Autumn: Today we're diving into "Women Who Run With the Wolves" by Clarissa Pinkola Estés, a deep exploration of the powerful Wild Woman archetype hidden inside every woman's psyche. Autumn: Feeling disconnected? Many women feel cut off from their core instincts, their vitality. Society often encourages us to be 'tame' and predictable. Maybe you feel overly domesticated at home, ignore gut feelings about a project at work, silence your intuition to please others, or feel your creative spark fizzling under daily pressures. This disconnection causes a profound sense of loss, showing up as anxiety, creative blocks, or that nagging feeling something essential is missing when we try to fit into narrow boxes. Autumn: So how do we reconnect with this vital energy? Estés guides us through ancient folktales, maps to our inner wilderness. The core task is reclaiming forgotten parts of ourselves, like La Loba gathering scattered bones in the desert and singing them back to life. Think about it – what parts of you have been abandoned? Your creativity? Your assertiveness? Your ability to say 'no'? Start by gently acknowledging these lost pieces. Crucially, we must learn to trust our intuition again. It's our greatest protection. The Bluebeard tale isn't just about avoiding external predators; it's a stark warning against ignoring that inner knowing, that gut feeling that screams caution when our logical mind hesitates. When did you last silence that voice? Listening to it protects us from situations, and people, that diminish us. Then there's embracing the messy reality of life – the Life/Death/Life cycle, as Estés calls it, beautifully illustrated in the Skeleton Woman story. Real connection, real creativity, involves facing cycles of decay and rebirth, not just chasing perfection. When a project hits a snag or a relationship gets tough, resist running. These moments often hold the key to deeper understanding and resilience. It’s about finding your true 'pack,' too – those who see and celebrate your authentic self, not the tamed version. It’s permission to be fierce and fully alive. Autumn: Ready to try one thing today? Think about a situation this week – at work or home – where you felt a strong gut feeling, a clear 'yes' or 'no', but hesitated or ignored it. Just acknowledge that feeling. What was it trying to tell you? Recognizing that intuitive voice is the first step toward reclaiming your wild, authentic power. Until next time, stay curious.