And Now for the Boys...

'Men shouldn't have to bear the burden of our remembrance. It's not their function to remind us we are goddesses. It's our function to remember it and then reveal it to the world. When we remember, they will too. The light will be dazzling.'- Marianne Williamson, "A Woman's Worth"

So, where does our lack of self-love leave the 'other half'? I have the privilege of knowing, and counting as my friend many good men. More than a few great men, even. But I fear for my son, and grandsons that the generations to come will miss out on the deep loving union that is built between best-friend lovers. I just need to state for the record that we, my sisters, have set the bar. We cannot expect men to respect us and treat us with honor when we do not do that for ourselves. Sex sells, and we are the most fanatical consumers. Of course we want to feel attractive and beautiful, but we are paying far too high a price, and we are left feeling less than satisfied by our purchase. Talk about 'buyer's remorse'. 

Now, if you just so happen to be a man, please don't feel excluded from this discussion. We do rely on your strength and protection. The love and devotion of a man is a most uplifting source of validation. Btw, a woman who has connected with her inner goddess will 'rock your world'. If you aren't currently in a relationship with a woman, then raise your consciousness for your daughter, your sister, your mother. We are in this together, and together, we will change the world. One goddess at a time.

Sshh, Listen. Your Inner Goddess is Talking

I've been reading a wonderful book by  Marianne Williamson, A Woman's Worth, that speaks directly to so many of the ideals that I fiercely desire: A new woman is burgeoning forth. She is allowed to feel good about herself. She is allowed to not only want, but to expect the best for herself. The deep love she has found within allows her to love and nurture everyone around her. So, I am so into this book. The profound and progressive thoughts put forth on every page prompt some very ardent head-nodding, frequent wistful, "I know, right?", and many a downright pious, "Amen, sister!" Williamson is a woman who has connected with her inner Goddess, and inspires me to get closer to mine.

I'm not sure what prompted me to look at the copyright date, but I was truly dismayed to find that this book is 20 years old!... Come on, ladies! How on earth, in the past 20 years, have we gone so far in the wrong direction? Girls today idolize women like Snookie and Kim Kardashian, who cannot see that for their every fear and insecurity, they are being exploited.  -Now, here is where I want to be careful about lingering up on a soap box. We are all intelligent women who know in our hearts what is good for us and what is toxic. Instead, I invite you to build your own platform.

Find a young woman who is mired in self-doubt. Share with her what you know about true beauty. Chances are, she will be a bit more than skeptical. Encourage her to pay attention for a short while, be still, and observe how she feels at any given moment. Which words, actions, t.v. shows, songs, or movies make her feel good about herself? Which ones leave her feeling less than, or not good enough? In the stillness, we hear our inner goddess speaking, and the sooner we all learn to listen to her, the better.

We are Still Women???

I am a beautiful, strong, and decisive woman. Well, ...I'm working on it. Aren't we all? I want to help you, and I know that you can help me. Let's start by dismissing the following notions: -That we have no value to society unless we are sexually desirable, -that only women under the age of 29 can be seductive, -that we must be perfect mothers, employees, partners, and lovers, and finally, for God's sake! -that we are in direct competition with each other for any element of success or happiness.

Let's turn our backs on those toxic norms. We can drown out the un-enlightened. We will no longer hear them over the roar of our collective affirmation, "I love and respect myself, and I am not giving you one second of my attention, or a dime out of my pocket  unless you do the same!" I demand that for myself, my mother, sisters, daughters, friends, and grand-daughters. I demand that for you.

We are still women. There is a seed of the goddess within you. It may have too long been buried too deeply to sprout, but we will clear the debris from the fertile soil and the Divine Spirit within will flourish. We will be impervious to the constant assault on our self-esteem, even if it comes from our own thoughts.

We are still women. " You must learn to be still in the midst of activity and to be vibrantly alive in repose." Indira Gandhi. Yes, there are goddesses among us. Women who have overcome pain and obstacles, who have sojourned through their years hungrily searching for and stockpiling every moment of truth. You may be one of them. Can you be still, quiet your mind, and let your heart speak it's deepest desires? However brightly your light shines from within you, I invite you to shine here. Please share your struggles and triumphs. You are a gift and you are treasured here. I look forward to learning and growing with you.