Women Warriors!

Where are all the female, or mother spiritual leaders? I often think about the huge void where the female/ mother voice needs to be. With the non-stop quotes people post from the Dalai Lama,  Thich Nhat Hanh, Deepak Chopra, Eckhart Tolle, Wayne Dyer,  Paulo Coelho, and the long list of other influential men, I find myself looking for the women. I also question the transition to motherhood and if that kills your chances at reaching spiritual enlightenment altogether?

As a woman and mother, I prefer to seek guidance from those who truly relate to my experience. Maybe it’s just me, but I notice the theme of men being the spiritual leader in all religions and spiritual practices. When I ask people for examples of female spiritual leaders they are quick to reference Oprah, Mother Teresa, and very few other women. After much thought (and some Googling), I realize the very giving and selfless women often decided against having any biological children of their own. That leaves me wondering, can I reach enlightenment while raising kids (you never stop raising kids no matter how old they become)?

As a mother to 2 young children (8 years old and 2 years old) I find it hard enough to keep my sanity on a daily basis, let alone aspire to reach a level of spiritual enlightenment. I relate motherhood to a marathon, everyday micromanaging little beings uses up my energy to the fullest. Kids have a way of siphoning all your energy, only to leave you collapsing to your bed by bedtime…8pm in my house. How do I find the energy and SILENCE to create the space to meditate in order to hear my inner voice? The visual I have is getting all prepared in my serene space with my cushy pillow to sit upon only to have my toddler jump on my back the moment I close my eyes. I think about the statistics that show when women have children they sacrifice reaching higher positions within the work force, are the statistics true for spirituality as well?

Is the reason men have reached that deeper spiritual place (or what appears as they have reached a deep spiritual place) because women are usually left dealing with the kids for more hours in a day? I’ve recently started looking into these male spiritual influencers and have found moments when the men leave their families to pursue their spiritual quest. The same can be said for successful businessmen having to travel away from their families. Does that mean, as a woman, you can’t reach that level of spiritual awakening if you have children?

I have explored different spiritual beliefs, Christianity, Islam, Buddhism and now Yogic philosophy. I am currently working towards becoming a Yoga Therapist so I have been facing these spiritual questions as I learn the philosophy behind Yoga. I keep searching for the mother voice to relate to and I haven’t found it yet, or a strong enough female presence yet. I guess I am left questioning if motherhood kills my chances of reaching true spiritual enlightenment?