This image caught my eye in light of the recent full moon in Cancer ♋, represented by the crab. One theme we explored in practice last Friday is our bodies as home. This theme — at least for me, maybe for you — is an emotional one.
Through the course of my short time in this body, it’s rare that I’ve felt at home here. I’ve felt uncomfortable, despondent, angry, defeated, critical, and not enough in this body … rarely “at home.” In response, I’ve treated this body, mentally & physically, pretty poorly at times — pushing, denying nourishment, depleting, etc. — to the point of near crisis, & with long-term effects likely.
It’s only been in recent years that I’ve “tried on” the idea of feeling at home in my own body. For example, expressing gratitude for the shell I’ve been given to move in & through this life. I don’t feel grateful consistently yet … I see the wrinkles, the cellulite, I feel the achy joints, the ups & downs in energy … I know, I know … “everybody has these” you kindly offer … & I repeat genuinely the same encouragement to folks who despair about their bodies to me … I admit often I’m “faking it til I make it” in the gratitude department for my own body.
It’s only in recent years I’ve “tried on” the idea of actually caring for my body, the shell I inhabit. Yoga philosophy sees the body as a temple which houses each individual’s Spark of the Divine — which woke me up a bit. If my body is a temple for Something Bigger, how am I reflecting that in my choices?
So one statement I’m working with is “I’m at home in my body.” Simple enough. And a lifetime challenge for me.
As you find moments of rest (I hope) today, Sunday, maybe something in this little musing inspires you. How do you find home in your body? Is it easy, challenging, fun, exasperating? What does the body as a temple for your individual Spark conjure up in you?
Deep bows to you, friends — E
Erica Engel 