Where did you go?
Contrary to what the term "wild" might suggest, Clarissa Pinkola Estes, PhD, in her work Women Who Run With the Wolves, explains that a woman’s "wildish" nature actually refers to an inherent sense of integrity and the protection of healthy boundaries. This seems quite reasonable, doesn’t it?
However, from an early age, our wildish nature is often suppressed. As young girls, we surrendered our autonomy to the school bell, which dictated when we could play, eat, and even use the restroom. We were taught that being ladylike was a virtue and that deviating from the norm was discouraged. We internalized the idea that it was noble to prioritize others’ needs over our own well-being. Our creativity was buried beneath the burden of obligation, and we carried the societal shame associated with having a woman’s body.
Yet, it appears that at some point in every woman’s journey, her wildish essence stirs, beckoning her to seek out her true self. Now more than ever, the world requires women who are prepared to uphold their integrity and embrace their well-deserved wildish wisdom.
How to go wildish
Rewilding oneself doesn’t mean shedding all clothing, rolling in mud, and wandering about with leaves in your hair—not that there’s anything wrong with that! Rather, it involves shedding societal expectations that hinder your highest good and instead listening to your inner compass about who you are and how to live.
Not surprisingly, one of the best ways to embark on the journey back to your authentic self is by reconnecting with Mother Nature. Along with the physical benefits of being surrounded by greenery, immersing yourself in nature can empower you by helping you feel the interconnectedness of all things.
Signs your wildish side needs attention
You’re …
- afraid to reveal your true self
- afraid of showing imperfect work
- questioning your purpose
- feeling disconnected from a higher power
- bored, confused, exhausted, or apathetic
- lacking creativity or afraid to express your creativity
Signs your wildish side is stirring
You’re …
- pondering your purpose
- feeling an urgency to expand your life
- no longer willing to make sacrifices for others
- ready to follow your own rhythm
- questioning societal rules and structures
- contemplating your legacy
Touch the earth
Get outdoors and place your bare feet on the ground. Research suggests that "grounding" can help stabilize your internal electrical environment and realign your body rhythms, such as sleep cycles and cortisol levels. If you find it impossible to connect with the earth directly, some traditional healing practices recommend wearing black gemstones like tourmaline, hematite, or obsidian for grounding benefits.
Use nature’s gifts
Opt for clean body care and household products crafted from food-grade components instead of synthetic or toxic chemicals. If Mother Nature didn’t create it, it’s likely that she doesn’t know how to dispose of it. This principle also applies to how we treat our bodies.
Give back the night
Modern electricity allows us to binge-watch TV into the early hours, causing us to lose touch with the subtle signals of the sun and moon, which regulate our biological rhythms, including sleep and wakefulness. Turn off the lights earlier in the evening and light a few candles to create a soothing atmosphere.
Hone your intuition
Your intuition is a manifestation of your wildish nature, and it is wise. Studies have shown that nonconscious information significantly impacts decision-making.
Whether you acknowledge it or not, your intuition is present—you’ve likely experienced a "gut feeling" or just had an instinct about something "in your heart." You may have chosen to listen to it or not, and you likely have an interesting story about it. If your intuition feels dulled, it’s time to bring that wildish side back into focus.
Create
Engage in painting, singing, drawing, dancing, or writing. Mastery is not a prerequisite for engaging in creativity; the joy lies in the process itself. Women are powerful creators, and immersing ourselves in creative endeavors opens the door to realizing our potential.
Tune in
Societal expectations may mislead you into pursuing desires that aren’t truly yours, leading to misplaced spending and distractions that prevent you from confidently living a life of your design. Before making decisions about your life, career, relationships, or even your next meal, take a moment to connect with your inner knowing. What do you truly want?
After years of conforming to social expectations, the thought of letting them go can feel daunting. Fortunately, embracing your wildish woman is a journey rather than a final destination.
