A Woman's Spirit and Wisdom

 

"Be yourself, everyone else is already taken" -Oscar Wilde

Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate, it is that we are powerful beyond measure.

We ask ourselves, "Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous?" Actually, who are you not to be?

There's nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won't feel insecure around you. As we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fears, our presence automatically liberates others. -A Return to Love, by Marianne Williamson

 

Reflections on the Principles of "A Course in Miracles," Canyon Ranch, Tucson, Arizona

While at Canyon Ranch just recently, I attended Julie's "Women's Wisdom & Spirituality" workshop. I took alot away from her presentation, but particularly her discussions on healing and liberation resonated with me. As she spoke, I wrote down her words. And now as I write, I'll add mine.

Women have 6 divine female qualities:

1. We are gatherers- We gather and grow the pieces that make family and community and we keep those pieces together to the best of our ability, for as long as we live.

2. We listen to hear- Women hear words last. First we hear energy, intention and body language. Then our rational mind (brain) sorts through what our primal instincts (heart & gut) tell us.

3. We are the earth- We ground all and keep it contained with peace, patience and power.

4. We are compassion- We are caregivers, nurturers and healers moving through life with open hearts and minds.

5. We are strong- Our strengths are limitless, even at our weakest moments we seem to rise above.

6. We are the givers of life- We perform miracles.

Just writing this in my own words is empowering me...

Julie also talked about healing.

I believe that most of us have wounds that need healing. It could be a painful recurring childhood memory; a current day, ongoing dilemma; or a bright future that has for some reason, been sadly changed forever. Whatever the damage, there are a series of sensible steps that can be followed in the healing process.

1. Start a women's group - When you speak your personal truth out loud, you can more easily let your story go.

2. Sort through your personal beliefs - Relax, you will become more of who you are... eventually. Whether it is this month or next year, you will discover your true self and your beliefs.

3. Commit to heal - Your emotions need to be felt, so if you want to heal, you need to release them. Don't be afraid of red hot anger.

4. Respect your body - If your wounds are causing self-deprecation, stop comparing yourself and your body to anyone else. Consider your body sacred.

5. Welcome your innate wisdom whenever it comes - Mine came at 50; kinda late I thought, I was in transition for a long time. But when it came, I knew what I was ready to let go of, and to let in. That is true liberation.

6. Practice forgiveness - Holding onto resentment is debilitating and it attracts disease. And if you are still fighting off a certain individual's resentment towards you, or you are resentful yourself, know this is a transitional period and wisdom and liberation will come.

7. Be present - To be fully present you not only have to let go of the past; you also have to stop worrying about the future. To be present, is to be in the NOW.

8. Be more than a witness - If you truly behold your surroundings, you will naturally cultivate a compassionate heart.

9. Live the change - Think globally, act locally. Self healing is also planetary healing. When you heal yourself, you may even heal your whole ancestral line.

When I want to be done with something, I physically brush the invisible thing off my shoulders and it actually helps me feel rid of it.

Try it and see if it works for you.

I might even say good riddance to the thing out loud, as I brush it off. Leslie

Julie also cautioned over-using the word "depression". We all feel down from time to time, but perhaps we are just temporarily suffering from "dis-spiritness".

I'd also like to suggest you look into the book "Grandmother's Secrets: The Ancient Rituals and Healing Power of Belly Dancing", where the tale on Giving and Taking in the book, teaches us that only the rich can give, and every gift comes back to make you even richer. "Giving is the mother of receiving".

Heal yourself today, so you can give more of yourself tomorrow.