Between flat tummy teas, the workout corset, the slimming body cream, women are inundated with images and advertisements to look like some ideal that very few ever match to. I scroll through IG more than I should and I see images of women (of all nationality and ethnic backgrounds) that have a specific body type where in some case alternative work or assistance were required to achieve that “beauty.” I used to want to be match the physically beautiful ideal; mesmerized by the video vixens on BET and MTV. The hair and makeup I could do, but my figure and I have always had a difference of opinion. With being 5’1” and a short torso, the hour glass figure for me has never manifested itself in a physical form. Of course, I felt uncomfortable and at times ashamed of being considered the “Big girl” among my throng of friends. It took me hitting 30 and an now useful art history degree to realize that I have always had an ideal body type. I may not be slim thick, thick or whatever colorful colloquialism pop culture produces, I recognized that my body type is Goddess built. I am not sure when and where the Goddess built body type dwindled to little presence o became an idol of shaming, but it was probably around the same time that goddesses, sacred femininity and womanhood presence in divinity and spirituality was conveniently annexed out of human history. Prior to the patriarchal anarchy of religious dogma and practice, the feminine was divine. Throughout history of all cultures, goddesses existed; they were revered, worshiped, praised, honor, loved, appreciated and valued. There were many: Ivanna, Nut, Hathor, Isis, Leto, Habat, Chantico, Ixchel, Shiva, Venus, Ashi, and so many more. Most assume that goddesses were worshiped for fertility; although somewhere, they represented prophecy, flames, earth, moon, wisdom, peace, war, water, harvest, etc. The beauty and body of the goddesses also echo our power: we conceive, carry, birth and sustain life with our bodies. So what do the bodies of these beautiful beings look like. Disclaimer: Several of the titles of these figures will be referenced as Venus. This terminology started in the mid 19th century to reference the figures and sculptures and are not direct correlation or representation of the Roman Venus. Venus of Hohlenfels This is the earliest figure of a venus. She is the first work of art. She dates back to the paleolithic some 35,000 years ago and is made out of mammoth Ivory. Her body is full and robust. Her breast are high and lines along the abdomen region to indicate rolls. Between her full thigh, you see a large and exaggerated labia. She is one of many. The buxom goddesses body type continue through history ever after the erasing of Goddess worship, divine feminine and spirituality, this curvy belle continued through western art history. From the walls of Pompeii to the ideal flesh figures in the Italian Renaissance, round bellies with folds of skin, full thighs, cellulite booties and round full breast were consistently represented as the ideal beauty. These women were often depicted as the Greco-Roman goddess and even some ancient Egyptian queens. And...it still did not stop there. Throughout art, throughout cultures and time, the Goddess built figure has never left. It has however been set to an ideal that, lets face it, is about as ideal as the measurements of a barbie. The reality is that our bodies, in all their fullness and glory, were the original works of art. The first image documented of human being is a woman with a beautiful belly, large breast, thick thighs, wide hips and a labia/vulva worth surrendering to (and many did). As I continue to embrace and dive into love for self, I recognize that the world exist in manufacture idealism were, let's be real, many of us will not achieve and that is okay. I strive to be healthy and that includes not just a healthy (as best as I can be) body but a healthy mindset that has me questioning is I am ever enough.
Take the time to marvel at your body. Now, if there is something you desire to change, make the changes if you desire (especially if health related). Throughout this journey in life, please love and cherish your body. Wear that two piece swimsuit, by those high waist pants with that bomb ass lace bodysuit to pair with it or just stand in the mirror nude and no that this is a glorified work out art. Remember, you are curvy, voluptuous, thicka than a snicker, full. Sis, you goddess built.
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