09/04/2024
Our workshop on Saturday is drawing on Clarissa Pinkola Estée's book: ‘Women Who Run With the Wolves’. This is a powerful exploration of the feminine spirit. Through myth, fairy tales, and Jungian psychology, Estés encourages women to reconnect with their wild, instinctive nature and embark on a journey of self-discovery and empowerment.
The following lessons from the book were shared by a lady in my ‘Women Who Run With the Wolves’ fb group and I loved them so much, I share them with you here:
1. Embracing the Wild Woman Archetype:
This isn't about literally running with wolves, but reconnecting with your wild side – your instincts, creativity, and fierce independence. The book encourages you to shed societal expectations and reclaim your inner wildness. Imagine a powerful, untamed woman – that's the Wild Woman within.
2. The Importance of Intuition: Intuition is more than just a hunch. Estés teaches you to trust your gut feelings and inner knowing. This "creational knowing" can guide you through life's challenges and unlock your true potential. Learn to quiet the external noise and listen to the whispers of your intuition.
3. The Redemptive Power of Myth and Fairytales: These stories aren't just for children. Estés uses myths and fairytales as metaphors for the feminine experience. Analyzing these tales can reveal hidden messages about facing challenges, finding your voice, and staying true to yourself.
4. Healing from the Feminine Wounds: Society often presents limitations on what it means to be a woman. These limitations can leave wounds, like feeling silenced or judged. The book helps you identify these wounds and offers tools for healing, such as shadow work and self-compassion.
5. The Importance of the Female Community: Women are stronger together. Estés emphasizes the importance of fostering supportive relationships with other women. This "she-village" can provide encouragement, understanding, and a sense of belonging.
6. The Creative Life Force: Creativity is a birthright, not a privilege. The book encourages you to tap into your creative wellspring, whether it's through art, writing, music, or any form of self-expression. Unleashing your creativity allows you to connect with your authentic self and leave your mark on the world.
7. Shadow Work and Facing Darkness: We all have a shadow – those hidden parts of ourselves, both positive and negative. The book guides you through shadow work – acknowledging and integrating your shadow.
This can be uncomfortable, but it's necessary for personal growth and becoming a more whole person.
8. The Cyclical Nature of Life: Life isn't linear; it's cyclical. There are times of growth, decline, and renewal. Estés teaches you to accept these cycles with grace. Learn to celebrate the highs, navigate the lows, and trust that there's always a new beginning around the corner.
9. The Power of Ritual and Ceremony: Rituals and ceremonies are intentional acts that mark life's transitions and connect us to something larger than ourselves. Creating personal rituals, big or small, can bring meaning and purpose to your life. It can be something as simple as journaling every new moon or having a special tea ceremony on birthdays.
10. The Wild Woman's Journey is Yours: Estés doesn't prescribe a one-size-fits-all path. The book empowers you to claim your own wildness and live an authentic life that aligns with your values and desires. There's no destination, just a unique journey of self-discovery for each woman.
If you haven’t read, it’s a ‘must read’!
