by Dr. Joy Freeman D.C., Ph.D.(candidate)
Women,
do you feel you have a mission that goes beyond raising your
children and taking care of everyone else? Then it is time for you
to claim your authority, express who you are without censure and
give your unique gifts to the world.
For many
centuries woman have been sold a bill of goods regarding their
sexuality, strength and worth. We
have been pitted against each other rather than bonding together, which
has been a source of empowerment for woman throughout the ages. In
addition unrealistic standards set by the culture make it nearly
impossible for women to ever feel completely satisfied with who we are,
what we have, or what we do.
We are told it is right to take care of everyone and everything
else, leaving little left over for ourselves.
With all this, women have lost their voice and ability to stand
up, speak out and show their true colors. We have been willing to accept
less than we are worth in relationships, on the job, and in the life in
general. But those
days are seriously over.
When women
connect with other woman and especially when they are seen, accepted and
embraced expressing who they are in creative and meaningful ways, magic
happens. Expression via any
creative medium, ie. singing, dancing, writing, art, etc. has a profound
effect on the psyche. It
has the power to release stored and blocked emotions, free locked up
energy and bring a sense of meaning to our trials and tribulations.
Women have
sung, made rhythm, created art, and done rituals together for centuries.
All right brain creative acts. Our culture has swung so far over into
left brain consciousness, ie. productivity at all cost, materialism, high
value in appearance, etc., that we as women have swung into that left
place, right along with the rest of the culture.
And with that we have lost our strength, passion and power.
It is
absolutely crucial that we start getting back to our feminine roots.
Not in the sense of the feminist movement of the 70s, but in the
sense of truly embracing that which is the essential feminine.
I generalize it to say that what ever brings you more into your
right brain, or at least out of the left will support this process of
embracing the feminine. That
is why engaging in creative acts, regardless of your skill level by
worldly standards, is so important.
Also important are allowing yourself to truly have your feelings
without judgement, being able to cultivate the fine art of surrender,
letting go of control, and letting go of critical judgement of self and
others and connecting with nature. These are all acts
of embracing the feminine that not only serve to heal old wounds within
oneself and between others, but actually bring one to a state of
balance, harmony and strength. From
that state of balance you tap into your reservoir of creativity, self
nurturance, and wisdom, which gives you the strength to overcome your
fears. For it is your fears
and critical thinking that keep you from expressing your full voice in
your personal life and in the world.
Once you
allow yourself the ages old experience of bonding with other women such
that you are seen and embraced in your pain, as well as your joy;
your weakness as well as your strength; and your less than
worldly beauty as well as your magnificence,
a special door within your soul opens that makes it impossible to
remain hidden or silenced any more.
Through the creative process and support of other women you can
gain the strength to face and overcome your fears, speak your truth, and
express your unique gifts.
Joy Lynn
Freeman, D.C., Ph.D. (cand.), has been a pioneer in the healing arts
for over twenty
years as a natural physician,
speaker-facilitator, therapist, and life transition coach. She has
lectured and offered workshops and retreats nationwide and is a frequent
guest on radio shows. Joy is the author of the Book Express
Yourself: Discover Your Inner Truth, Creative Self and The
Courage To Let It Out, a companion music CD, Let It Shine,
a series of five yoga videos and Women as Leaders and Healers -
transformational retreats and workshops incorporating expressive arts,
ritual & nature.
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