REFLECTIONS - (DANCE NAKED)

There is a place, just beyond reason, past the moon and stars, beyond what the eye sees and the mind comprehends, it is deeper than dreams, further than the reach of common sense and the droning of lies told by people who teach us lies and tell us untruths, (vipers with deadly poisonous bites disguised in duplicities), a place that opens its door with one knock from those who seek wisdom and come with benevolence and humility - ‘fore we will be standing at the feet of gods and goddesses whose only purpose is to impart justice and wisdom to whomever they allow to enter in.

This place has no physical items within, yet you can be seated if you like. I prefer to sit comfortably on a soft pillow for the duration. Because I am female, a goddess will approach and as she comes into view, I notice that she is both clothed and then, as I blink, she is bare, naked, open and unashamed. It is my choice to see her either way. I choose to see her bare and totally exposed. It reminds me that I have insecurities about my own nakedness - so, I reluctantly stand and disrobe to expose myself to her - all of me, inside and out, is laid bare. I can no longer hide any aspect of self. It is a glorious feeling, and I am becoming more comfortable in my own skin - unaware of anyone else who might see me and judge what they see. I am immune.

She never spoke to me. Not one word. She simply stood equal to me, as if she were a reflection of myself seen in a mirror.

I began to dance, lifting my arms above my head and spinning ‘round and ‘round, hips circling, legs positioned in beautiful poses - I noticed then, she was matching my movements with exact precision. She was my reflection, or I was hers. It no longer mattered, I did not dress myself when it came time to leave. I thanked her for her wisdom and turned to open the massive wooden door and step out to return to this place, with a new understanding of self and others.

Lay yourself bare and take your chances with judgments and rejections. It is as if you were separating the wheat from the chaff. You only need to concern yourself with authenticity and people like you, who are unafraid to bare themselves completely in return. Listen to their stories, show compassion for their journey for no one lives a life without immense trials. Hear the woman who sits quietly and afraid to speak out - enter her mind and encourage her to speak and if she cannot speak - become her voice. No one should ever be silenced.

Look around at those who reveal themselves and notice that perfection does not exist in the sense that we have been taught. Those are lies and we have been compelled to believe those lies to the point that we are ashamed of our own nakedness.

Here is the truth - the body is extraordinary in its being and its functioning. It is a sacred vessel and all our vessels are beautiful and should be exposed without shame. Embrace who you are, what you are and everything that is you. Begin now, it is never too late to express yourself and the truths you have always known.

Be a contradiction to the bullshit that is crammed down our throats and into our minds by people who lead, stand behind pulpits and judge us, frighten us, tell us lies to manipulate us, those who unknowingly perpetuate the lies from year to year, and poison our logic, watching history and the lessons of our now be twisted into something unrecognizable and abominable. We are convinced we are less than nothing and worthless.

Photo by Malu Gomide

Stand in front of your mirror, naked, and let the self-judgment fall away. As soon as you are comfortable with what you see reflected there - start at the top of your head and observe the beauty of your being.

Now DANCE!

M Teresa Clayton