Archetypically and mythologically, women have had a role largely contained within the private sphere. As women have moved into new domains, particularly in the last one hundred years, one of the consequences has been a loss of an archetypical reference point. This change is described by Joseph Campbell who notes that “there are no models…
At the U.N., the health of the economy is often used as an indicator of the effectiveness of programs and social patterns. With money flying as the devious banner of success, social progress has effectively been reduced to a person’s ability to feed the monetary system. The ability of women and men to contribute powerfully…
A quilter carefully chooses fabrics of different colors and patterns to piece together in a variety of shapes in order to create something whole and cohesive. Historically quilts have been as expressive as they were practical. The patchwork told stories, and the final products created protection and warmth. In a similar way, religious pluralism involves…
Last year at CSW an Indian woman, Ms. Sai, from an organization called Swayam Shikshan Prayog reported on a project in which rural women were making and selling solar-powered lamps. A Moroccan woman listened in complete awe. During the Q&A she said that she is from a similarly patriarchal country and asked, “How do you…
As Big Ocean Women we define a mother as any woman who has the best interest of the rising generation at heart. Our friend, Karyn Denny, is a mother both to her own children and to her Navajo community in Farmington, New Mexico. The importance of family and motherhood is woven into her cultural identity.…
The womb is the first environment every human experiences. When we were carried by our mothers, their bodies were our shelter. And when they breathed, they imparted to us the breath of life. During pregnancy mother and child exist together in a liminal space where they are simultaneously one and two. This is an exalting…
Big Ocean returned to New York this year to participate in the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW). We had 21 delegates including Big Ocean Leadership, women who are new to Big Ocean, and friends from partnering organizations. Everyone of our delegates has stories brimming over her soul. Some of those are already on…
Last night I finished reading a memoir that left me reeling. I lay in bed for several hours afterward pondering my place in the world. I evaluated the way I spend my time, my abilities (or my perception of my abilities), my dreams, my circumstances, and I prayed solemn prayers for direction. My mind felt…