Notes From My Body
Hands
Hello, below please find attached a list of our thoughts… that’s how these things start, right? We’ve typed that phrase so many times, might as well give it a try. Anyways, WOW have we been busy. Between the journals and the emails and the essays and the notes and the scrolling and the texting, oh my goodness can we have a minute? Not to mention the chopping and the stirring and the scrubbing and the rinsing. It’s been A LOT and one DIY manicure does not do the trick, sorry! We love what we do, we really, really do, and we love you! Oh yes, getting to translate those rapid, bodiless swirls of “thought” onto paper with you all day long. It’s an honor, it is, but, work in a massage? Maybe some meditation? Anything for a moment of downtime. Please? Great, now let’s take five before we start writing everyone else’s letters for them. Slackers.
Shoulders
You know, for once, we’re in pretty good shape! We know, so strange. Usually we’d be complaining ‘till the cows came home but lately you’re holding that tension somewhere else and it’s working for us! We love a leader who delegates. You have our full support. Literally. Though, we could stand to be straightened up once in a while. You have a tendency to hunch at that desk you use. Give us a stretch, hun! What happened to the other desk by the way? The one we used to see every day with the chair that had amazing lumbar support? Mhmm, Back told us all about him. She loved that cha- support! We mean support. Hah. Where’d he go? We miss him!
Jaw
Hi, Jaw here. Yeah, all that extra tension the Shoulders were talking about? You put it here. It seems like they’re on a vacation up there and I have to say, I’m not thrilled. You HAVE to stop clenching. The occasional stress dream, I could handle. We’d shake it off in the morning and be ready to chow again by breakfast. But this? This I cannot do. You. Clench. Constantly. Day, night, those moments in between when you’re trying to fall asleep but you can’t because you’re going over doomsday scenarios in your head? Yup, I feel ‘em all. I know times are tough – or so I’ve heard, the Ears are gossipy neighbors – but do you do yoga? Because you should. I’ve heard CBD is great too, or hey, everyone’s raving about wine! Try it! Try something. Please. You have to let me go.
Belly
First of all, I’d just like to say, this past year has been WONDERFUL. I know, I know, you may disagree and I know you’re not happy with my appearance right now but I have to tell you, the food. Oh, the food. It’s been DELICIOUS! Delectable! What a year! The range of cuisine, the flavors, what an adventure! And the cookies, ugh the cookies. You, Madame, are a chef. Well, by my standards at least. I know, I know, you’re done. You’re “eating clean,” “starting fresh,” we “need to lose weight,” but… do we? I mean, yes, I’ve always thought we’d look great with abs, I just get so hungry whenever we try! I’m all for nutrition. Really, give me all the greens, I love them! Well, some of them. Spinach is underwhelming. And lima beans. Don’t you ever do that to me again. But I’m just saying, there has to be a way to do this “healthy” thing without being completely miserable? We get so hangry. Let’s meet in the middle? Everything in moderation? Pretty please with a cherry – yum – on top?
Heart
You’ve had quite the list of grievances haven’t you? Everyone has something they need, something to complain about. Don’t worry, I have nothing to add. I’m the strong one, remember? Quiet and constant, pumping away. You can rest here. Put your Hands on me, settle down. Find my beat. That’s it, feel it? Now breathe in, and out. There you go, find the peace. One more time. You don’t do this very often. The breathing. Not consciously at least. We don’t spend enough time together, you and I, resting, breathing, being. Come see me when you’re weary, I’ll help you sleep.
Eyes
We owe you an apology. It’s been a hard year. We’ve made it harder. The headlines, the news, it’s all been a lot to take in. Everything has changed. You have changed, and we’ve been unforgiving and unkind. We’re sorry for the way we look at you, the way we scan your arms, your hips, your thighs. The way we scrutinize your pores and the zit on your chin. We’re sorry for the image we see when we look in the mirror. We’re sorry for the message we send to the brain, the signals of dissatisfaction we share. Maybe we’re broken? Maybe it’s the year, spent staring at the same walls, the same screens. Maybe it’s the memories, the you that used to be. Maybe in all the sadness we forgot to see the joy. Maybe through all the tears, we forgot to see your smile.
P.S. Thank you for the blue light glasses.
Mind
Oh, me? My turn? Oh ok, hi! Thank you so much for including me! I never get counted as part of these “body” things. I know, it’s crazy! Like, hello, I’m up here! I do so much and it’s just nice to get some recognition. It’s not easy you know. Such a range of responsibilities and so much multitasking! That panic you felt the other day, when you had that deadline? That was me! And the guilt after skipping Pilates on Wednesday? Well, call me guilty as charged! I can do it all, and I’m really loving the variety of moods these days. The 2020 selection was just a smorgasbord, so many emotions to choose from! Some of these haven’t been on the menu for decades, or so I’m told. Like existential doom? My grandmother had that back in her day during the war! It’s practically a family heirloom! I never thought I’d get the chance to wear it. I will say, though, we’re running low on the “positive vibes” as the kids call it – the Ears really are gossipy neighbors. I know I drag you down that old rat hole of deep, dark, and depressing more often than I should, but I’m thinking we could use some time in the light. Let’s get some vitamin D, catch some rays! I love a good emotional breakdown, but I’m really not equipped to supply more than one or two a year. You’ve maxed out that card, girl! You have been pretty hard on yourself lately. Mean, even. I think – hah, duh that’s my job – I speak for everyone when I say we could all use a break. Especially you. Let’s get you glowing again, you beautiful human, you!