If you think about the most common Hero’s Journey stories, because most of them are male, it’s unlikely you think first about bodily autonomy as a step on the Journey.

So, let’s think about it now. A fundamental premise that men have–without even thinking about it–is I am in control of my own body; I am safe. Women don’t have that privilege. And what we do have is constantly being removed or threatened.

I recently read the book Iron Widow (Iron Widow #1)  by Xiran Jay Zhao. I enjoyed the book and it has a lot of quotable lines, but this one has stuck with me, “This silly man is trying to shame me with my own body.” (This was in response to a man filming her naked to use as blackmail leverage.)

That line is making me think about my internalized shame about my body and what if parts of it were exposed.  I am old enough to remember you didn’t want your slip to show at the hem of your dress.  Bra straps were not to be seen.  What if your shirt gapped? What if your zipper broke? And, oh, the immeasurable embarrassment at a spot of blood. 

As I age, accepting the limitations of a 70-year-old body is nearly a daily Hero’s Journey.  But it’s worth it to enjoy the feeling of loving that which has gotten me here and every day helps me experience joy.

Please set the intention right now to vote this November.  In Arizona, especially FOR Arizona Prop 139, the Right to Abortion Initiative.

 

 

Photo by Gayatri Malhotra on Unsplash