{ MANIFESTING YOUR TRUE PURPOSE } { SHIFT+CONTROL }
FIGHTING THE OPPRESSION OF WOMEN’S VOICES BY LISA WAGNER
Over the past several years, women’s voices, both creatively and verbally, are becoming increasingly oppressed. We are feeling the fear of men who see us embracing our power and scrambling to keep their status quo intact. As Gary Zukav states, “All suffering is created by the greed for power.” Laws are being passed to snuff out any control we have over our lives and our bodies. Meanwhile, the laws for men who assault women remain fiercely inadequate. So, what is IS our calling in this arena that strives to quiet our voices? Use them! Use them loudly, lovingly and with deep conviction and passion. It can take practice and may not feel comfortable for many who are used to staying in the shadows quietly, behaving as we’ve been expected to for centuries. It’s what we’ve been taught. It is up to us to break that cycle. Art has been a beautiful way for me to navigate my emotional frustrations in a man’s world. I could create a painting that emotes the defeat I have so often felt. With my abstract acrylics, I was able to write my feelings on the canvas and cover them up with the colors it makes me see. Even if it’s just the underpainting. Without any hint as to what I was striving at, women are drawn to those pieces inexplicably (to them). When I explain the meaning or impetus behind it, they resonate on such a deep level. I’ve done the same with my mental health series. Inevitably, those affected by the disease are always pulled in by them before they even read the title. When we reach down deep into the 332
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feelings we emit when we are being oppressed or falling victim to sexism of all shapes, sizes and blatant overtures we can almost always relate to another time we were made to feel small and insignificant. That we need to “know our place.” This is an opportunity for us to discover our own strengths and voices. For victims of abuse, this takes incredible bravery to achieve. Yet, it inspires us to do the same. Their ripple is like a tidal wave we cannot ignore. We are being called to honor that and stand united. We are a force to be reckoned with. One of my favorite authors, Marianne Williamson speaks of this in her bestselling book, “A Woman’s Worth.” She so beautifully writes, “When a woman rises up in glory, her energy is magnetic, and her sense of possibility is contagious.” We each need to set the bar high so that all women feel of value. That their light has the ability to shine as brightly as any other living being. What is your form of creativity that can be a contributing part of women gaining and living in their powerful light? Maybe it’s writing, drawing, job creation, cooking, party planning, floral arrangements, etc? The possibilities and means are infinite. Ask yourself right here and now what you can do to help others stand proudly in their light without shame or trepidation? If you can’t think of something immediately, that’s okay. It just means you may have to dig deep to find the answer. I highly suggest having a journal handy to record your ideas, dreams and thoughts. This allows your heart and mind to connect to your spirit fully and to clear it for
more gems of information. There are messages inside of you about your calling to greatness. The Universe is continually conspiring to help you achieve your deepest desires, especially ones that fit your true calling. You are always being asked to shine! We all benefit from that loving ripple; even our oppressors. No one can deny your light when it is a beacon. Light will always defeat the darkness. It is your authentic power. In The Seat of the Soul, Gary Zukav says, “Humbleness, forgiveness, clarity and love are the dynamics of freedom. They are the foundations of authentic power.” Plus, this lovely nugget; “Authentic power is building something inside of you, which you cannot lose and that no one can take from you.” No one! Begin today by feeling into your voice and how best you can use it to be of service. As each of us lives in our glory, we create giant permission slip for all others who were insecure or made to feel worthless again and feel as perfect as God intended them to be. We all have that much power when used in the service of light and love. It breeds compassion, empathy and the loss of shame for those help captive by its cruel grasp. Our vulnerability in proudly standing up for what is right is true solidity. You are filled with that magnificence. There will be those who you repel. They aren’t ready for their own truth. That’s on them. Never let it deter you or believe that it’s personal. It never is. This is their own insecurity that makes them feel uncomfortable in your strong presence. They are being asked to rise
