Are Women Getting Centered or Empowered?

?“women who have been resilient, have overcome adversity, broken stereotypes, and shattered glass ceilings just to live a life that is full.”

Someone told me her story about time spent in Rome. She talked about how vibrant the old-world flavored city of Rome was and wished she could live there year-round. She wanted to be able to visit the Pantheon or the Colosseum anytime. To throw a penny into Trevi Fountain whenever she felt like. To be able to visit Sistine Chapel in Vatican City multiple times. And do all that within the hustle and bustle of modern life. I knew exactly what she meant because, having spent a week first bouncing and then trudging through Rome myself, I had felt the power of all she talked about. However, I never wished to make it my year-round home.

I know she had also visited Stonehenge in Salisbury but felt letdown by her perception of a bunch of stones. She let me in on this after I visited Stonehenge. I had raved about the power and connection I felt on my visit to such a hallowed land. In this scenario, I wished I could live there, one of the rare times I ever felt that way about a place I had visited.

The disparities in our perceptions and lived experiences prompted deep contemplation. In truth, I know women who live in Rome and do not feel anything but a deep longing for something more. They feel the world is leaving them behind and feel that the economic pressure of a slightly unstable economy is wearing on them.

I found myself reflecting on becoming centered versus getting empowered. I thought about people’s mindset on life and perspectives. I wondered if I could determine what was unpinning their desires. Hence the question: do I want personal growth or to make societal contributions or a blend of both?

How can I tell which it is? To feel left behind by the world is to yearn for more. Is that thirst for more based on a desire to be more connected to society beyond oneself? Is it hunger for a sense of empowerment that could transcend societal barriers and expectations? Or a longing to feel more connected to the land and people around.

Take this next scenario as an example. So many of us women have worked within economic sectors, certainly in bustling firms where we have navigated male-dominated environments with as much grace as we could rustle up. On occasion, we may feel that we were able to garner some success. Which makes us feel good about ourselves. Despite it all, do we not sometimes feel a yearning for a deeper understanding of ourselves and our world?

When I do feel those yearnings, I wish I could stroll through forest trails and hopefully stumble upon an ancient cottage tucked away beside a 600-year-old redwood Hyperion, with old musty books and coffee. Is that me wanting to find my axis so I feel centered?

Sometimes, I feel like there is a dormant energy that seems to bite at my soul for action. At those times, I know I wish for the wisdom of women from past eras and cultures. Just so I could have a conversation with them about how they did it and hopefully, see the magic of a heartfelt warm smile from them that says it is okay. “We know. We were here. We are still here. Because You are us.”

Are women hankering for a magical connection and to become centered, or is it a craving for empowerment? Exploring whether women seek empowerment, centeredness, or a combination of both is intriguing. Do you have insights? I am curious.

I do not think that I alone sense the change in energy. All around. Women all over are seeking truly deep connections with other women, their spirituality and planet Earth. They want stories from women who may have found their strength and purpose. Like me, they want to immerse themselves within the stories of such women. Women who have been resilient, have overcome adversity, broken stereotypes, and shattered glass ceilings just to live a life that is full.

So, like them, am I fascinated because those women inspire us to become empowered? Or do their stories allow us to find our center, to embark on our journey of self-discovery into what is possible?

I continue to question myself from time to time about the difference between feeling centered or empowered. Am I happy to just self-reflect on my life, gain more spiritual clarity, get into practicing more mindfulness, self-care, and meditation even as I grow into my authentic self with an amazing support circle of divine sisters?

Could it be that I and a host of us women are on a hunt for opportunities to gain knowledge so women can more meaningfully contribute to society? Is it all about having economic independence and equal opportunities? Are women looking for the courage, strength, and confidence to help annihilate all gender-based barriers?

Are women seeking centeredness or empowerment?

Written by Judi Snell

Originally published: https://northides.medium.com/

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