naked

Not sure why, but I felt the pull to share this particular writing today. Maybe because I am more focused on my body as I await test results from my doctor. Or maybe because the warmth and longer daylight of spring are gently stirring my body from its winter slumber. Whatever the reason, here it is. 

Naked

Born into this world anointed and adorned only with the blood and fluid of our mother’s womb

Each and every appendage, part and crevice of our infant body loved, celebrated, rejoiced

For a time, maybe a few years, running bare and naked through the house or outside in the summer rain is beyond social mores and limitations and even privilege, just simply natural and nature

In a moment, natural is withheld from us and infused with judgment

A naked body is inappropriate, and even dirty

How can this be?

The sky is still the sky, the grass is still green – their essence remains the same

Yet seemingly out of nowhere, dark thoughts bombard and shroud our bodies 

Pure essence becomes tainted with fear

We learn through reflection to hide our bodies, to feel shame in their imperfections, their sensitivity and sensuality

We learn to shut down and barricade and fear our own “private” parts, to cut and enhance and reshape our bodies, to medicate and drug and even hate them

Laws are in place against public nudity 

It feels absurd to consider otherwise

Yet a tree is still a tree and a dog will still mate with another

I will always cherish a day on a beach in Costa Rica

Anointed and adorned only with the sun’s heat, the ocean’s tide and the grit of sand

I have never felt such heightened aliveness and FREEDOM

A brief sanctuary from my own harsh and scathing judgment of the body I inherited

Replaced with a kaleidoscope of physical sensations never before experienced

And profound gratitude for God’s divine gift

His/Her masterful, perfect and exquisite creation

Of our vessels of experience