ur bodies are very complex machines, and we address them as a dichotomy. First, we want to be assured that they are just like everyone else's body, and second, we want to be different in some special way. We want acceptance, and yet we want individuality.

There are several reasons why it is important for us to have an awareness of our body. First we want to be sure that we are "OK". We want assurance that we are "normal", or like the rest of the people (…of course, we would not complain if we were just a little bit "better" than the rest of the people, would we?). Breasts are thought of as a separate part of our body, and it is important that we be pleased with how they are developing (or have developed). We often find ourselves comparing parts of our body to someone else's body. We can become stressed when we realize that we are not a "carbon copy" of someone who's body we admire. To be aware of how you might expect to develop, read The Five Stages Of Breast Development.

Something else that we need to be aware of is what we do to our body every day. What we feed it, how we care for it, and making sure that we detect any illnesses or injuries are all important. Our breasts are influenced by what we eat, how we exercise, and whether we lose or gain weight, as well as other things that we do. When we wear clothes, we wear them for several reasons. We need to be sure that by doing so, we are helping our body, and not causing further harm. Read about The 'Purpose' Of The Bra, to see if you are aware of what that garment actually does (and does not) do for you.

After you read about "The 'Purpose' Of The Bra", if you have an interest in reading comments from women that have already taken the steps necessary to adjust their style of dressing, and have gained the benefits of reducing the amount that they wear a bra, take a look at Bra-Free. If you wish to add your commentary to that column, please feel free to send in your story. Send it to Ken at BreastCare@comcast.net . You will have full editorial control over how it is presented.