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qosThe most recent issue of Presence, the journal of Spiritual Directors International, has an article called "Masculine Spirituality: A Journey through The Lord of the Rings." LOTR has become very precious to me, and seeing its spirituality expressed solely in masculine terms sent a jolt of resentment through me. I haven't had the time yet to read the article, but ever since I saw the title I have been reflecting quite a bit about the topic of Men's and Women's spirituality -- what the differences are, how important/significant those differences are, and to what degree some of us may have started to limit ourselves by focusing on gendered spirituality.
Don't get me wrong: I think that the discovery and exploration of gender and spirituality is a fascinating and important development.
But I've been wondering recently what parts of Men's Spirituality would speak to me if I started exploring it. I have, after all, been called "masculine" in my thinking and attitudes on several occasions, by a diverse group of people. Some of Women's Spirituality is profoundly moving to me. Some of it, especially that around the body and physical rites of passage, leaves me cold.
Of course we all embody both the masculine and the feminine, and one aspect of the quest for wholeness, whether expressed in spiritual or purely psychological terms, is the integration of our masculine and feminine natures.
I'm too tired to think much more about this at the moment, but I am dearly hoping that the marvelous group of intelligent, spiritual, unconventional people who have chosen to Friend me are willing to dive in and comment on this topic. I really am curious to find out what you think about this.
Don't get me wrong: I think that the discovery and exploration of gender and spirituality is a fascinating and important development.
But I've been wondering recently what parts of Men's Spirituality would speak to me if I started exploring it. I have, after all, been called "masculine" in my thinking and attitudes on several occasions, by a diverse group of people. Some of Women's Spirituality is profoundly moving to me. Some of it, especially that around the body and physical rites of passage, leaves me cold.
Of course we all embody both the masculine and the feminine, and one aspect of the quest for wholeness, whether expressed in spiritual or purely psychological terms, is the integration of our masculine and feminine natures.
I'm too tired to think much more about this at the moment, but I am dearly hoping that the marvelous group of intelligent, spiritual, unconventional people who have chosen to Friend me are willing to dive in and comment on this topic. I really am curious to find out what you think about this.
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Re: A Real Hello.
Date: 2004-09-26 07:50 pm (UTC)Unfortunately, your comment was not private. My original entry was public, so anyone who reads my journal could read your comment. On the other hand, your comment was posted fairly late in the thread, and I don't know how many people go back and read an entry more than once, so it's entirely possible no one else will see it. If this makes you uncomfortable, you should go back and click the red X to delete your comment. I won't take offense.
I don't know anyone else in Lee's life, except a couple of people who regularly comment on his LJ. I had never heard of you, so I could not have guessed who you were. There are other things I could comment on, but since this is not private, I won't do that.
In any case, you are welcome, and I look forward to making your better acquaintance.