Colonialism, Capitalism and Patriarchy

The divine feminine is a concept that has been gaining popularity in recent years, especially in the world of wellness and women's work. It is often used to describe the qualities of intuition, creativity, and connection that are often associated with the feminine. While the divine feminine is often associated with women, it is important to note that it is not limited to any one gender. Rather, it is a set of qualities that are present in all of us, regardless of our gender identity.

The divine feminine is often seen as a counter to the traditional masculine values of power, control, and aggression. It is a reminder that we are all connected and that we should nurture our intuition and creativity. The divine feminine can be a powerful force for good in the world, and it is something that we should all embrace.

The teachings of the divine feminine are deep and powerful, and they have a lot to teach us about history, politics, and our nature as human beings. 

These teachings have been impacted by patriarchy, capitalism, and colonialism. These three elements have had a profound impact on the way women work, live, and raise children. Women have traditionally been treated as second-class citizens within these systems.

Colonialism is the practice of one country taking control of another country. This practice has led to the subjugation of women in colonised countries, as they are often seen as inferior to men.

Patriarchy has marginalized women and squashed feminine teachings in many communities. For example, the Catholic Church suppressed the teachings of Mary Magdalene, who Jesus acknowledged as a great force of nature. In its original form, Christianity had a lot of divine feminine teachings, but these were lost as the patriarchy took over. The same thing happened in yoga, where the masculine teachings of the first two chapters of Patanjali's Yoga Sutras are emphasized over the feminine teachings of the third chapter. This is a broad problem that has nothing to do with any particular religion.

Capitalism is a system of economic exchange based on the accumulation of capital through trade and commerce. It is often contrasted with the divine feminine, which is a way of life that emphasizes cooperation, community, and the interconnectedness of all things. In the divine feminine, work is seen as a way to connect with others and to contribute to the greater good, rather than as a way to accumulate wealth. The capitalist model, particularly since the industrial revolution, has had a negative impact on the divine feminine, as it has led to increased individualism, competition, and materialism. However, there are ways to live in a capitalist society while still honoring the divine feminine, such as by practicing cooperation, community, and gratitude.

Here are some specific examples of how to live in a capitalist society while still honoring the divine feminine:

• Practice cooperation. Instead of competing with others, focus on working together to achieve common goals.
• Build community. Connect with others in your community and work together to create a more just and equitable society.
• Be grateful for what you have. Instead of always striving for more, appreciate the things you already have.
• Live simply. Reduce your consumption and focus on living a more sustainable lifestyle.
• Connect with nature. Spend time in nature and appreciate the beauty of the natural world.
• Practice compassion. Be kind to others and help those in need.
• Follow your intuition. Listen to your inner voice and let it guide you in your life.

When we feel empowered in our own bodies, learn about other cultures without appropriating them, and break down the barriers between us and others who are different from us, we are dismantling the colonial mindset. In terms of the patriarchy, we can engage the divine feminine by studying the teachings of the divine feminine and rewriting history to put women at the center. A great place to start is Chapter 3 of Patanjali's Yoga Sutras and the teachings of Mary Magdalene.

When it comes to capitalism, are there alternative ways of doing business? Are there ways of doing business that are more ethical, sustainable, and focused on fair exchange, rather than simply a drive for money at the expense of everything else and the loss of community engagement?

These are a few thoughts that have been on my mind lately. Some of this material was covered in the Patanjali Yoga Sutra training I'm currently conducting. I've been thinking about it a lot, and I wanted to share where I'm at in this process with you. There will undoubtedly be more to come. I hope you found this interesting, and I would love to hear your thoughts or feedback. I'm always open to conversation and dialogue. Thank you for being here with me in this space.

If you'd are interested in this topic you'll love the podcast I recorded recently with The Future is OM.  Find that HERE. 

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