In a recent dream my ancestors told me to be more appreciative of my own body. They explained how every single limb, organ and feature is a GIFT FROM THEM. I have their hands, eyebrows, eyes, smile etc. (and of course they also gifted me many of their talents and quirks!)
For 20 years I have been glued behind the camera, faithfully recording every key moment in my children's lives. My husband appears in plenty of those photographs but he does not like taking photographs (he is that rare human being who, left to his own devices, will take five photographs in one calendar year!)
During Lockdown I have created a whole series of photographs - selfies. I have painted runes on my face (as a form of Lockdown activism!) and even rock art (to see what it feels like to be a Neolithic cave inhabited by hibernating bears!)
I now realise that to disrespect my own body (or not value it enough, take for granted the endless tasks it performs) is to disrespect my ancestors. I have made a private vow to them to not do this any longer.
From now on I shall appear in photographs (and my husband will be taking more than five photographs a year!)
Through my own body I honour those Who Came Before Me and gave me the gift of a human body at this time - thank you Ancestors, I love you! I am sorry that it took me decades to "get this"! I am 53 years old and I just did...
< Human Tree (with Bjarka/Berkana Runes painted on my face)