Respecting the Vessel
One of the main tenants of Circus Pagan is respecting your vessel. We are given one earthly vessel, and just as we respect the earth, we must respect the vessel bestowed upon us. This can look like getting proper nutrition, allowing ourselves enough rest, and/or going on an Artist Date (shout out to Rachel Strickland for introducing this concept to me, and shout out to Julia Cameron’s The Artist’s Way for this concept). To clarify, there is no bar on self-expression with the vessel. Gender affirming care (taking gender affirming hormones, gender affirming surgeries, receiving other gender affirming care), dying hair, tattoos, piercings etc. are self expression and you should be in a vessel than makes you happy with whatever accoutrements you want.
If you are practicing Circus Pagan, it’s likely you were already doing some kind of circus art. Circus artists (and hobbyists, or however else you identify) are notorious for over training, which is not respecting your vessel. Often we have to push past our limits for a job, which is not a sustainable way to live. Circus Pagan calls upon you to respect your vessel and give it the fuel it deserves. You don’t have to be perfect at this, you just have to try.
Form of self harm are certainly disrespecting the vessel. Self harm can look like the more common forms that are prominent among teens, but it can also look like malnutrition, over training, and disregarding warning signs from your body. Life is about finding balance. This is something we will practice the entire time we are on this plane of existence. Do your best to get proper protein, allow yourself proper recovery time, and know when to sit down and observe rather than pushing yourself through a class when your vessel isn’t feeling it.
This is just a small piece of our practice. A bit of framework. Each person will have different needs, different ways of recovery. The key is to learn yourself, set your boundaries, and keep your boundaries.
I invite you to explore the orchard, pick the fruit, and enjoy the spoils of your journey.
