a body story...beautiful.

i came across this woman, arla patch, when i was perusing the Omega Institute catalogue my neighbor s. left at my doorstep with a little plate of brownies "from scratch." (god love her.)

http://www.arlapatch.com/

i'd been debating whether or not i should attend the SARK workshop in october and now see this as a sign that i should (thanks, s!). however, when i came upon arla's workshop my jaw just about hit my keyboard with shock, awe, and utter admiration.

THIS IS MIRACULOUS STUFF.

A Body Story: A Workshop for Women

Using our own silhouettes, we work on a life-sized "map" of ourselves honoring its history, redefining areas, creating peace, and in the process, reclaiming our body anew. This gives us a chance to gain greater body awareness and reverence for the lives we've led. Using movement, guided imagery, art, writing, and silence, we seek those parts in our bodies in need of celebration and transformation.

Patch uses her own story of healing to address the mind-body connection. She uses visualization for physical transformation and tapping the connection to our source as an avenue to break the patterns lodged in our bodies. And finally, by fusing with nature, we heal the stories in our lives.

The workshop concludes with each woman being given a photographed image of herself, with the chance to speak about the reframing for which this image becomes a talisman.

so upset i can't attend. i'll be vacationing in seattle/portland and attending my cousin e's wedding where i foresee that i will, cocktail in hand, be answering endless questions about whether or not i've "met my prince" or "snagged myself a fella."

no, actually, i've been busy snagging myself a life.

anyway, arla's work is absolutely exquisite. funny - somewhat similar to what we did to create the body forms for size ate, but i adore and get giddy with the anticipation of decorating and detailing my shape - broad shouldered and tapered waist.

i think a bluebird belongs on my shoulder, don't you?