After today’s interview I found myself thinking about veils and as will happen at such times, I surfed the web. I know that for me, as well as for many western women, the veil has become a symbol of the repression of women’s rights and of sexual segregation. But this was clearly not always the case.

Exodus refers to the veil that Moses wore after being in the presence of God when receiving the Ten Commandments. Veils are used as coverings for sacred objects like the chalice used during communion. Historically in Persia (now Iran) only the noblest of women were allowed to wear them. Covering the face or head was also seen as a sign of respect or devotion for both of the sexes.

At times, the veil was worn as protection, whether against harsh climates or evil spirits.

So why, I wonder, has this iconic image become so negative in its context? Even the word veiled can convey something less than forthright, like a “veiled” threat.

Have we come to a point where the reflexive response to something hidden is that it represents evil, or dangerous, or something forbidden, like the sexuality uncovered in Salome’s dance of the seven veils?

In a life committed to self-exploration and self-discovery, I am constantly seeking those parts of me that, for one reason or another, may be hidden, either to myself or to others. The questions raised for me by today’s talk about veils, in the context of my belief that alignment and balance, begin with self awareness. I wondered what veils to I put on, at what times and why. Am I hiding, or am I protecting myself? Do I wish to entertain a notion of mystery, or privacy or sanctity? At this point I am at the stage of exploration, but I think in time that answers will begin to emerge, and I am eager to discover what they may be.

HOW DO YOU VEIL YOURSELF?

Practice: Write down a secret about yourself that you wouldn’t want to reveal to anyone else.

LISTEN TO THE PODCAST: http://podcast.wina.com/wina/1855416.mp3

You Tube video of Simin Behbahani: http://tinyurl.com/n8eefc

Faranzah Milani’s books, Veils and Words, Cup of Sin, and Remapping the Cultural Geography of Iran available at: http://www.syracuseuniversitypress.syr.edu/subject/iranian-studies.html

Joan Esposito is a remarkable woman–both for whom she is and what she had done with the Women’s Four Miler Training Program. If you have had the pleasure of meeting her or listening to her this is a self-evident truth.

After this interview, however, what kept resonating in my mind was her nickname – Big Pink. Sure it’s a great nickname (capturing a huge heart and dedication to women’s breast cancer) particularly in that Joan is of diminutive stature.

But what I thought about was the act of naming itself. Each of comes into this world with a name given to us by others, sometimes well meaning, sometimes misguided, but always of someone else’s choosing – a name given to connect us to relatives or to someone else’s dream for our future (or their unrealized past) or their idea of beauty or greatness.

So, I wondered, if on our journey of self-discovery and self-definition, each of us might not benefit from a new name? One we give to ourselves or we ask others to give us. One that defines not just who we were, or even who we are, but who we, or what, we aspire to be. 

If so, what name would you choose for yourself?

TIP OF THE WEEK: Take your first step with a partner, a friend, a coach.

LISTEN TO THE PODCAST: http://www.wina.com/play_window.php?audioType=Episode&audioId=3839421