Cutting Through Ingrained Perspectives

Without much mental energy, what pops into your mind at the mention of “self-mutilation”? Based on the social taboo correlated to the topic, I am assuming that that puppies, dandelions, and unicorns did not dance into your stream of thoughts.

Self-mutilation is loosely defined as the intentional, direct injuring of body tissue without suicidal intent. Let’s be honest, many people think of a black haired teenager (with the swoop of hair over the eyes) cutting his arms. While this is no joking matter, I’m interested in digging deeper (no pun intended) into the nature of self-mutilation. As much as we cringe at the thought of it, I’m willing to assume that almost everyone self-mutilates is some fashion. The only difference is the varying perceptions of what it means.

In some cultures, men and women insert lip plates to express pride and identity. They walk across beds of hot embers and coals as a form of religious ceremony. There are also certain tribes that sit in hot, sauna-like rooms for extensive periods of time to "cleanse the spirit". Do they consider these acts to be forms of self-mutilation? Most likely not; however, some people immediately consider these act to be masochistic.

When we broaden our vision, we see that in other cultures, people get body piercings and tattoos. They drink until oblivion, do meth, smoke cigarettes, and consume toxic foods. There are athletes that train through unparalleled amounts of pains and injuries, and people that work tirelessly to make ends meet. Would these be considered self-mutilating behaviors? To some, yes. To others, not so much.

The point of this is not to deliberate on true nature of self-mutilation--I’m sure we have our own opinions.

The point is to expand our minds. Too often we all cling to cemented ideas and feelings about the “the way things are”, “what things mean”, and “the way things should be”. When we re-shape our thoughts, dismiss our preconceived notions, and view things from new perspectives, the opportunity for growth, creativity, connection, and empathy arises. We naturally learn to dismiss judgment and have an open mind to philosophies and modes of thought.

So, I ask once again..What pops into your mind at the mention of "self mutilation?"