Fear of the Feminine

For us, as women, much of the world we live in represents the masculine energy of our leaders, rulers, family members. At times it seems that the feminine energy, views, perspectives, connections are shrinking. Much of the work women leaders do, whether in government, business, community or families , is to bring that feminine energy to balance the world we live in. It is not about feminine being better then masculine, it is about balance in our world.

Several years ago , I was leading a women's leadership program in a very male domininated environment. Many of the women who had survived in the early days were very masculine in their leadership style. They were not bringing the diversity that was so very much needed. One of my dreams was to hold a forum for our women leaders , where emerging female leaders would come together as community. We accomplished this goal and the energy of the gathering was amazing, unprecedented and changed the organziation forever. At the second annual forum, we engaged a dynamic , spiritual woman who brought us her african american culture as a moderater. She created a song for us and brought music to our gathering that many in the group had never experienced. One of the profound learnings for me came during a song where she asked us to hold hands and experience the music as a community, even repeat the words she was sharing which were in an african dialect. I will always remember this experience with sadness. I looked around the room and realized how many women were uncomfortable taking each others hand. Our profession called for intense hours, work, and trust in each other and yet many were embarrassed to take anothers hand. Following the event the feedback was intense and polarized. Many women to this day will tell me it was one of the most profound experiences they had ever had. Others were livid. One leader told me that she "never wanted to attend an event where we would engage in female behavior. What if a man walked in? I learned in the process that as women we often submerge who we are. Many of us in the organization had become ashamed of things feminine. I remain convinced that regular connection with our feminine soul is essential for our well being as well as the well being of our planet.

MLBennett