| Manzanita Body love is difficult in a world that bombards us with images and messages of an “ideal” physical form that is unrealistic and absolute. Many of us don’t fit the mold of the idealized form. What’s more, familial and/or religious beliefs sometimes present conflicting messages about modesty and the need to cover the body to be spiritually righteous. Internalizing these cultural and societal messages leaves us ashamed and confused. We may loathe our bodies, and even try to keep that loathing a secret in favour of appearing empowered. Inconsistent paradigms cause us to perceive our bodies through a clouded lens of harsh judgment, disconnecting us from our body temples, creating dysfunctional relationships with food, exercise and clothing. The spirit medicine of Manzanita helps us recognize our bodies as divine, imparting appreciation and love for the magnificence of our physical vessels. Information adapted from: Kaminski, P. & Katz, R. Flower Essence Repertory, 2004. Photo credit: Walking up Upper Table Rock, near Medford, Jackson County, Oregon, by brewbooks via Wikimedia Commons, the free media repository. Image file is licensed under Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 2.0 Generic license. |
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