[artemavv]

I am generally uneasy with all kinds of anatomy illustrations, sections and slices. I associate them with something painful (such as surgeries and various diseases). They also remind me about body impermanence and imperfection. E.g. a single blood clot stuck in some unfortunate place can lead to severe disability or death. Or, a brain needs just 5 minutes without oxygen supply to have irreparable damage. And so on.

That being said, I am slowly overcoming this aversion and anxiety by studying biology in general: cytology, genetics, biochemistry, and related fields of science. I'm fascinated by intricate complexities of a cell, and amazed by wonders of what is possible by combining various atoms in various configurations.

This sense of wonder gradually permeates my overall attitude towards organs and tissues. For example, instead of seeing a liver as an unsettling meaty blob, I perceive it as a complex mechanism which is constantly working to keep me alive and safe from poisons and toxins. Looking at a drop of blood, I can think about red cells, leukocytes and thrombocytes instead of associating blood with pain and body damage.

In other words, I'm starting to view cells and organs as something that truly deserves some kind of glory and admiration. There is an easily perceived kind of beauty in flowers, animals, or mountains. And another, hidden kind of beauty in cells, organs, bodies. It needs some work to be uncovered and become accessible.