Ink Upon My Skin - (Ladies Of Hive #66)

Our bodies are sacred, our wonderful vessels, that allow us to live the lives we lead. And yet we become so detached from them at times. Treating them as though they are dispensable, consuming foods that take our energy away and that so often lead to dis ease. But our bodies are also resilient and they will put up with a lot, until quite frankly, they no longer can and then, ell by then it is too late. There is only so much they can take after all!

They do of course send us signs, little signals that they are uncomfortable with the way in which we are treating them. But do we listen to these signs, these symptoms. Mostly, we find a way to shut them down, treating the symptoms, instead of trying to identify the cause.

I had wanted to get a tattoo, for quite a few years. I really liked the ceremonial aspect that it represents. The opportunity to mark a rite of passage, a significant transition within our lives. I wanted it to be a celebration, a way in which to honor myself and my life path.

When I decided to stop breast feeding my second child and take back my body for the first time in 7 years. After 7 years of being pregnant or breastfeeding, I really wanted to mark the occasion. I loved both being pregnant and breastfeeding, everything to do with being a mother. But this was about taking back something for me.

I was also, about to head into the wilderness with my children and a friend, to trek through the Alpujarra mountains, with two horses that would carry our belongings, where we would camp out each night under the stars. This was to be a pivotal moment in my life.

I was lucky enough to meet a wonderful woman called Jody, who was volunteering on the Temple build within my community. She was a successful Tattoo artist from the U.K and after many years of working in her own parlor, she now only wanted to do ceremonial tattoo's. It was just meant to be, I believe.

She done hand poking, which really appealed to me, I really, did not like the idea of using a tattoo machine. We spoke for many hours over the following weeks, with her getting to know me and my reason for wanting to be inked upon. It is a huge decision after all.

I knew I wanted two spirals, one on each shoulder, but not identical. To me, Spirals represent the changes in life, as they unfold, it is our development and our connection to everything. In the end, each spiral I have, fits into the other, to create a whole. Representing my connection to nature.

One thing I was also very adamant about, was that I wanted her to use non toxic, vegan ink. A decision, which in itself represents, the life that I strive to lead.

Tattoo I got in remembrance of my sister, with some of her ashes mixed in with the ink.

I have since had 2 other tattoo's, both of which represent transitions within my life and both which were done by a wonderful friend of mine, once again using non toxic, vegan ink. For me it the ceremony is important.

My first tattoo was done inside my truck, with my daughters and some of their friends sitting around me and some friends drumming in a corner, honouring me with their wonderful presence and beat. I lay on the floor, in the middle of the truck and although it was painful at times, I felt held by my friends and blessed to be having such a wonderful experience.

This week the Ladies of Hive community have asked ...

If you had to get a tattoo right now, what tattoo would you choose?

I have been thinking quite a lot about getting another tattoo, which would be of a mushroom. I am just not sure which one, as there are so many amazing ones to choose from, I am waiting for one of them to speak to me. But I did find the following image, which I really really like, although I would not have it in colour and also I do not think I would want so many mushrooms, but I do love the style in which they are drawn.

But really for me, choosing to adorn my skin with ink, than picking an image. To me, it represents a huge part of my journey in life, it is a way in which I can honour that journey and myself. By choosing an image that is both symbolic and also ink that will not hurt my body, or indeed have hurt any other living being, so that it could be used on me. We can all choose different ways in which to do so. I choose to decorate my skin with ink that is non toxic and vegan.

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