“What we call a symbol is a term, a name, or even a picture that may be familiar in daily life, yet that possesses specific connotations in addition to its conventional and obvious meaning.” (Source: Jung, C. (1964). Man and His Symbols, (Ed.). New York, NY: Dell.)
I came across this definition the other day after seeing several references to images being used to describe health challenges by bloggers, tweeters, authors and fellow patients. Use of symbols, icons, or archetypes is deeply rooted into our human existence and I’ve noticed many patients rely heavily on images to develop a sense of personal understanding or acceptance of life as they see it. Some images are man-made and have meaning applied to them on behalf of what is collectively agreed upon. Others discover something on their own, that identifies or expresses what they need to say whether others ‘get it’ or not.
Take lupus, for example. We see wolves, butterflies, the color purple, or the advocacy wrist bands. Sometimes words are used to help solicit an image when read, such as “survivor”, “warrior”, “lupie”, and so on. Heck, even using social media for networking with other patients adds to the word list like Twitter “followers”, Facebook “friends” or “fans” and some sites use ranking terms such as “expert” or even “ninja”. This is very natural for us to do and we may not even realize it consciously, as in using something to remind us of future events. We automatically apply images while we doodle, decorate or through other more creative, right-brained endeavors.
Having used the super hero Wonder Woman (DC Comics ) for years, the obvious unrealistic physical dimensions aside, I recently reconsidered that image for myself lately and whether it still applies to me today. Things have changed since I began using her image to lighten up what I was experiencing with my lupus and daily life, in general.
Choosing an image that personally fits our perception of self is important, in order for it to be effective as a source of inspiration or expression. Keeping that image or symbol current, however, is just as important and revisiting the one(s) we use needs to be done periodically. As we all know, lupus isn’t a constant state of being—it’s a daily experience.
May is coming up quickly and that means it is time to get ready to host our annual MLWT Lupus Awareness Month event. Last year, we invited all of you to submit your thoughts on what lupus meant to you and/or your life. This year, we want to take that one step further and open it up beyond just words. After all, sometimes words just don’t cut it, right?
We invite you this year to explore the symbols you use in your life to represent, cope with, express to others or identify with in regards to lupus. Do you use the collective butterfly or do you have some other image that you feel represents your lupus more effectively? If you don’t have one symbol or image, we invite you to contribute a photo ‘portrait’ or visual representation in one shot that you feel tells your story, experience or perspective. Your garden, your pet, your latest craft or artwork, a scene from a trip, any culinary masterpiece or favorite food (i.e. chocolate? Why not?) You can find a couple of my examples here and on blog posts for the next two weeks before May 2nd to get you thinking about your own images.
If submitting portraits, we ask that you do not submit any photos that identify or show the faces of the subjects, due to legal and privacy issues.
The catch in the submissions, though, is to create them around the word “strength”. We are choosing this theme for two reasons:
1) How many times have we heard someone assure us that we don’t appear to be “sick” or that we look “fine”? Do we take a minute and realize just how much strength it takes within us to look that way to others, while our bodies are being ravaged by our own immune systems? Our guess is, “no.” We want to focus on that strength, which using symbols or images are often used for, that helps us recognize what it takes us to get through the day and honors us with some self-care. We spend a great deal of time caring for others, so May will be an opportunity to care a little for ourselves;
and
2) MLWT is not only about sharing with others who are living with health challenges, but also working towards sharing our lives with others who are not facing any current health challenges. This could be family, friends, employers and co-workers, teachers, neighbors, politicians and public servants. We at MLWT believe that the best way to advocate for lupus awareness is to live with it well and make it relevant to others, based on our strengths rather than any limitations.
Beginning today, take some time to re-evaluate your symbol(s) or create an image that helps define and express your life with lupus. It may be obvious, as Jung states in his definition, or more subtle. We envision examples of work including photos since we are focusing on imagery, but as I mentioned earlier, words can bring out images, too. If you aren’t inclined to submit any photos, don’t let that stop you from contributing something in writing. Favorite recipes, poetry or quotes, short stories (limit 1000 words), sharing of memories and lessons learned that represents an idea you use for your tomorrows.
Send us your submission by email (mylifeworkstoday@gmail.com) with your .jpg (common photo online format) and word document ( if written) attached. We simply ask that you honor the intent of this event by practicing some discretion, as we will not be responsible for content that is deemed offensive by some or do not observe all copyright and/or trademark laws.
All submissions are to:
- be your own, original work
- include your first name;
- any contact information, if you’re interested in hearing from others via emails, Twitter or Facebook
- include a little blurb sharing what your submission represents for you.
We reserve the right to refuse posting submissions if we do not believe they represent the mission of MLWT, the spirit of this event, or honors the safety of our community.
We are looking forward to another wonderful event and to learn more about making lupus visible, by expressing the uniqueness and strength of each one of us who lives with it.
