Self-Actualisation: Entrapment and Breaking Free

This episode speaks to the longing many women feel that life was supposed to be more beautiful than this.

That perhaps this relationship or this job is not big enough for us, or not the right shape for us. We might yearn to express ourselves more fully, or to follow the whispered desires of our soul. 

In this episode, we use story and mythology to explore the ways in which women become entrapped in lives that don’t quite fit, the danger and soul loss that can ensue, and how we can reckon with our own inner darkness and longings in order to break free.

Including my take on the Frozen franchise, which are the 2 highest grossing animated films of all time, and which are all about reclamation of the dark feminine in order to self-actualise! 

We discuss the tantric perspective of soul loss vs our modern understanding of trauma and dissociation.

Self-actualisation is the pinnacle of Maslow’s hierarchy of needs. He argued that only once our other more basic needs have been met, are we able to fulfil our potential and live our purpose. To step into our “dharma”, if you like. We explore this in some detail, and look at the traits of self-actualised people which includes having more peak experiences. We overlay this with a spiritual perspective, and the inner work of ‘wading through the muck’ which often has to be completed before we can step into bliss and transcendence.

To go deeper make sure you sign up for my newsletter at www.madeleineeliza.com and follow me on Instagram @madeleine.eliza 

References

Doyle, G. 2020 “Untamed”, The Dial Press

Friedan, B. 1963 “The Feminine Mystique”, W.W Norton

Pinkola-Estes, C. 1992 “Women Who Run with the Wolves”, Ballantine Books

Van Der Kolk, B. 2014 “The Body Keeps the Score”, Viking Press

* In the time since recording this episode, Inside Out 2 has surpassed Frozen 2 as the highest grossing animated film of all time: https://screenrant.com/every-highest-grossing-animated-movie-how-long/