Embracing Strong

Michelangelo's David

Rome, Italy

Strolling through the piazza’ of Florence and Rome, Italy I gazed upon the marble sculptures of the great Masters. Oh, those ancient renditions of strong bodies, with strong attitudes that are forever frozen in splendid stonework. These masterpieces prompted me to ask, “What is strong?" What does embracing strong look and feel like? And what makes a person strong?

While seeking the answers to what defines strength, I’ve allowed the questions to linger in my mind during my travels. My own answer started to form as I examined areas in which I would like to feel stronger.

I’ve lived a few years in this body now, in this mind, with this soul. And I have always struggled with things like confidence, self-image, and opening up to others on a soul-level. I equate these qualities with a certain inner light, a super-power, and strength that I do not possess. So how do I attain these beautiful qualities? How do I make them STICK?

How do I channel the kind of strength that allows me to be the best version of Me?

Asking these questions is the start to embracing my own version of ‘Strong.” I offer the following poem inspired by my journey, and hope it touches you as you seek your own Strong.

In light and love,

Ella

_________________

Strong

A poem by Ella Whitfield

Rome, Italy

Strong... Discobolos cir 1857

London, England

In search of Strong…

What makes me feel

Like I can conquer it all?

Does it look like David in his defeat of

Goliath?

He faced fear and with keen awareness and

Overcame his enemy.

Could it be like Venus as she emerged

From the Sea, whole and complete in

Every way?

Enchantress of love and passion,

Duality personified.

Mary, Mother Divine, please come to me and

Share your wisdom.

What made you so Strong in the

eternity of your unimaginable Loss?

Strong…

Is it always Epic?

The Roman landscape passes by my window

As the train illuminates the earth

rooted in grace.

As I contemplate

And, appreciate my own

Strength.

Perhaps it is an epic and divine strength because

I am here,

In this moment.

Asking hard questions.

Allowing self-discovery.

Embracing my own Strong.