WHAT DOES LIBERATION FOR WOMEN LOOK LIKE?

"The rise of women to full partnership with men in the whole domain of human affairs is perhaps the single most important event in human history that is shifting the psychological makeup of the world's peoples."

-- Jean Houston

Hi Patrice,

March 8 marked the 100th anniversary of International Women's Day. It inspires hope to see a growing number of groups and events all over the world marking this day and affirming the path to equality.

When I reflect on this, though, I feel a need to discern what standards we are using to measure success in the changing role of women on the planet. In what ways are women seeking full participation in the masculine model by which society defines success? Does this best serve both the women and the world?

I want to be clear that I'm not judging anyone's career choice -- whatever we want to do is fine. It is just important that we know we have choice.

How actively are we identifying a feminine model for living? Are women showing up more strongly in authentic feminine energy? How do we know when this is happening? How can we encourage and promote this path? These are some of the questions I'm inspired to address.

Personally, I believe evolution is giving rise to the 'being' energy that will bring balance to the dominance of 'doing' energy now in full force on our beautiful planet. This path has captured my interest -- to understand and live the essence of women -- at heart. As it is a path we must travel inside ourselves before we bring it forth into the world, it is not easily seen but it's valid nonetheless.

A friend sent me these wise words from Eileen Caddy, one of the founders of Findhorn, and they speak clearly to me of the true path to freedom.

"You cannot hope to create peace and harmony in the world until you have found peace and harmony within. You have to start with yourself. You have to start in a small way and let it grow and expand. A mighty oak tree has its beginnings in a tiny acorn, and yet within that tiny acorn it contains everything. You contain the peace of the world within you, so why not let it grow and expand within until it no longer can be contained and bursts forth, bringing peace and harmony into the world? It starts within you, so be consciously aware of the vitally important part which you have to play to help bring peace and harmony into the world."

~ Patrice

P.S. If you'd like to see the tiny TV clip that brought me such terror and inspiration -- I wrote about it here, you can view it now at women at heart. It shows how far I've come in confidence that I'm inviting you to see it!

"In times of great crisis, why is it that a few run towards the cry to face it, while many simply flee? It is because of the meaning they find inside themselves."

-- Jalal al-Din Muhammad Rumi