"Awkward is the New Cool"

My sister and I went to see “The Human Body Project” on Saturday night and it was very interesting and thought provoking. For those of you unfamiliar with it, it is an art exhibit wherein a 45 year-old woman in her 9th month of pregnancy stands naked in a room full of people. She is not a model and has never had any cosmetic surgery. One of the things that really touched me about the project was learning that although she makes it look so easy, she sometimes finds it very difficult. That seems like an obvious statement, but for me personally, I always think that quote on quote skinny people have an easier time with that sort of thing, pregnant or not. Of course, that’s a preposterous statement—everyone is self-conscious about his or her body, but I love that she is doing this despite and because of it.

So, why would someone choose to do this, you ask? Well, in her own words, she says: “As a person, I struggle with what appears to me to be a common condition, disconnection: disconnection from myself, from my fellow humans, from joy, from life. As an artist, I started the Human Body Project to create healing, awareness and connection for myself and for others… We are all now well aware that we live in a frighteningly vulnerable and interconnected world. But look at how we still close ourselves off, look at how we treat ourselves and each other, look at how we treat the Earth. I truly believe we will get nowhere until we all viscerally understand our own and our collective vulnerability. "

It has taken me a couple of days to process and digest the experience. Here are my thoughts: If I were to tell the truth, I would have to admit that I was hoping for a stronger personal reaction to the exhibit. I admit that I was hoping it would be a little more rejuvenating and invigorating for myself personally. This has nothing to do with her; it has to do more with myself looking for external inspiration to something that is so intrinsic. I was looking outwardly for some strength, when I think the whole point is to give it to yourself. You absolutely have to admire the woman’s chutzpah! Man oh man. All I kept thinking was "good for you, lady; good for you.” And then I was trying to picture myself standing there naked and couldn’t fathom it. What would my reaction be? Would I be able to stand there so exposed? I think I would start to cry. One thing is for sure; I could FEEL her vulnerability and was extremely appreciative and respectful of it.

She spoke a little to the audience about feeling very equanimous and that it’s the first time she’s ever felt that in a show before. She explained that in previous shows, she has always felt like she should be acting or standing in a certain way, but that this time she was just being. To me, it seems that that must be what it feels like to let go of self-consciousness. Wouldn’t THAT be great? Not to feel self-conscious any more? I think we could all work a little harder at equanimity. And we definitely need more people to get up and make bold statements about what they believe in. It’s women like her who are going to help mend humanity.

So, my hat’s off to this commendable and remarkable woman who is a testament to women everywhere! Liberate yourselves. Love your body, folks. And if you can’t do that, then at least accept it for what it is.