I was inspired to write a tattoo blog after I read this post by Alive in the Fire. Everyone has an opinion about tattoos and it is often the subject of heavy debate. I myself get asked about my tattoo on the back of my neck all the time. Some people love tats, some hate it. Most like them but do not think it’s for them. I decided to compile a list of the questions I am asked as well as my answer to each. I do want to emphasize the question WHAT DOES MY TAT MEAN so I will address that one first!What does it mean?
“Let it go” has been a phrase that I have come to rely on pretty heavily in the past few years. It is a derivative of the phrase Let go and Let God and at a difficult time in my life, that phrase was my lifeline. Repeating that saying in my head as a sort of mantra helped bring things into perspective. It was a constant reminder that life is out of our control and rather than try to hold onto it harder – you have to just let go. Let the Devine forces help you. Let God do His thing. We make our lives so much harder for ourselves by trying to control the uncontrollable. Now I know the human mind likes to live in extremes so let me clarify – let it go does NOT mean not caring. Nor does it mean we should not work hard because everything is out of our control. We do have a certain level of ability to create the life we want. However, you reach a point where there is nothing more you can do. You cannot control the weather. You cannot control your coworkers/your family/other people’s reactions/etc etc. You CAN control how you react. That is the beauty of letting it go. Let go of trying to control what you cannot in order for you to focus your energies on what you can.
Why did you get a tattoo?
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| water lilies native to Brazil |
I got this tattoo because I wanted a reminder of where I was and how far I have come. I went from being an angry nonbeliever to an advocate of faith. We often times forget the progress we make on a day to day basis. Some people use the number on the scale to remind them of their weight loss. I used a tattoo.
How many tattoos do you have?
I have three. The one pictured above is the one on the back of my upper back and the flowers in the background are national Brasilian flowers, the water lilly. The other says “independent” in Japanese characters (located on my left pelvic region) to symbolize my graduation from basing my self-confidence on other people to realizing that the only approval I need is from myself. To be independent of opinions and live my life the way that makes me happy. My third is the OM symbol on my wrist.
Would you get more?
I definitely want at least one more – something on my foot. I am considering “I surrender…” in cursive but I am not sure yet. Will definitely keep you posted!
Why would you want something permanent on your body?
Tattoos aren’t for everybody. Some think it’s ugly and dirty (everyone is entitled to their opinion!) Some people claim they have nothing significant enough to put on their body. Others cringe at such a “permanent” act. However, my PERSONAL opinion is that life is NOT permanent. We live a life that everyone finds way too short, and then we die. Depending on your belief, you are reincarnated to another body or you go to Heaven/Hell. Either way, this body is fleeting, like everything else in this world. In essence, my physical body is just an impermanent representation of my soul. So why not use this beautiful canvas to illustrate some of the progress my soul has made in this lifetime?
Did it hurt?
Pain is all relative and everyone has a different tolerance for it. The way I would describe the sensation is it compares to as if something scratched your sunburned skin with a pencil. The area feels a bit tender for a day or so but after that it was no problem!
Any advice for those thinking of getting one?
If you are thinking of getting one of course I am all for it! I think tattoos are beautiful. I do have to warn you though – not everyone thinks the same way. I have come across some very judgmental people and many in the professional world frown upon them. So if you are in a career where you have to make good impressions, I would advise you to get a tattoo you can hide. Also, be sure to get it done somewhere you trust! Clean is key! OH and one more thing- make sure you really like what you are going to get. I hear tattoo removals are extremely more painful!
What about you? What do you think of tattoos?
Namaste.
March 9th, 2011 at 11:56 pm
I love tattoos!!!! Your one on your back is beautiful, with a beautiful meaning:) I have six, and want five more….yes they are also WAY addictive:) I find things that have meaning to me, and something that will be special every time I look at them. My next tattoos will have meaning towards my journey to peacefulness, and enlightment. Thank you for sharing,Love and Hugs,NamasteTerra
March 10th, 2011 at 1:55 am
At first I thought the flowers were bones, like a skeletal view of the pelvis!I don't have any tattoos, but I'm a HUGE Disney dork, and I've always envisioned getting a yin/yang Mickey head, probably on my foot, because, as a yogi, that's a body part that's almost always exposed! But I think it would be cool to combine my two totally unrelated obsessions–Eastern thought and Western consumerism. Now that's yin and yang.
March 10th, 2011 at 12:14 pm
So agree with your post! I got a tattoo (and posted it on my blog) about my personal tat because I honestly never thought I would get one. I'm so glad I did because I love the story behind everyone's personal choice. Great post hun! xo
March 10th, 2011 at 9:37 pm
Great post, and I love your tattoo! I don't have any tattoos yet, but like you I am dying for an Om tattoo to remind me of how far I've come. They can be such a beautiful representation of something you treasure.
March 11th, 2011 at 1:11 am
Wonderful insight into tattooing! I finally got one about 3 years ago. I had to be sure of what I wanted and find someone who could do it. I also believe in putting them where the aren't visible only because there's always a chance I'll have to wear a formal and I don't like the look of tattoos in formal wear. Just my opinion. I do love good tattoos though! I want to do it again, but haven't decided on where or what yet. My first one is on my lower back.
March 15th, 2011 at 10:11 pm
You should get in touch with @yoga_bird on twitter and http://yogiinterrupted.com/ – she does a regular feature called Tattuesday – maybe you could be one of her featured yoginis with a tattoo! Her blog is pretty cool – so you should check it out.
April 10th, 2011 at 5:26 pm
I dont have any, have contemplated it on more than one occasion but I'll admit…I'm a wimp when it comes to pain, needles, etc…plus not sure exactly what I want at this point. I do have a few thoughts floating around in my head, so the day I do decide to get one, I'll blog it
April 25th, 2011 at 12:52 am
You should get in touch with @yoga_bird on twitter and http://yogiinterrupted.com/ – she does a regular feature called Tattuesday – maybe you could be one of her featured yoginis with a tattoo! Her blog is pretty cool – so you should check it out.
April 25th, 2011 at 12:52 am
Wonderful insight into tattooing! I finally got one about 3 years ago. I had to be sure of what I wanted and find someone who could do it. I also believe in putting them where the aren't visible only because there's always a chance I'll have to wear a formal and I don't like the look of tattoos in formal wear. Just my opinion. I do love good tattoos though! I want to do it again, but haven't decided on where or what yet. My first one is on my lower back.
August 25th, 2011 at 7:20 pm
I have "pranayama" written in the inside of my right wrist. As a reminder of the breathing that I save myself with every second of every day.