Search This Blog

Thursday, March 3, 2011

Completely Naked


You are standing naked at the edge of a cool river, on a moonlit summer’s night, and dipping a hesitant toe into the chilly bath. Little by little you immerse yourself into the waiting flow until you are weightless, moving rhythmically with the current, your legs kicking through the silky atmosphere, arms pushing and slicing, saturating every part of you, until you are one with the river, baptized and immersed into something much bigger than yourself, and you are free.

Sounds so romantic, but giving ourselves over to something bigger than we are isn’t always so private, or refreshing. Unfortunately life is bigger than us. It’s bigger than us on nearly every level; except for maybe when everything is going along in a predictable manner, and then we somehow fool ourselves into thinking that we are bigger than life. Those moments never last long enough.

Every now and then I have this same dream. I dream that I forgot to put my clothes on and I’m at a public event, spy walking from tree to tree, trying to hide because I am naked….and oh so vulnerable. I wake up relieved that it was just a silly dream, and wonder at the meaning of it.

Well, that’s how life is sometimes. It leaves us naked and exposed… and running for cover. You see there’s a tender spot at the center of our being that is vulnerable and naked all the time. It’s a beautiful spot, but usually going through some sort of transformation, or adjustment. It’s our “me” spot, the core of who we are, and who we are becoming. We show it to people on our terms, in our time, and when we feel it’s appropriate…and safe. But, sometimes we become overly protective of ourselves and unwilling to share who we really are with others. This is usually when life intervenes and points its big neon finger at our “me” spots, causing everyone to stop and see our somewhat awkward, but beautiful nakedness.

There are probably a gazillion ways to feel naked to the world and life knows them all.
But that moment of nakedness changes things as we scramble to process our emotions and adjust to the change. We may get angry, or laugh, or cry, but there’s always a reaction and an adjustment period, which results in us learning something about ourselves or those around us. Of course there are usually a few witnesses around to watch the entire process, and it’s at that point that I wonder if I should simply hug them, or shoot them.

Eating life raw can be extremely messy, but oh so delicious, once you embrace your nakedness.

30 comments:

Anonymous said...

I did not realise you were a closet nudist, hehe. Being naked in the literal and metaphorical sense is quite interesting, everyone hides and we rarely show our true selves.

PS. The UK is very prudish, I wish I lived somewhere warm and maybe once gone skinnydipping but there are not many places around here like that hehehe

Leah Griffith said...

Hi Kris,
Skinny dipping is an absolute must! It's wonderful. But...being honest about who you are can be very difficult, especially if you fear rejection (which we all do). I want to encourage you to take a dip el natural, and be boldly yourself.

Cut and Clear said...

Leah, I love your blog! This post is by far my favorite. It's so true how naked we can feel especially when we loose our ground.

Pema Chodron says "There comes a time when the bubble of ego is popped and you can’t get the ground back for an extended period of time. Those times, when you absolutely cannot get it back together, are the most rich and powerful times in our lives."

- cutandclear.blogspot.com

Leah Griffith said...

Hi Cut,
Thank you for the compliment. Pema Chodron sounds very wise. I intend to read some of her words. Thank you for that.

Cperz said...

Leah, I saw your comment on my blog (The Art of Being Conflicted) and thought I would come over and visit. I love your story. Everyone needs a friendly shoulder to cry on from time to time.

Leah Griffith said...

Hi Cheryl,
Thannks for stopping by. When I visited your your blog I felt right at home. I think we share a trait for sarcastic humor. I'll be watching you. *grin

AngelJane said...

Leah my lovely friend what a fabulous blog. Your recent post has made me smile because although I am not a dream analyst I seem to think being naked has got to be connected to feeling exposed or vulnerable... I agree with you that raw life can be messy but lovely lady its also the first time I've seen it made to look fun and exciting... keep it up ~ I'm Loving your writing!

Shreya said...

Different kinda write up. Its nice to read.. yea. ;-) This is called "LUCID DREAM". We know we are dreaming still we dream. It happens, we dream of silly events that practically rarely happen. We wake up in wonder saying: thank God it was a dream. People laugh it off when we share, but its weird sometimes, ain't it?? I wish it continues to be a dream "only". *devil laugh* ;-)

Rimly said...

I love the way you put it about our nakedness. It is scary to be exposed like that because we are all trying to role play all the time, hiding behind them and not being who we really are. And then we are exposed one fine day and you are so right that we dont know whether to laugh or cry or get angry. Its a joy reading your posts Leah.

Bongo said...

I have not embraced my nakedness as of yet...there is still so much fear in that vulnerability....hard to let myself see never less others....As always...XOXOXOXO

Martha Jane Orlando said...

