I hear, that if God had wanted me to have those holes in my ears, he would have made me with them.
Not that I take any stock in this theory, but over the weekend at some point I got to thinking about it. I think my brain has too much free time, and too much space to ponder. Stick with me, this might get confusing.
So, let's go back a few jillion years. Becca and I were talking last week about how neither of us feels like, had we been born in the middle ages, we would have made a very good housewife type person. We both feel we'd be better suited to more adventurous pursuits, such as piracy or thievery etc. This got me thinking about what I might have been like if I had been born way back when, which led me to the realization, that had there not been a few hundred years of human migration and exploration, the factors that led to my creation would not have been the same, and therefore my exact composition could never have been achieved. To put it simply, there were no Native American/Polish/Portuguese/Welsh people back then.
This got me started thinking about how much effort goes into the creation of any specific person. Would you be here today if your great-great-great-great (etc) grand parents hadn't ever met each other? What about if their ancestral cave-people hadn't ever met up to huddle for warmth in a dark and damp mountain-side dwelling? How far back does your DNA go? What is the true story of our creation back through time so inconceivably far? Think about all the elements over so many years, how if one simple thing had changed, a missed bus, a flat tire, a rainy day... How many things could have happened that would have completely voided your existence today. Then, be grateful that you are here. That circumstances which led to your creation lined up so perfectly and here you are today.
(Now if you want to really freak out, think about this: Everything that you possess which is capable of perpetuating this line, you are carrying with you right now.)
So back to God.
I don't personally believe in the common Christian idea of God. I do believe that there is something greater than singular human consciousness, something that connects us all, an energy that is present in everything. I believe that this energy manifests itself in different ways and can be manipulated by those who are aware of it, aware of themselves, and aware of the consequences of their actions. I believe that if you do not respect this energy and its balance, it will destroy you.
So this weekend I was sitting and thinking about getting a tattoo. I started thinking about my beliefs, and my ability to use my body as a tool to achieve things through the manipulation of energies. I began to wonder if (like many people's mothers say) "defiling" my body with a tattoo would in any way interrupt the abilities I've honed over many years, due to the very permanent nature of such a physical change.
This led me to my final decision on the matter:
This body is my tool. It is my conduit. As with every other tool I use in my work with the energies of this life, it is important that my tools be my own. I personalize everything I use, which improves the responses I receive. All of my implements are harmonized in this way to cater to my own specific needs and balances. To put it simply: if I decide I want seven holes in my ears and one in my nose, that's what I feel is good for me. If I decide I want a permanent reminder of the elements of this life and how my personal energy intertwines with them, then so be it. It all ultimately affects my personal harmony, and as long as it's my decision, I don't see how it's any different than scratching a sigil into a candle, or burning a symbol on a wooden wand.
What do you think?
Currently listening: Speak for Yourself By Imogen Heap
Release date: 01 November, 2005