Perhaps the biggest problem with the word "activism" is that it is typically so forward looking. Not that we can really separate working in the now from working for the future, but it is the things we do now that bring change in the future, like bringing awareness, feeding the hearts and the stomachs of others, honoring Mother Earth.
When it comes to these things, the English language is so limited. I'm not sure of the right word, either.
They really could! The more I learn about elephants the more enamored I am with them. Their brains are bigger than ours and I think we have a lot to learn from them.
And their matriarchal communities place such a high priority on compassion. Those who lack it do not become leaders, as it would threaten the whole. How incredible. <3
I have just been looking for matriarchal writers on substack because I feel there is so much to learn from matriarchal structures! Curious if you have found any writers you love on this topic?
oooh amazing find! subscribed! thank you for sharing. I am so curious about your friend's book as well. such a timely topic! I feel like many people are talking about matriarchy these days.
I agree, Bri! And here is what my writer friend Simone Spearman shared about the books that have influenced her on this topic, enjoy!
1) For a book looking at archeological evidence for matrilineal/matrifocal humans as far back as 7,000 BCE: “The Living Goddesses” by Marija Gimbutas.
2) For a history book documenting matrilineal/matrifocal humans around 500 BCE: “The Histories” by Herodotus (different versions of this book are online for free).
3) For a book looking at many humans fighting to retain matrilineal/matrifocal practices when patriarchy is fighting to take over: “The Amazons: Lives and Legends of Warrior Women across the Ancient World” by Adrienne Mayor.
4) For two books looking at modern matrilineal/matrifocal societies that are under attack by patriarchal neighbors: “The Old Way: A Story of the First People” by Elizabeth Marshall Thomas and “The Kingdom of Women: Life, Love and Death in China’s Hidden Mountains” by Choo Wai Hong.
My favorites are the last two, as these female authors actually lived with these groups, interviewed them, and shared a skeptical eye about how hard it is for them to survive with patriarchy surrounding them. Of course I loved the first three, but they are very “academic” and some folks might not have the patience for them…especially Herodotus!!! But he has some GEMS in that book!!!! 🥰
This resonates! I'm not a typical activist, but remembering, holding, steadying, that I do. Living in awareness. Steadying the line by holding to what is true.
Exactly. I think this is such an important and so often overlooked part of what it means to be a changemaker. I am struggling with the wording here because I think activism has such a strong (and angry) image associated with it, but there *has* to be a word for people who dream of a brighter future and move towards it when they can.
Perhaps the biggest problem with the word "activism" is that it is typically so forward looking. Not that we can really separate working in the now from working for the future, but it is the things we do now that bring change in the future, like bringing awareness, feeding the hearts and the stomachs of others, honoring Mother Earth.
When it comes to these things, the English language is so limited. I'm not sure of the right word, either.
You're so right. I wonder if we can invent a word for this. The language is frustratingly inadequate but there must be a way to express this.
Beautiful - love flipping idea of the agenda. And elephants - my thoughts drift back to Thailand where they are [mostly] respected.
I love this perspective! Have you visited Thailand and seen elephants there?
Yes lived there for four years. Turning point for me. Great animals. Can be so gentle for something so large.
That's amazing. Were there other cultural influences you carried with you? Have you written about it? would love to learn more about your experience.
Just finished something but not put it out there yet. May need work. See if I can send it to you.
Elephants could lead us all to the life we were meant for. I loved this! So appreciate you Bri!
They really could! The more I learn about elephants the more enamored I am with them. Their brains are bigger than ours and I think we have a lot to learn from them.
And their matriarchal communities place such a high priority on compassion. Those who lack it do not become leaders, as it would threaten the whole. How incredible. <3
I have just been looking for matriarchal writers on substack because I feel there is so much to learn from matriarchal structures! Curious if you have found any writers you love on this topic?
I have a friend who is writing a book about this, so I will tap her for ideas. In the interim, this person looks so compelling!!! https://lettersfromayoungmatriarch.substack.com/about
oooh amazing find! subscribed! thank you for sharing. I am so curious about your friend's book as well. such a timely topic! I feel like many people are talking about matriarchy these days.
I agree, Bri! And here is what my writer friend Simone Spearman shared about the books that have influenced her on this topic, enjoy!
1) For a book looking at archeological evidence for matrilineal/matrifocal humans as far back as 7,000 BCE: “The Living Goddesses” by Marija Gimbutas.
2) For a history book documenting matrilineal/matrifocal humans around 500 BCE: “The Histories” by Herodotus (different versions of this book are online for free).
3) For a book looking at many humans fighting to retain matrilineal/matrifocal practices when patriarchy is fighting to take over: “The Amazons: Lives and Legends of Warrior Women across the Ancient World” by Adrienne Mayor.
4) For two books looking at modern matrilineal/matrifocal societies that are under attack by patriarchal neighbors: “The Old Way: A Story of the First People” by Elizabeth Marshall Thomas and “The Kingdom of Women: Life, Love and Death in China’s Hidden Mountains” by Choo Wai Hong.
My favorites are the last two, as these female authors actually lived with these groups, interviewed them, and shared a skeptical eye about how hard it is for them to survive with patriarchy surrounding them. Of course I loved the first three, but they are very “academic” and some folks might not have the patience for them…especially Herodotus!!! But he has some GEMS in that book!!!! 🥰
This resonates! I'm not a typical activist, but remembering, holding, steadying, that I do. Living in awareness. Steadying the line by holding to what is true.
Exactly. I think this is such an important and so often overlooked part of what it means to be a changemaker. I am struggling with the wording here because I think activism has such a strong (and angry) image associated with it, but there *has* to be a word for people who dream of a brighter future and move towards it when they can.