing.
All you bellies, butts, thighs, wrinkles, stretch marks, moles, scars, bunions, gray hairs, crooked teeth, eye bags, chicken necks and saggy bits: you are PERFECTLY FORMED....a miracle, a spirit house, a warrior, a gorgeous human, a kind soul, filled with love, playfulness, curiosity, street smarts, wisdom, sweetness, sass and humor. You are a shining star! You are BRILLIANT!
Now go out there and shake your groove thing.
It appears Peter Paul Rubens agrees with that!
Jen, thank you for your curiosity, for slowing down, for listening to and sharing the soft undertones. Thank you for the soft undertones in Calvin's face, the lift of Calvin's chin, the curiosity and quiet openness in his eyes.
Calvin thanks you for the lovely compliments...:)