Just loved this! Made me think of the story of Adam and Eve in the garden. They didn't KNOW they were naked before God until they ate of the tree of knowledge. When God comes looking for them, they hide, ashamed of their nakedness.
As if any of us could hide from Him . . .
As if He hasn't seen us naked before . . .

No matter how many clothes we wear, our souls are bared. :)

Blessings, Leah!

Roy Durham said...

Leah I must admit i was a little hesitant at reading your post. i am apposed to the nudity that some post to get arise out of some eyebrows, not that i have anything against it but the trouble it breeds. however i love the way you have put a light on the subject. and yes we put on shroud that hides the naked self, sometimes a smile hide the pain within or the fear of be like for ones self. lets go skinny dipping i like it. god bless

Anonymous said...

That nakedness you speak off is within us all...We carry it with us all the time but cover it well with expensive clothing..There is a certain freedom when we can bare it all and accept who we are...no frills and no cover ups..

sulekkha said...

Interesting post Leah, these dreams are so vivid sometimes that you don't know whether to run or hide or just act natural, it's after all a dream. Accepting our nakedness takes courage.

Ravenmyth said...

I liked the use of Nakedness as a metaphor for our Vulnerability within our own beauty. There is a freedom within our nakedness and yet society constantly demands that we hide this beauty...the "Me" within this beautiful "Soul"..to fit in..to be accepted...to be loveable..and then life's challenges remind us to hide that beauty..it is not safe to "Bare the Soul"...Be "Bare Naked"...and in your terms..."Bare the Me Spot"...when you can be "Bare"...you are free to express "All of You"....and say..." I Love Who I am...all of me....loved this post..Always...

Leah Griffith said...

Good Morning AngelJane! Yes being naked is a bit fun at times, usually when other people decide to be authentic with you, but it sucks when you take off your clothes and someone snickers! I'm just saying...
We need to encourage one another to be real by insulating each other with love. This is when nakedness is mutual and lovely.
Hugs and Blessings!
Leah

Leah Griffith said...

Shreya, Lucid dreams are so realistic. I've had other ones too where I am convinced that I'm awake. The mind is an amazing thing.
Thanks for your insight...going to research lucid dreams...
XO
Leah

Leah Griffith said...

Rimly, hiding is what we do best. We're taught to do it from our childhood. Being real takes courage and practice. It also takes a willingness to step out from behind the curtain and be vulnerable. That's what I like about the group of people that I've met on my blog...they tend to be open and authentic.
Thank you for your words today Rimly, insightful and sweet as usual.
Hugs,
Leah

Leah Griffith said...

Bongo, nakedness can be scary particularly if you've been hurt a lot. But, it's the only way to learn to trust again.
Did you get that towel I sent you? LOLOL!!
Big Hugs!
Leah

Leah Griffith said...

Martha, that's the irony of it...we're all naked, we were born naked, and we'll be naked forever. It's like hiding your light under a bushel. Being our true selves allows us to reach others with our gifts.
Hugs,
Leah

Leah Griffith said...

Roy, I would never lead you astray! LOL!! Yes skinny dipping, that's the only way to go!
Congratulations on your book Roy, you're ending the year with a bang!
Hugs,
Leah

Leah Griffith said...

Sparkle, I love what you said: "No frills, no cover-ups." I know that Americans tend to love frills and cover-ups which makes it really hard to be real plus it sends a nasty message to our kids.
What a shame really.
Hugs beautiful lady!
Leah

Leah Griffith said...

Sweet Sulekkha, sometimes when I'm dreaming I'll realize that it's a dream and I'll remain pretty cool, but other times when I think it's real that's when I freak out.
Being ourselves should feel natural...and we shouldn't need the approval of others to do this.
Hugs,
Leah

Leah Griffith said...

Beautiful Raven, your words are like medicine. We need to send out a prescription to the world...especially our daughters <3

JANU said...

Everyone has said everything....awesome post.

Leah Griffith said...

Janu, thank you for reading and commenting. LOL!!

Marie from Rock The Kasbah said...

I would much rather go into Madison Square Garden on stage nude than be naked emotionally....so much more scary.

Leah Griffith said...

Marie, I love that you said this!!!! I agree...showing your flesh is a lot easier than baring your soul.
Great comment!

Mary Hudak-Collins livingthescripture.com said...

Leah, I'm glad it's you having that dream and not me LOL! Great post with great points. When we bare ourselves it leaves us vulnerable and exposed. It can be very difficult for some individuals to do this. I find I can only do this with people I love and trust :)

Leah Griffith said...

Me too Mary. Although sometimes, up here, I bare more than I intended. I only do it so that others won't feel so alone in their nakedness. Toss me my clothes will ya! LOL!!

Post a Comment