I am not defined by memories any more

In Buddhism, one of the core teachings is the concept of suffering. This suffering can manifest in many forms, including through negative self-talk and a negative relationship with oneself, particularly with one’s own body. Many females struggle with accepting their bodies in today's society. And I am no different.

Childhood experiences can have a significant impact on the way we view ourselves as adults. Trauma can cause individuals to develop negative self-concepts and can lead to feelings of inadequacy, shame, guilt, and low self-esteem, all of which can affect the way we view our body and appearance and, generally speaking, live our life. When we believe negative things about ourselves, we become attached to those beliefs and identify with them.

I use the idea of distorted reflections of a naked body as a meaningful and powerful way to explore connection with childhood experiences which left emotional scars and affected relationships with my body and self-concept. Distorted body represents a sense of loss, fragmentation or disconnection of myself. These images help to convey the complexity of emotions related to my childhood. Through this process of exploration, I try to uncover the underlying reasons for any negative feelings I have towards myself. By examining memories of past experiences, it is possible to gain a new understanding of how they have shaped our self-image and relationship with our body.

Through this process of using distorted reflections of a naked body, I aimed to visually express the aspects and feelings of trauma that may be difficult to convey in words. The path to inner peace and happiness involves releasing attachments and focusing on the present moment. Through the concept of non-attachment, i develop a more positive relationship with myself, free from negative self-talk and beliefs. It is a lifelong journey, but with consistent practice, i can learn to love and accept my body.