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Randall O’Brien's avatar

Brilliant. I have read Bruno Bettelheim. He is erudite and provocative. But no man could have written this. As one of those who could not have, thank you for letting me—and other males, too—in your class. Teach on, Professor Shannon Kay!

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Shannon K. Evans's avatar

🤣 I probably first read it on your recommendation then! I was in college.

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Jennifer Newens's avatar

Thank you for this beautiful post.

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Shannon K. Evans's avatar

Thank YOU for reading it. 🙏🏻

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JMH's avatar

Such a lovely post … and strong reminder of the unseen truth that needs to be seen

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Shannon K. Evans's avatar

There's an awful lot under the surface of our consciousness, isn't there? Or, at least, under the surface of our conversation!

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JMH's avatar

No question… the timeless myths persevere for a reason.

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Suzie Pham's avatar

Beautiful. Thank you for your wise words.

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Shannon K. Evans's avatar

🫶

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Hannah Lacy's avatar

Love this so much! Especially this- "We feel this as adults, too. Women who have painful relationships with their mothers are often shamed or labeled ungrateful for expressing them. As a culture, we are slow to make room for a maternal narrative that is anything but comfortable, for doing so would force questions about the cost of patriarchy and thereby threaten the very foundation of our society. So instead we silence those who try to tell the truth."

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Outdoor.Erin's avatar

Thanks for this. Some things to unpack in here. I’ve been reading myths about older womanhood and they are so fascinating.

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Shannon K. Evans's avatar

Oooo recs please!

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Outdoor.Erin's avatar

Wise Women: myths and stories for midlife and beyond by Sharon Blackie is my favorite right now! I found Women Who Run with the Wolves by Clarissa Pinkola Estes to be a bit too esoteric for me.

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Shannon K. Evans's avatar

I actually feel like that about Estes too, though I respect her a ton. I'll check out Blackie!

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Therese Marz's avatar

I love the concept and image of being an active character is one's own tale...so important and yet so hard for women. Hopefully that is being changed! Thanks for reminding us all to actively create our own narrative!

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Shannon K. Evans's avatar

👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻📢📢📢

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