We live in a world where these two principles have become either/or stereotypes. There is very little said about the fact that both are needed to achieve our highest creative potential.
The masculine traits that largely embody dominance, ambition, strength, logic, reason, action and protection are in sore need of some feminine traits to balance them. The feminine traits of wisdom, patience, intuition, creativity, flexibility, nurturance and self sacrifice could likewise use some masculine energy.
Patience and self sacrifice has contributed to the exploitation and oppression of women. Dominance and ambition has led to an endless cycle of war. We need a balance between cooperating and competing, between giving and taking. We need to think before we act. Why can’t we celebrate having both? As a woman I would like my wisdom to be accompanied by strength and action and I respect a man whose ambition is informed by flexibility and creativity.
One set of traits is not better than the other, they are meant to be used together. No matter our gender, we are all a mix of feminine and masculine traits. We are meant to nurture and develop our yin and yang. These balanced energies are the very definition of power. When out of balance however we experience inner struggle and our whole culture devolves into conflict. Why are we so reluctant to enjoy the best of both worlds?
Comments