‘It is as if, he thought, the mist represents my life outside of here and now, and that anything else is still “out there”, to be discovered, or not.’

-Julian Cheek

A year ago today I walked into Burgoyne Bay Provincial Park and stripped down to my most naked self. I found a clearing at the base of a mountain where two beautiful Gary oak trees had fallen.

It was as if they had once been a single tree intertwined in life, but some act of nature tore them apart and they fell to the ground. Forever separate. A tiny stream of water ran between the base of their trunks. Not a single root from either tree touched the other.

For me, the symbology in that moment was profound. I had recently separated from Mountain, my husband of over two decades. My best friend. The father of our children. The only man I knew I could spend the rest of my life with.

Today, I am reminiscing about not only that moment but my life in general. In just a few short hours our divorce will be finalized. That chapter of my life is complete and it is time to continue my rewilding path. Mountain and I spoke this morning. The tone of our conversation was sad yet kind. Although I feel a heaviness in my heart I also feel excitement in my soul.

I have not physically been Mountain’s wife since September 28, 2017 but my soul has still been married to Mountain. The closure I need to move forward and embrace my freedom is just moments away. The mist that is visible on some of the images below represent the tears I have cried.

The trees represent my separation from Mountain. The moments of joy and laughter I experienced during this photo shoot represent my hope. The strength I see in my stance reminds me that I am my own foundation. I am strong. Capable. Resilient. And I am free.

As for Day 7 of the GetNaked With Joy Challenge… please share a photo or two that capture your favorite non sexual nude moment. These photos are some of my al time favorites and symbolic of this day.

May your day be filled with unadulterated bliss.

From my heart to yours,

Joy