Reclaiming Reverence
What comes to mind when you think of the feminine in the world? Do you think "deep respect"? or "high esteem and regard"? Or even "appreciation"? These are all synonyms for reverence.Reverence is not often uses in conjunction with the feminine! But that's not all on men. A lot of us have internalized the sexism and bias the culture has towards women. We have come to believe that the attitudes about our gender are valid and real. Movies, advertisements, the behavior of our parents and families might have taught us that women are less valuable than men. There are separate standards for men and women- in behaviors from sexuality to aggression, value of work, share of voice and appearance. These standards are enforced by women and men alike. This internalized misogyny falls under a larger category of "internalized oppression"- where the oppressor literally gets in your head. Yes, often we've been so steeped in bias, it's now in us!
We come to believe the systems that keep us in limited power and decision making positions in the culture are valid. When this misogyny is internalized, it becomes self-hatred, and can result in depression, low self esteem, eating disorders or fracturing of female friendships and mentorship.
To reclaim self love, to find deep respect for the feminine, is a radical act.
And once you have that idea in your head, that you and all women are worthy of full appreciation, esteem and regard, you might set new kinds of boundaries on what is acceptable to you, and the world around you feels that and begins to shift.
“To reclaim self love, to find deep respect for the feminine, is a radical act.”
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Frequently asked
What is internalized misogyny?
It's when a woman absorbs the culture's bias against her own gender until she starts to believe it's true. It's a form of internalized oppression, where outside judgment becomes self-judgment.
How can internalized misogyny affect mental health?
Left unexamined, it can turn into self-hatred and contribute to depression, low self-esteem, eating disorders or strain on friendships between women.
What does reclaiming reverence for the feminine look like?
It starts with recognizing your own value and setting boundaries on what's acceptable to you, from yourself and from the world around you. As that respect grows, the people and systems around you feel the shift.
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Christine Mason
Founder & Author, Rosebud Woman
Christine Marie Mason is the founder and CEO of Rosebud Woman, a leading brand in women’s intimate wellness and self-care. She is the author of six books on embodiment, intimacy, and awakening, and the host of The Rose Woman podcast—ranked in the top 5% worldwide. A longtime yoga and consciousness teacher, Christine writes and speaks on women’s health, sexuality, and midlife vitality, helping people cultivate love, reverence, and radiant wellbeing in every stage of life.