We hear an awful lot about toxic masculinity, and even more about reclaiming the feminine, and somewhere along the way we’ve got the wires twisted and come to understand that masculinity = bad and femininity = good. Of course, this is untrue. Today’s episode unpacks key traits of the distorted feminine, using the archetype of the Hollow Queen, who experiences an inner sense of emptiness and seeks to fill herself up using external sources. We layer this spiritual perspective with an understanding of the nervous system, polyvagal theory, the different states of hyperarousal and hypoarousal, the window of tolerance, and some common tools we use to artificially regulate ourselves. The feminist movement is often directed outwards, at external system changes required to empower women. I argue that in addition to looking outwards, it’s essential we turn our attention inwards to address all the factors severing us from our own personal power. To embrace personal mastery rather than hiding out in victimhood. Once we fully claim our own radiance and vitality we are sooo much better equipped to do the work out in the world that matters - because we’re no longer running on empty. We finish by exploring traits of the healthy divine feminine, who instead of constantly looking outwards, is able to fill herself up from the inside out. If you’d like to work deeper into this theme and start to unravel the blocks in your own brain-body system, you can download my free ebook, Hollow to Whole at www.madeleineeliza.com/whole As always if you enjoy the show please rate, review and share with friends. Thank you! References Kain, K & Terrell, S. 2018 Nurturing Resilience: Helping Clients Move Forward from Developmental Trauma-An Integrative Somatic Approach, North Atlantic Porges, S. 2011, The Polyvagal Theory: Neurophysiological Foundations of Emotions, Attachment, Communication, and Self-regulation, WW Norton & Co Siegel, D. 1999, The Developing Mind: How Relationships and the Brain Interact to Shape Who We Are, Guilford Publications