The first being judgment...aren't we all here for the same reason? I mean really? Don't we all want to be loved, respected, successful, creative, productive??? Why does the packaging matter so much? Is my heart or mind somehow less so because I have my ears, nose, labia, or tongue pierced? Or don't?
I just don't get it. A friend of mine posted a comment in her status on facebook today regarding something about customer service individuals and the inappropriateness of tattoos and piercings. Yikes. She even likened it to wearing a band aid over a hickey. I'm going to make the hickey remarks very brief because I think that the comparison is ridiculous. Body art in it's best form is a thoughtful reflection. Whereas, a hickey is the "leftovers". It shows the world where your sexuality is or was last night.
I guess I just wonder why it matters? She indicated that she felt judged for not having tattoos or wanting them. Really? Seriously? I have never in my life been compelled to say..."Why don't you have any tattoos? You must be____" Body art is such an immensely personal thing. I mean the first ink I got are my children's names. The next was my Ichthus. Faith and family...what's there to judge about that. And, even if...I can appreciate some good artwork that doesn't represent my faith or family. I have a lower back piece and two butterflies (one on each foot) that remind my of hope and my great-grandmother.
But, the sleeve (that isn't quite finished) on my right arm is the one I get the most compliments on. It also brings be comfort. One, the artwork is beautiful. The artist is Donn Davis with TATTOOAGOGO in New Orleans. He is a great guy, the shop is beautiful and I can't wait to go back and get it finished. Most of you who know me, know of my love for the city. And, Donn's shop is also right across from Juan's Flying Burrito...a local treasure that you can eat one handed, while getting a tattoo.
Most importantly though, is probably the meaning to me. My sleeve is of Japanese cherry blossoms. They are beautiful and come are falling...The cherry blossom is a very delicate flower that blooms for a very short time. For the Japanese this represents the transience of life. This concept ties in very deeply with the fundamental teachings of Buddhism that state all life is suffering and transitory. The Japanese have long held strong to the Buddhist belief of the transitory nature of life and it is very noble to not get too attached to a particular outcome or not become emotional because it will all pass in time.
I think that those of us who are finding our way through this journey of life...it's nice to have something that reminds us to enjoy each moment, good and bad. Blink and you'll miss a pirouette, a heartache, love, a wink, a laugh. Everything passes. Kids grow up, heartache dissipates, a laugh fades. My right arm reminds me to savor each and every moment.
But, it doesn't make me less. It doesn't make me less thoughtful, intelligent, caring, loving, articulate. It also doesn't make me more of anything. It doesn't make me a criminal, a liar, delinquent. It also doesn't make one who chooses not to have artwork on their body less of anything.
God loves each and every one of us...with and without (not just talking about tattoos and piercings here)...let's just keep that in mind before we judge.
Here's a couple of my favorite links and a photo...
http://tattooagogo.com/home.html
http://juansflyingburrito.com/
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