Let’s take a moment to recognize that for the purpose of this discussion, I’m focusing on binary definitions of “men” and “women.” Non-binary folx in general tend to be less hung up on fulfilling gender norms and are therefore already leading the charge of busting these constructs. This article is less for them, and more for those still operating within those structures.
This is the dawning of the Age of Aquarius… it’s more than just a song. There has been a lot of attention in the past few years especially of the rise of the Age of Women, and we’ve seen the evidence of that in numerous ways. #smashthepatriarchy #metoo #aoc #rbgnotorious
There is an important distinction, though, that needs to be expressed, underlined, bolded and italicized.
The Age of Women does not equate to the downfall of men.
Although it’s interesting that so many fear that women coming into their power will express it in the same ways men have historically: through intimidation, oppression, war-making and control. This is not the way of the woman. It is a reflection on those who hold that fear in how they view their own expression of power. But I digress.
The Age of Women does not mean that men are now second class or irrelevant.
Women bring balance. In the beginning that will mean some smashing needs to happen: through destruction comes new growth. I’m not talking about rioting and burning. That’s what many men take #smashthepatriarchy to mean, reflecting the way they have carried such evolution out, historically. “Smashing” in this case refers to tearing down laws, beliefs, gender roles, and other limiting boundaries that do not serve humanity’s highest good.
Women can do this without the aid of men. It’s possible, but it’s not ideal.
What we desire are men that are spiritually aware, that are not threatened by a woman in her power. We desire men who thrill in our evolution and celebrate our successes and our growth.
A Checklist
Many men do best with a to-do list, as do I, so here are some action items to get you started.
Be a valued part of this new age by:
- Exploring spirituality in its many forms. It doesn’t have to be within the confines of religion, in fact, spirituality transcends the limiting structures of most religions. Explore. See what resonates in positivity to you. Discard what does not.
- Learn about and work with your chakras. They’re like your FICO score: whether you’re using them or not, they’re affecting you.
- Be unafraid to connect with elements of yourself that you may have previously viewed as “feminine.” The old paradigms of gender roles are dissolving, and that’s a beautiful and healthy thing.
- Focus inward and look for fear and pain around your views on womanhood. Fear and pain and fear are information, drawing your attention to areas of dis-ease. What scares you about a woman in her power? What past relationships or encounters with women have caused you pain? How can you find healing for those experiences?
- When you see a woman in her power, feeling beautiful and strong, for example, expressing her opinions with confidence, acting in alignment with her passions and mission, lift her up with genuine recognition. Validate the glory that you are witnessing. Women can see through shallow compliments, especially a woman who values herself. We therefore deeply value genuine recognition of what we also value within ourselves. Additionally, it lets us know that you are alongside us in this journey which may seem scary and uncertain at times for us as we process and evolve.
- Hold space for the women in your life who are expanding themselves. Understand that her expansion will only leave you in the dust if you choose to lag behind.
There is no downside to being a woke man in the Age of Women. I don’t wish to speak for all of womanhood as a whole, as we are not a single-minded monolith, but for the most part, women in this Age don’t want to surpass men, we want men who stride alongside us in equality.
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