As an artist, an energy worker, and a deeply sensitive individual, most of my personal work throughout my life has focused around the body as a theme, intrinsically linked to identity. I had every intention of exploring the duality of the love-hate relationship I’ve had with my body my entire life and then the unthinkable happened. A few days before The Body Issue was set to drop, the U.S. Supreme Court overturned Roe V. Wade.
Within moments, women across the country started losing access to safe and legal abortions. Women were rushed into ERs in different states with ruptured ectopic pregnancies, and medical professionals were not allowed to administer lifesaving treatment without consulting lawyers for hours as women bled out. Young girls who had abortions scheduled for that day were left hopelessly wondering what came next, as rape victims were being denied the morning after pill.
There hasn’t even been enough time to see all the ways this heinous decision impacts women yet, but I don’t think it is unreasonable to assume that women have most likely already started dying or will soon start to.
I watched this news unfold for the next several days as thousands upon thousands of women, including myself, began to mourn, rage, and sit in stunned silence. Every single woman affected by this news had a new and deeply intimate awareness of her body and the danger having a womb could put her in.
I myself live in a “safe state” where women’s reproductive rights have already been protected, and I am still beyond devastated, confused, and angry. I could write pages on why I think this happened, the true motivations behind this act, yet somehow today the strongest emotion I am left with is gratitude.
I am grateful to have been born into a body that is, in my opinion, the most sacred vessel on this Earthly plane. I am grateful to be born into a body that is so feared that so many seek to “control” it. I am so grateful to have grown up reading stories about fiercely intelligent women and thinking “Wow, I LOVE what I am. I LOVE being a woman.”
I don’t know where we go next from here. I don’t have the words of comfort that I wish I could share with you all, but I do know this: today, more than any other day, I recognize just how sacred my body is, how strong and wise she is. I love her with my whole heart and though individuals with bodies like mine are currently under attack, I feel so safe with her, protective over her, PROUD of her. And I know now more than ever, my greatest trust must be placed in her, and her alone.
This is a heavy time for us all, as deep feelers, intuitives, women, but if there is one thing I know, it is that our bodies remember everything. It is she who will guide us to reclaim what those who so ridiculously think can be taken from us. It is she who holds us in this time of need. It is she, who will carry us as we are reborn, united, fierce, unwavering. It is she who knows all and I trust in her completely.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Natalie is an Educator, Intuitive Healer, and Creator that gives voice to the Goddess within through her own Earthly experiences. She has been a visual and written artist for many years and sees creativity as a meditative process that unlocks messages from Spirit and the Ancestors. Her creative pieces are published under the name, Ishva Auset, The Daughter of Stars.
To connect with Natalie and learn about her programs designed for Awakening Intuitives, join us over in The Calabash Community!
