the skin that sheds

Underneath the surface of all actively projected intentions are layers that need shedding and transformation. We hold information that slowly asks to come out. The true nature of humans knows it to be true, but resisted. Once the bubble forms, swells up, expands, then bursts. It allows the process to come to fruition, like a germinated seed rooted in the soil.

The skin, one of the largest organs of the human body, is not clearly recognized for all its might. It consists of

a ) The epidermis, surface layer: the one we see- the tone

b ) The dermis, middle layer

c) The hypodermis, bottom layer, the fatty one or connector

As one of the first organs to come in contact when an invader penetrates the barrier, the skin very often reacts as a defense mechanism. This reaction was recently observed during a fairly common practice, like soaking the feet in a warm bath. In a short time, the integrity of both feet disrupted; the skin of the sole separated, the rest of the skin peeled. Everything became a blur, no longer able to concentrate with its sudden apparition; it interrupts the normal flow to the like of a nuclear reaction. The flight and fight response activated for protection.

I was concerned and scheduled an urgent visit to the dermatologist. Upon entering the examining room, I became nervous, anticipating some major prognosis. When the doctor came in, she assured me, healing would occur within the next 10 days. I was in awe and asked her to explain. Well, would you know? In less than the projected time, my skin grew back in a most beautiful layer. One of my friends joked that we should use the accident to create beautiful new skin, I dare not entertained.

Setting intentions for transformation may result in unexpected surprises, it does not follow any map, or any known set patterns. It is also interesting to discover how asking for clarity with periods of meditation and prayer can lead to uncharted territories. The Superficial layer of the skin is almost like the first thought that comes to mind, it stays in the subconscious, and keeps returning. It eventually gets attention and develops into a vision where excitement and all sorts of passion merge to create a dream. The early phase of any project is often exciting. The challenge comes with the mental process needed to achieve reality, and the inner working required for the plan to come alive. All the vision boards and drawings are not enough if it doesn’t move from one point to the next. Like the first two layers of the skin that are visible or subtly exposed, they must be attended to: they represent that inner character that keeps nourishing the process. The deeper layer on occasion can be neglected, since it is embedded in the lower level. To reach it, penetration must take place, yet a stable foundation along with maturity have to be established and nurtured for the entire system to remain sustainable.

Although several moving parts are necessary, they should be intricate, interdependent and synergetic. When a part is affected, it is imperative for the whole to be fixed, otherwise the entire structure may become so damaged, a different system becomes necessary. In such circumstances, memory might be an accomplice for new beginning. Assuming that existing knowledge might be forgotten in favor of emerging connections.

Going back to the phase where evidence of disruption is identified, when the skin changes from its previous character and becomes distorted and different. It is normal to have heightened awareness of the new condition, however once acknowledged, a response should follow. It needs not to be analyzed along with judgement. An interruption may be transitional and occurs at a junction. With death, appreciation of previously known structures vanished and replaced; established behavior might also disappear. For transformation to significantly have an impact, death must occur. It is impending for an individual to understand the significance of that stage. The fall/removal of the skin indicates absence of life. That too signals the end of existence, except throughout life, the skin will regenerate itself every 27 to 42 days. Here we find lessons, an opportunity to accept the message, to listen to the teaching of the moment. At that intersection, the point of no return settles, takes shape, it’s no longer easy to separate or extract the past from the present. It is what we called Rebirth, the integration of old habits into a new creation

Sophrology keeps you in continuous consciousness/awareness. At times, it manifests in intentionality, that we become aware of without specifically planned for. A few days ago, I crossed a small bridge along my walk on a two lane road. For a brief moment, to avoid the oncoming cars, I found myself leaning over the rails and looking down at the water. I spotted the meeting point of the fresh and seawater, and the production of a foamy substance. At first, the foam is white and clean, as the waters fused together. The foam became denser and discolored, then floated away, the two indistinguishable. I inquired the reason for this presentation, Estuaries, historically the area was used as a grist mill. The significance of this term is synonymous with the layers of the skin, of life. In one, the old dies to give way to a new dawn; with the other, the meeting point serves as a conjunction to new existence. The irony can not be lost on the fact that when a new skin is formed, the old one no longer exist, similar to the inability of the foam to dissociate.

We accept the emergence of these new realities and choose to roll with them, embrace new developments, to explore new worlds, and live in them without judgement. That same type of awareness propels one to embrace and accept new occurrences, to leave behind that which no longer serves us. More importantly, doing so with compassion, as forsaking negativity is not equated to apathy. In this new paradigm, we can decide to create or explain. We draw meaning and weave them into the psyche and live in (W)hole H(ealth)= the reality of living in totality encompassing all truth; that is made up of all parts, atoms, cells and linear possibility and arrive at the winning moment when awareness is continuous and unconstrained; then sharing is not negotiated. It is the sum of the whole.