Dharma Hive

And on the path of self-acceptance,
These twelve illusions you shall shed:

The illusion of being unwanted:
For, in truth, there is no such thing as an unwanted soul.

The illusion of being unlovable:
For your true self is love.

The illusion of unworthiness:
For you are always deserving of love and success.

The illusion of being weird:
For there is no such thing as normal.

The illusion of needing external validation:
For your worth is never dependent on another's approval.

The illusion of being insignificant:
For your presence impacts all of humanity.

The illusion of being powerless:
For within you lies the strength to shape your destiny and influence the world.

The illusion of not being good enough:
For you were born good enough.

The illusion of being a burden:
For your existence is a precious gift, and your contributions add value.

The illusion of being unsuccessful:
For success is subjective, and your path is uniquely yours.

The illusion of being ugly:
Because that label only ever reflects the viewer being incapable of seeing beauty.

And the illusion that aging decreases your value:
For, in truth, you are not a body but a soul.

~ Tahlia Hunter
Tahlia Hunter

Art: Tamara Adams
Tamara Adams Art

The best! 🔥

Therre are books that entertain us, and then there are books that remember us back to ourselves. Clarissa Pinkola Estés' "Women Who Run With the Wolves" belongs firmly in the second category. Through ancient stories and compassionate wisdom, Estés gently guides us back to a truth many women have forgotten – that beneath the layers of "should" and "supposed to" lies a wild, intuitive self waiting to be rediscovered.

Here are some Lessons from the Book:

1. The Call of the Wild
At the heart of this book is a simple yet revolutionary message: the part of you that feels too much, wants too much, and knows too much is not something to tame or hide – it's your greatest strength. Using stories from around the world, Estés shows us that our "wildness" isn't about being out of control, but about being authentically ourselves. When we reconnect with this natural part of our being, we find not chaos but clarity, not selfishness but self-knowledge.

2. Stories as Mirrors
What makes this book truly special is how Estés uses storytelling not just to explain, but to awaken. She takes familiar tales like Bluebeard and The Ugly Duckling and reveals their deeper meanings, showing how they reflect our own inner journeys. These aren't just fairy tales – they're reflections of our struggles, fears, and triumphs. Through these stories, we find ourselves nodding in recognition, thinking "Yes, I've been there too."

3. The Courage to Feel Everything
With gentle honesty, Estés shows us that growth requires facing our pain, not avoiding it. She reminds us that our tears, anger, and grief aren't weaknesses but powerful waters that nourish new life. "The only way out is through," she seems to say, offering both comfort and courage for the journey. Her message isn't about dwelling in darkness, but about trusting that when we honor all our emotions – even the difficult ones – we emerge more whole.

4. Trusting Your Knowing
Perhaps the most healing aspect of this book is how it honors women's intuition not as something mystical, but as practical wisdom. Estés shows how we've been taught to doubt our inner voice, to look outside ourselves for answers. Through stories and practical insights, she helps us recognize and trust our own knowing again – that quiet certainty that whispers "this way" when we're still enough to listen.

5. Living a Hand-Made Life
At its core, this book is an invitation to live less from outside expectations and more from inner truth. Estés shows that creating a life that fits our unique soul isn't selfish – it's necessary. Like wolves who know exactly what they need to thrive, we too can learn to recognize and honor our true nature. This isn't about abandoning responsibilities, but about bringing our whole selves to them, making even everyday moments feel sacred and alive.

"Women Who Run With the Wolves" isn't just about reclaiming wildness – it's about reclaiming wholeness. Through Estés' compassionate guidance, we're reminded that the parts of ourselves we've been taught to hide or fix are often the very parts that make us most human, most alive, and most ourselves.

BOOK: https://amzn.to/41twUyV

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