The Majesty of the Feminine

Some friends responded to the last post in such a way as to point out something which could easily be inferred that I in no way intended.

The idea that being the muse means the feminine is passive, or weak, or just standing around expecting to be admired is most definitely not what I'm pursuing or even considered possible. Indeed, this is just the opposite of what I picture my goal to be.

I chose the Lioness as the energetic feel that I would aspire to because the Lioness is a great and powerful being. She does not sit around waiting for the lion to fawn over her, nor does she expect that the lion will sing sonnets to her simply because she's a female. She is in no way passive, or retiring, or a wilting flower waiting to be rescued. The Lioness is no damsel in distress, and any lion who tries to make her into one so that he can play the part of the hero will get his head taken off at the shoulders.

No. The Lioness is magnificent, in her own right.

She is powerful and strong.  

She is caring and nurturing.

She will not hesitate to put the lion in his place when he needs it.

But most of all, she is his Partner, and he is hers. It is only by working together that they have the possibility of reaching their potential as individuals. This is the part so often overlooked.

In fact, I believe that in order for the Feminine to truly BE inspirational, she MUST be powerful. She has to be all that she is capable of being. She has to know who she is, what she will and will not tolerate, and yet be willing to push herself even further. At the same time, she has to know that the lion is not a Lioness with more hair. He thinks differently, sees the world differently, has different priorities and goals, and that's ok. She knows this, and accepts him for who he is, without blaming him for being a lion. A lion genuinely worthy of her greatness will be inspired by it and become great himself, not seek to tear down or wimpify her. The Lioness will accept nothing less.

That combination is a tall order, but that's my goal. That's the entire point of this journey.

- Lioness (in training)