A new path...a new perspective
When you hear the phrase "Women's Movement," it conjures up thoughts ranging from bra-burning to male-bashing, glass ceilings to equal rights. Yes, the original movement that paved the way for women today has run the gamut in terms of strategies, ups and downs, steps forward and back.
Yet, through these and the many dramatic changes that have unfolded, we remain united, seeking one anothers company and support, reaching for the common thread that tethers us as sisters. The Women's Movement has evolved and now bears a new face and name. It beckons us from within, inviting us to acknowledge and celebrate our part in The Sacred Feminine.
For the past few years, I've had the privilege of working closely with women of all ages from every walk of life. My workshops are filled with a wide variety of fantastic females. But no matter how estranged we may initially feel, once we begin to connect, our commonalities float to the surface and unite us in a very mystical and surreal way. By the end of a day or weekend spent together, one would think we were long lost friends who had come together for a reunion. I've begun to notice this scenario repeating itself - all over my life. In coffee shops, at networking meetings and even in lines at a shopping mall; women are eager to slow down and connect with other female energy for the purpose of rejuvenation, support, strength and healing.
Women are complex creatures. Within us, we house a mysterious combination of attributes and talents. We possess the power to create life, nurture, teach and lead from the heart. We're emotional, confident, sensitive and assertive beings. We're caring, giving, trusting and supportive. We long for a deep sense of connection with ourselves and the world - a longing that has recently intensified, given our current culture of speed and overachieving. Under these stresses and circumstances, we frequently lose sight of our potential and sometimes lose our sense of self in the process.
If you're a woman who is ready to take steps toward a more meaningful life, you're not alone. It seems we're all searching for something just beyond our reach. Unfortunately, we know all too well the results we get from seeking for answers on the outside. And many of us are simply not familiar or comfortable looking inside for help - possibly for fear of exposinig wounds and past hurts that have been carefully tucked away.
I believe the answers to all of life's most simple and complex questions reside within, flowing along on a current of energy that is made up of the accumulated wisdom of all women who have come before. The Sacred Feminine is that energy and tapping into it is the key to developing strengths and attributes that will bring about a deeper connection in all areas of your life.
Female Deities?
What are female deities and how can they help bring balance and meaning to my life?
In the Eastern Hindu tradition you will find both male and female deities (gods and goddesses) who represent the masculine and feminine qualities inherent to us all. When I began my healing journey years ago, I researched the feminine characters of the Hindu pantheon and have since integrated them into my daily ritual for maintaining balance and wellness. Each individual deity represents a particular set of characteristics that when combined form the whole or totality of every woman.
On my meditation alter, I have pictures of three of my favorite female goddesses. They are Saraswati, Lakshmi & Durga. These ladies are known as the feminine trinity in the Hindu tradition. But, you certainly don't have to be Hindu to tap into their energies and ask for their help in guiding you in this lifetime. As suggested in Deepak Chopra's book The Spontaneous Fulfillment of Desire, I have made it a practice to simply ask at the end of each meditation: "I ask my archetypes (Saraswati, Lakshmi & Durga) to express all of their attributes and energies through me, raise my vibration and help guide me in this life."
I specifically call upon Saraswati to help me understand the more complex concepts of the Universe so that I can teach these concepts in a creative fashion to others. Saraswati holds a guitar, book and mala in her hands. She is divine teacher - through the spoken word. She governs science and mysticism.
Lakshmi is standing on a lotus in a pond of milk. She has coins falling from her open hand. She is the goddess of abundance in all forms. I ask her to allow abundance and prosperity to flow into my life.
Durga is the protector as well as the destroyer. I ask her to help me break down the patterns that no longer serve me, protect me in the process and allow me to rebuild a new life that supports life and wellness.
Along with this practice, I also say particular mantras (long and short versions) with or without my mala (beads) that activate the feminine energy within me and allow me to reach my full potential in this life.
This is what the Sacred Feminine means to me and the more I participate in the celebration of the feminine spirit, the more infused my life becomes with the many gifts that continue to amaze and support me. I guess it's no surprise that my alternate path has lead me to my lifework with and for women.
It's difficult to articulate just how powerful a role the sacred feminine has played in my healing of M.S. and the variety of other wounds I sustained throughout my years. I've found a way to live in the world that taps into a network of feminine wisdom and power on the inside and on the outside. I no longer feel alone when facing any of the challenges life delivers. I feel that I'm being uplifted and protected by an energy that is beyond the limitations of my five senses.
I encourage you to actively participate in this celebration of women and tap into the never ending source of power within your female lineage. There has never been a better time to be a woman. Nurture yourself, take breaks in your life and explore your innate qualities and those of the other wonderful women in your life. Join me for an upcoming workshop where we will explore this idea of the Sacred Feminine in depth.
Until then...Be Well,
Cassie
