Lesson:
10

The Gathering of Women

Did you know that women’s circles have been a powerful practice throughout history? These circles have offered a safe haven for women to gather and share their stories, emotions, and experiences. In today’s world, where we are all so busy and disconnected, women’s circles are more crucial than ever before. They provided a space for women to connect on a deep level and feel a sense of community and belonging that we so desperately need. One of the most amazing benefits of women’s circles is the potential for a shift in personal narrative. By sharing our struggles and triumphs, we can connect with each other and find support on our journeys.

This connection and sense of belonging can have a transformative impact on all areas of life. Women’s circles can also provide a sense of empowerment and agency, helping us tap into our inner strength and resilience. From a psychological perspective, women’s circles are beneficial for those who have experienced trauma or struggle with mental health issues.
The Sakta tradition, which honors the feminine principle, recognizes the importance of community and connection, and women’s circles are seen as a way to access the power of the Divine Feminine and connect with the energy of creation and transformation. Plus, from a Jungian perspective, women’s circles can provide access to the collective unconscious and tap into the archetypal energies of the feminine, offering a deeper sense of meaning and purpose in life. Women’s circles are a valuable tool for personal growth, mental health, and community-building.

Reflect:
In a world that often isolates us, what’s a simple, tangible step you can take today to find or build a deeper sense of community?
References:
Holt-Lunstad, J., Smith, T. B., & Layton, J. B. (2010). Social relationships and mortality risk: A meta-analytic review. PLoS medicine, 7(7), e1000316, Stromwall, L. K., & janson, P. O. (2015). The circle way as a method for enhancing women’s empowerment in health-promoting settings. Global health action, 8(1), 29522 Steger, M. F., Kashdan, T. B., & Gishi, S. (2008). Being good by doing good: Daily eudaimonic activity and well-being, Journal of Research in Personality, 42(1), 22-42 Tangney, J. P., Baumeister, R. F., & Boone, A. L. (2004). High self-control predicts good adjustment, less pathology, better grades, and interpersonal success, Journal of personality, 72(2), 271-324