Parvati

I plunge my hands into the riverbed where the water widens and stagnates, adorning itself with lily pads. I watch the earth dissolve in the pristine water, a few colorful fish swimming beneath the surface as I rub off the mud cakes on my wrists. I could probably use a deeper washing. I take off my jacket and my dirt-soiled shirt, hastily remove my breeches. Naked, I make my way through the stream, shivering despite the sweltering heat. I move slowly to keep from slipping on the mossy stones, until the water laps against my navel. I stay there, motionless. Thoughtfully gazing at my reflection. Suddenly, I feel a hand on my cheek. I straighten up and find myself face to face with a uniquely beautiful woman. No, not a woman. An Eidolon.

She watches me with a kind gaze, a soft warmth radiating from her hand to my cheek. And through this contact, a thousand images are projected in my mind. She and her husband Shiva embracing. Their essences joining, mingling. Then suddenly, as the lotus flowers begin to open around us, I come to understand that every being is ultimately a blend of feminine and masculine... Parvati encourages me to observe my reflection again. And now I see that it doesn't define me. It's part of me, it belongs to me. It's my playground, and I'm free to do whatever I like with it. The body is not a prison, but a canvas. I see myself smiling, then explore my eyes, my forehead, my shoulders that look a bit too wide to me. With the right tunic, I could soften them. With earrings, I could break the overly square lines of my jaw. Suddenly I am moved to tears, as a newfound sense of peace and excitement take root.