The Absence of the Divine Feminine in Western Medicine
by Dr. Denise Renye
The Western medical profession…we love it, we hate it. We need it and we realy wish it came through in ways we deeply need. While undoubtedly advancing in many aspects of healthcare, it often lacks the essential presence of the divine feminine. This absence manifests in numerous ways, including the demanding work hours, disregard for individual well-being, and a system that frequently disrespects the inner being of medical students and practitioners. And this certainly trickles down to the care the patients receive. The glaring incongruity between the principles of the divine feminine and the current state of Western medicine is often marked by an overwhelming emphasis on the toxic elements of the patriarchy.
The Demanding Hours and Well-Being
Medical students walking down a corridor, reflecting the demanding, high-pressure environment of medical education, where personal well-being and holistic care can often be overshadowed by rigid expectations and long hours.
Western medicine's relentless pursuit of excellence has led to grueling work hours for medical professionals. The long and exhausting shifts, extended on-call periods, and the pressure to perform flawlessly create an environment that often disregards the well-being of those within it. The divine feminine encourages nurturing, self-care, and compassion, yet the medical profession can feel like a battleground where these principles are sacrificed at the altar of productivity and efficiency. This disregard for well-being not only takes a toll on healthcare providers but also affects the quality of care provided to patients.
The Disrespect for the Inner Being
Medical education, too, reflects the absence of the divine feminine. Students are often subjected to a rigorous curriculum that prioritizes memorization and examination performance over holistic learning and personal growth. The inner being of students is frequently ignored as they are pushed to meet demanding standards. The divine feminine celebrates intuition, emotional intelligence, and a connection with the deeper aspects of self, which can greatly enhance the practice of medicine. Yet, the prevailing system seems to be at odds with these values, leading to burnout, anxiety, and a sense of disconnection among medical students and practitioners.
The Patriarchy's Influence
At the heart of this issue is the pervasive influence of the patriarchal mindset within the medical profession. Historically, medicine has been dominated by traditional-male perspectives, often sidelining the wisdom and qualities associated with the divine feminine. This influence is evident in the hierarchical structures, lack of flexibility in work schedules, and a culture that oftentimes discourages vulnerability and self-care. The result is a healthcare system that can feel cold, mechanistic, and detached from the very essence of compassionate healing that should define it.
The absence of the divine feminine in Western medicine is a pressing issue that deserves careful consideration. Addressing the demanding work hours, prioritizing the well-being of healthcare providers, and respecting the inner being of medical students are crucial steps toward creating a more holistic and compassionate healthcare system. By acknowledging the toxic elements of the patriarchy that have seeped into medicine and embracing the qualities of the divine feminine, we can move toward a more balanced and nurturing approach to healthcare—one that values both the health of the provider and the well-being of the patient.
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Journal Prompts
Reflect on your personal experiences within the mainstream medical system. Can you identify instances where the absence of the divine feminine, such as demanding work conditions or a lack of focus on well-being, has been evident? How has this affected your own well-being or the quality of care you've received?
Consider the societal acceptance of the absence of the divine feminine in Western medicine. How do you think traditional gender roles and patriarchal structures contribute to this acceptance? What changes in perception and practice would be necessary to shift this paradigm?
Imagine a healthcare system that fully embraces the divine feminine principles of nurturing, compassion, and holistic care. How would such a system look different from the current mainstream medical model? What steps can individuals and society take to promote a more balanced and compassionate approach to healthcare?