Realizing the Divine Masculine
Masculine and feminine energies are both equally as important and necessary in every one of us, regardless of your gender - we have both energies moving through us. The differences between the two can be remarkable and, like most opposing forces (Yin and Yang), the balance of the two energies within you will determine how much you thrive and also how harmonious your relationships with others are.
photography by Rob Woodcox
So, to start, what are the key elements of masculine energy?
Masculine energy is the inner and outer demonstration of power & strength, stability, self confidence, willpower, taking action, problem solving and making decisions fast. Left brain dominate, the masculine can be analytical, practical, logical, purpose driven and direct. When used efficiently, masculine energy is one of creative energy. Perhaps at the core, masculine energy seeks to be free and independent, while feeling important and acknowledged.
On the shadow side of masculine energy, if not balanced or aware, it can lead to anger, resentment, inner conflict, dominance, and being emotionless and egotistical.
Carl Jung, infamous psychologist and protégé of Freud, was an expert in dissecting the shadow presence of masculinity and created archetypes depicting foundations of human behavior. While Jung suggested a number of universal archetypes, the four main ones are: the Self, the Shadow, the Animus & Anima, and the Persona.
Archetypes aren’t personality types. Jung didn’t think you could classify a person as a specific archetype. A man can’t take a test to tell him that he’s a “Shadow.” Rather, the archetypes are simply patterns of behavior and thought, or “energies” that can be found in all people in varying degrees.
In balance these archetypes suggest order, discipline in the self, rationality, inspiration, resilience and consistency.
In contract, an unbalanced archetype is volatile, reageful, brutal, rigid, controlling, selfish, withholding and cold in presence and consciousness.
How can you reclaim your Masculine energy?
Below are multiple ways, found by My Soul Sanctuary, in which you can do this - the first step is being aware of where you feel you are lacking or you have an imbalance.
Some activities to ignite this are listed below for you. Take some time to reflect and make some additions or changes to your daily life where you feel you need.
Take on challenges where, although might have elements of competitiveness to them, the outcome does not need a ‘winning’ result. The challenge, the action or the doing, the goal you are setting is what will ignite help ignite your energy
Get your heart rate up and sweat. Getting the blood pumping around the body is a sure way of stepping into your power and strength. This could be weight/body lifting, running, power yoga, team sport etc; whatever might give you a boost of testosterone and an endorphin rush.
Testosterone reproduces whilst you’re sleeping, so make sure to get a good and restful amount of sleep to recharge
Meditate. Take the time to be still, ground into the earth and into your body, your power, your inner strength. With mental clarity comes decisiveness.