The Egyptian myth of Isis and Osiris is a reminder to me that for all of human history, the notions of being torn apart and coming back together, of destruction and renewal, of endings and new beginnings are always with us. Osiris is killed by his rival Set, his body cut in pieces and scattered. Isis finds the parts and puts him back together so he can father a new race of gods.
One of the most powerful scenes in the classic film The Wizard of Oz, was when the Scarecrow is torn apart and lying on the ground. “They took my legs, and they threw them over there! And then they took my chest and threw it over there!” he says. And the Tin Man responds, “Well that’s you all over.” Of course, his friends put him back together to continue their quest.
Sometimes we all feel like we’re torn apart and scattered. And sometimes that process allows us to put ourselves back together in new ways. But wouldn’t it be nice to get re-newed, re-organized, re-juvenated without having to get torn apart?
Each time I explore a Feldenkrais Awareness Through Movement lesson, I am experiencing my “parts” and integrating them into a self-image that is constantly evolving. The author Jean Houston has said that it’s time for us to let go of old myths and begin to create a new mythology, for a new world. As we develop greater awareness and a deeper understanding of the universe contained within each of us, perhaps we will no longer need to tear ourselves apart in order to reorganize. We will simply lie down, sense the parts that need attention and put ourselves together in new and powerful ways.
Wishing you great learning in the new year.