Awakening and Opening

Do not carry the burden of the past; do not live in the future. The only important thing is that one lives in the present authentically and fully.

Whatever your current life is, be the most you can be by living in the moment.
-- Chan Chih

I've just finished an impactful book, "Minding the Body: Women Writers on Body and Soul". It is a series of essays by published authors. Two main themes are addressed in the 18 essays. The first theme centers around life cycle changes and medical conditions that filter down into and change the female personality. The second is how life-affecting it can be to vary greatly from the "ideal female form" that is touted in American society today.

What is considered ideal is subject to change. Until about 1920, a thin woman wouldn't be an attractive marriage prospect. "Thin" meant difficulty bearing children and probably illness and early death.

And no matter what the ideal, the average dress size for a woman is 12.

Somehow, my mind has always considered physical appearance unimportant. What matters is the soul that looks out through the eyes. What is the emotional depth, openheartedness and honesty of people who cross my path? My focus on "who is living in this body?" has been a protection from those who might bring harm. It also has led me to many kindred spirits. Link