this is my body, and my voice

guest post by Farial Eliza Nazari

Last spring, I took part in a regenerative cohort of women and artists to embark on a journey that I had no idea would take me to the heights that it would.

I shared a glimpse of this on my Instagram, but I wanted to take a moment to highlight parts of this experience that have lingered in my being since then.

This is my body (TIMB) was and is so much more than an artistic collective. It was sisterhood, acceptance, vulnerability, new beginnings and rebirth in one bundle. I only have beautiful things to recount of my time working and performing with this community. I think the coolest part was how I got a very unique lens of the growth that each of us went through in this program. I watched myself as I worked through multitudes, and it was so inspiring witnessing each artist go through their own hero’s journey in the process. To have shared that space with them is such a blessing, as I am constantly recounting notes and advice, ideas, and support that we shared. I don’t think any of us realize the ongoing affect that this experience has lent us.

Performing “Hawa”

I am also forever indebted to our facilitators, Odelia and Vina. They consistently showed up with wonder, in patience, with deep intention sewn into every activity and message they prepared for us. They made what would be a nerve-racking experience into a safe, comfortable place that still urged us away from our comfort zones. That type of craft takes practice, and an open heart and mind. They truly met each of us where we were, helped us feel the warmth of the light of our own potential, and gave us the tools to nurture it. They aided in our autonomy and really gave us the stage and microphone in our pursuit of love and comfort within our own mind, body, and spirit.

One of the biggest takeaways of this experience is that there is no “right way” to tell a story. They provided a skeleton, but we built the body in accordance to our truth. Every tool they provided and peer reflection was to ensure we felt proud of our work, and that we could show up in this work as our most authentic self. I watched every one of us take the prompt and apply it in an incredible range of works: from love letters to past version of selves, odes to family members, and just making sense of the roots they are growing from. An exceptionally sacred and individualized process.

In a time in my life where I did not feel strong or brave, where I had to take the biggest risks I could have, I found myself being nurtured by a group of the warmest souls. Each person took the time to get to know each other individually and as a collective, and we all made the space to learn about everyone’s story. To be seen in a golden hue and rooted in valleys so green is a virtue I will always carry with me. Our individual bodies became a collective heart and the spirit of this will forever live on within us and our work. I know for myself it was the phosphorus of the match that relit my fire in this life.

Find out more about ‘this is my body’ and how you can participate here.