Body and Earth – Day 2: Attitudes

The idea that our environment greatly impacts our attitude is very thought-provoking and made me think of many different situations where this would hold true. As mentioned, “emotional memory is encoded since childhood, associated with specific terrain: the beach explored on family vacations, the tree climbed in moments of retreat, or the room where a child was born” (page 8). As I mentioned in the last post, going to Ballard often reminds me of all the memories that I had while visiting my aunt’s house when I was younger. Additionally, certain smells will also trigger memories of events. For example, whenever I smell something sweet baking (such as cake, brownies or pie), I am reminded of moments as a child when I would bake with my mom.

Body map (page 9) required me to draw a map of my body that extended beyond just my physical body to the outside world as well and try to illustrate how my body was affected by outside factors. Similarly, Place visit: Body scan (page 10), I felt the sensations within my body and thought about whether they were impacted or affected by my outside surroundings. In thinking about this idea (especially after reading the chapter), I realize that my body virtually has an infinite extension because humans are so influenced by many different outside factors. I am also reminded of an art project that my mom had to complete several quarters ago. She had to draw a life-size portrait of herself through several different methods. While she tried to look at her body objectively, I think that her image of herself was different than my image of her. Being in child’s pose for Breathing spot (page 9) allowed me to connect with the ground and also think more about how outside factors impact my body. When breathing heavily, I can imagine all the places that the molecules I am breathing have been. In reflection on all the places I have been during To write: Place story (page 10), I realize how much they have all impacted my life and how I live. Even places where I do not necessarily have physical mementos from have left a lasting impression on me. I think that every place I have been has helped shaped and at times changed my outlook on life or particular situations.

In searching for different body maps online, I came across a site that used drawing a body map as a therapeutic tool. Because we do not often take time to objectively look at ourselves, exercises such as this allow for that self-reflection. The above picture is a body map from a child in Kenya.