Shells

      Shells are beautiful things - the diamonds of the sea. They come in all sizes and colors and house creatures and provide shelter. Some people collect them and others could not be interested even if passing one of rare beauty. The word shell is easily defined and yet we don't think of those that we see every day. Those shells are bodies. The shells, of course, come in all sizes and colors and descriptions. Some draw attention, some do not. On earth, people pay much attention to their shells visually or for visual attention or even respect, but they do not think of the shells as a house of protection.

      Of course we wouldn't say "How is your shell today" for we intertwine ourselves and we think of our body and spirit as one. They are companions so to speak, they work together and interact with each other, but in truth, the body is a shell - a necessary housing. Millions of dollars are spent on keeping the 'shell' in good conditon health wise and for cosmetic reasons. For the most part, there is not the respect that there should be for the body, and sometimes we go so far as to say that a person is 'body conscious'.

      We leave our shells at what you call death and it is only then that many become aware of what they really are and how very separated they are from the shell that they carried throughout life. The purpose of calling this to your attention is to be aware that the shell needs care beyond the feeding and cleaning aspect. It needs respect. So often we see the shells trying to communicate to the inividual within that something needs to be changed in their lifestyle, that problems lie ahead, but no one listens. Some do listen, but most do not. It is truly a partnership and the respect and caring goes both ways. Give yourself some quiet time. Perhaps you relate to yourself only as your shell, or your body, but there is so much more of you. Go inside your shell and see what is within.