As Spring becomes more present, as we start moving our bodies more, particularly outside, I turn my attention to a more micro understanding of "better". What does it mean to you, to be "doing better"? Even without the comparing-ourselves-to-others perspective I discussed in the part 1, what is at the root of the aspiration to better ourselves, for instance, do be fitter? I am certain that most of us know and appreciate the value of living a healthy lifestyle, eating nutritious food and exercising. But to what extent are some of us pushing our respective bodies beyond what is available to them without accounting for aging, physical or mental limitations? Are we adding guilt and shame where these emotions are not functional? It is an interesting tension to try and hold- striving to be healthy and fit AND accepting our bodies for what they can do at this moment in time. Maybe it is worthwhile for us to stop searching for "better" and start looking for "good", "happy" or "content" in what is possible.
Brown eyes are a danger to have,
No matter how pretty they may be, shaped like big marbles or almonds,
They bring suspicion, they make you
A non-human, deserving of humiliation, or hurt, or death,
Whether you are a young woman who just married, a Rabbi, a barber, a poet, the village Shochet, or
A brown-eyed baby.
Brown eyes. Brown hair. Brown skin;
Colourless compassion is needed.
With immense gratitude to Ettie Miller, for sharing her family's painful and wonderful story of survival.
No matter how pretty they may be, shaped like big marbles or almonds,
They bring suspicion, they make you
A non-human, deserving of humiliation, or hurt, or death,
Whether you are a young woman who just married, a Rabbi, a barber, a poet, the village Shochet, or
A brown-eyed baby.
Brown eyes. Brown hair. Brown skin;
Colourless compassion is needed.
With immense gratitude to Ettie Miller, for sharing her family's painful and wonderful story of survival.
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