At the 2009 Vancouver Peace Summit, the Dalai Lama said the world would be healed by Western women. But before we change the world, we need to heal ourselves and reclaim our Sovereign Self. And that begins with storywork.
Gretchen Martens ~ Author, Teacher, Soul Doula
Who is My Sovereign Self? If women want to change the world, we must step into our own power and align with our authentic nature—what I call the Sovereign Self. This is more expansive than the spiritual concept of Soul. The Sovereign Self integrates the concept of Soul (your “true Self” or “higher Self” or “essence”) with the Self that exists in the real world (your “conscious Self” or your “identity”).
You were born with this Sovereign Self, whole and complete. But as you grew up, your culture and family influenced your beliefs and your thoughts, which influenced your emotions and perceptions, shaping your actions and personal experiences—sometimes in harmful ways. You are asked to wear masks that no longer, or never, fit you. Unless you have done a lot of personal development or spiritual formation work, who you are today is probably a wounded, traumatized version of your Sovereign Self. And she is waiting to be reclaimed!
Your Sovereign Self claims unquestioned authority and autonomy to make choices for your life. Your Sovereign Self asserts independence and authenticity to speak your truths, no matter how inconvenient or uncomfortable. Your Sovereign Self does not demand perfection; she integrates your strengths and your vulnerabilities, your successes and your missteps. Your Sovereign Self owns her personal power and accomplishments.
