We are taught that our bodies matter
From a young age
We are groomed and polished
Perfected and yet still judged

Our bodies
The vehicle for living
The vessel for life
A piece of flesh that is merely a particle for others to gawk and ogle over

But what if
What if
Every piece of us
Was actually innately designed with a purpose

And what if those stretch marks and scars that you are too ashamed to show
Were a flag of resiliency

You would never see a tiger hiding in fear
Afraid of its stripes, its marks, and its scars

No
Because each battle in the wild is a triumph to overcome 

And what if
Those stretch marks and scars were a sign that you have nurtured and grown
Evolving in this life

What if
Those extra pounds of flesh that you try to shrink and make small
Were a symbol of the experiences in this life

Because never would you see an elephant 
Reducing its size
Because its the weight that it carries
That symbolizes its strength

And what if those extra pounds of flesh were instead
A sign of counting memories
Instead of calories
Because life is too short
To not enjoy the tastes of this world

What if those micro hairs that you are too embarrassed to acknowledge
Were deliberately placed within the epidermis of your skin

You never would see a hedgehog ashamed
Of the threads and the spines
Placed upon their back

No, because those spines
They protect
From danger and prey

And what if
Those micro hairs
Served a purpose of protection
From the germs that are thrown your way

You would never shame
A seal for its voice
As it is wild and free

The defensive sting
That of a bee

Or an owl hiding in a tree

You would never question
A bear with its roar
Unapologetic and loud

A bird flying high
As it soars through the clouds

No
You wouldn’t judge these animals in nature
They are being firm and true
In the most innate version of themselves
So why can’t you

We too are animals
Just as they
The only difference
Is we’ve been conditioned and swayed

We’ve allowed outside voices to dictate
What we should look like
We’ve allowed others in the world
To tell us how we should feel
Making it impossible to ever truly feel healed

What if
When we saw our reflection
We offered a smile
Knowing that this body
Is the one that has carried us for miles

We get to rewrite the narrative
We get to redefine
The worth of our bodies
How truly divine

So let yourself
Run wild and free
Because you are not just a body walking this earth
You are a being experiencing this life
And that holds an abundance of worth

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I went to the zoo this past week and was in awe of the animals. The bear pacing the cage, desiring the wild. The orangutan lunging its body between branches, searching for friends and food. The elephant trotting alongside their young, teaching them to run and play. I know there is a stigma around zoos and wildlife being trapped in captivity. Part of me felt sad, seeing these animals longing for nature while simultaneously feeling grateful for a place that takes in injured animals, giving them a chance at life. As I watched these animals, I was mesmerized by their innate instincts and ability to just be. Some basking in the sun, some running around, others swinging in the trees, and others playing. All they wanted was food and connection with each other. Nothing else mattered.

I continued to observe the animals and couldn’t help but notice the stark contrast between their behavior and that of human beings. Unlike us, animals don’t question themselves when making decisions. They don’t agonize over whether they are making the right choice or worry about what others might think. They simply follow their instincts and do what feels right to them in the moment.

This ability to embrace their true nature and act on their instincts is truly inspiring. Animals accept who they are without reservation. They don’t waste time trying to be something they’re not or striving for perfection. They live in the present, fully embracing their strengths and limitations.

Out in the Wild

Take the bear, for example. Despite being confined to a cage, it still paces, longing for the wild. It doesn’t question its desire for freedom or suppress its instincts. It’s a reminder that sometimes we need to honor our own desires and embrace our true nature, even if it means going against societal norms or expectations.

The orangutan, with its playful and social nature, teaches us the importance of connection. It lunges between branches, searching for friends and food, effortlessly embracing its need for companionship and sustenance. We, on the other hand, often find ourselves overthinking our interactions, fearing judgment or rejection. We hesitate to reach out and connect with others, and we lose touch with our natural inclination for social interaction.

And then there’s the elephant, a symbol of strength and wisdom. It confidently teaches its young to run and play, imparting knowledge without hesitation or self-doubt. In contrast, we humans often hesitate to share our experiences or knowledge for fear of judgment or criticism. We downplay our strengths and hesitate to step into leadership roles, constantly questioning our abilities.

These animals serve as inspiration for us to reevaluate our own behavior. They remind us that we too have instincts and desires that should not be suppressed. They show us the importance of accepting ourselves as we are, without the need for perfection or approval from others. They demonstrate the power of living in the present moment and embracing our natural inclinations.

Human Instinct

Unfortunately, as humans, we have been conditioned by society to constantly seek validation, perfection, and please others. We have been taught to prioritize the opinions and expectations of others over our own well-being and happiness. This conditioning has led us to doubt ourselves, question our decisions, and constantly strive for an unattainable ideal. Our natural instinct has been conditioned and swayed, shifting us into pleasing over being.

It’s time to break free from these societal shackles and learn from the animals around us. We can start by accepting ourselves, embracing our instincts, and trusting our own judgment. We can learn to prioritize our own well-being and happiness without feeling guilty or selfish. By doing so, we not only free ourselves but also inspire others to do the same.

Let us be like the animals, unapologetically ourselves and true to our nature. Let us make decisions without self-doubt, live in the present moment, and seek connections with others. It’s time to break free from the conditioning that holds us back and rediscover the freedom and joy that comes with embracing our true selves.