We all possess feminine and masculine characteristics that help define our personality. According to sociological focus group research, most believe that the masculine side is released when you're working toward a goal or creating structure while femininity can be associated with honing creative energy, moving with the flow of life, and introspection.
These opposing energies are necessary to embody in order to feel like a complete person. Even though some men tend to lean towards masculine energy, embracing both sides help create a more authentic well-rounded identity. The same can be said about women who tend to naturally enjoy moving with the flow of life, but we also like being clear, directive, and progressive.
It's satisfying for all of us to have outlets for both our masculine and feminine tendencies. In our culture, though, masculine qualities — since they're often about progress and moving forward — tend to be "valued" more than feminine qualities. This creates a feeling of being off-balance, both individually and culturally.
If you're off-balance and looking to center yourself, according to MindBodyGreen.com, here are six practical ways you can get in touch with the femininity in yourself and in the world:
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1. Reflect.
Many of us are so busy that we rarely take time to listen to what's going on inside of us. If we're always acting extroverted, it creates a schism within; we lose touch with our deeper selves.
This can be easily modified. All you have to do is internally connect to who you are. An excellent way to do this is to start therapy. When you work with a therapist to explore your thoughts and feelings, you're essentially diving into your deeper, internal (feminine) side.
2. Go into nature.
Places can be characterized as either masculine or feminine, depending on their overarching characteristics. The feminine is life force energy. Places like the forest, jungle, parks and the ocean are abundant with natural feminine energy. Go there when you're feeling out of sync and in need of revitalization.
3. Get creative.
The feminine is the creative force. If you think about a woman's body, it is femininity expressed in human form, and our bodies are designed to create life.
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Creation can occur in many ways — artistic expression, writing, dance, painting, and dreaming up new ideas. Envision what you want to create. Anything that expresses your flow is considered feminine.
4. Hone your emotional expression.
While the masculine is defined by logic, the feminine is expressed through emotions. We all have emotional selves, but many of us haven't been taught how to understand our feelings.
If you're confused about your emotional process, don't worry; you can learn to be more attuned to yourself. You do this by listening to how you feel. As you get to know your feeling states, you'll automatically begin to feel more whole.
5. Value spontaneity and play.
Let's be honest, we don't value vacation, connection, downtime, or rest as much as we should! We're overworked (over-masculinized), and therefore don't often experience the spontaneous joys of life.
Too many of us wait until our next vacation to feel relaxed and playful again. Don't wait that long! You can have mini-vacations every day.
Prioritize time for relaxation. Read books, listen to music, do yoga, and simply enjoy the moment. When you get out of your overworked state, you'll feel more like yourself again.
6. Force yourself to transform.
Some of us think of the feminine as being quiet and rejuvenating, but that's only half the story. Feminine energy is bold as well — she is the force of transformation.
If things in your life are no longer working for you, it is the feminine energy that surges to make a change. This can be dramatic! Destruction comes before creation; we must say goodbye to the old to welcome the new.
While this process of transformation can feel unruly and scary at times, it is necessary. After all, we're changing all the time. Without the powerful movement of feminine energy, both soothing and unnerving, we would remain stagnant. And nobody wants that.
It's easy to lose touch with your feminine side, but as you can see, it's a necessary aspect of who you are. If you feel burned out, overworked, fragmented, or exhausted, you're in desperate need of feminine energy to restore, inspire, and enliven you. Implement these practices, and the feminine will bring you back to life.
Jasmine Browley holds an MA in journalism from Columbia College Chicago, and has contributed to Ebony, Jet and MADE Magazine among others. So, clearly, she knows some stuff. Follow her digital journey @JasmineBrowley.
