Artisan and writer Maia Heissler is the creator of a charming sub-culture of elfin creatures called “The Forest Friends.” A pleasure to contemplate for all ages, she constructs these magical beings from natural materials and arranges them in dioramas of earth-connected and harmonious activities. As lifelong companion to the “wild places and wild things” in her own backyard, her beautiful rune stone set (Lifestones) came about by allowing space for the deep meaning inherent in the movements of animals and the shapes of leaves, roots and branches to come to her as insights which she translated into beautiful symbols. Maia’s goal is to re-sensitize people to the wisdom of nature and inspire us to love the earth, and her recent book "Wild Things for the Soul" does just that with its blend of spiritual memoir, nature writing and DIY modalities.
As wisewoman and Green Goddess embodying the interconnectivity of all things in her life and work, Maia offers "I Am Woman" - a powerful manifesto of empowerment for women of all generations:
I AM WOMAN
I am Woman – Spirit, Body, and Mind –
And I am opening myself to the grandeur and the power I was created for.
There were those who, even well-intentioned, would form me according to a standard mold.
I am greater than that.
I was taught to clean house, and there is honour in keeping beautiful surroundings,
But I also understand the importance of eradicating the stains and cobwebs from my inner self,
and in keeping bright the luminous crystal that I am.
I was taught to mend clothes, and there is honour in being well-clothed,
But I am finding greater fulfillment in healing the rips and tears in the fabric of life.
I was taught to cook, and there is honour and joy in nourishing bodies,
But I have learned how much more vital it is to nourish my soul and to share insights with others.
I was taught to be a wife, and there is honour in being a helpmate,
But I have grasped that my first love and loyalty must be to myself.
I was taught to raise babies, a great trust, and a privilege and responsibility to be honoured,
But I have discovered my own little girl self is waiting to
be cleaned, clothed, nourished, and protected,
Waiting to be loved, cherished, and played with.
I rise now to look after her, for this will be a balance and a well
Of joy whether I am maid, mother, or wise woman.
I was taught to be submissive; there is little honour in that.
I prefer to surrender in a way that empowers me.
I claim the right to make my own choices and to speak my own truth.
I strive now to understand and live the full meaning of WOMAN.
Head high, shoulders back, I stand tall in this body that houses my soul.
I completely love, accept, and respect myself.
I am beautiful.
I am proud and confident in my femininity, without being
apologetic, pompous, or provocative.
I walk a path of Light, Truth, and Healing.
When I stumble, I embrace the lesson, and gently forgive myself.
I am compassionate and supportive without taking
away another’s responsibilities.
I am generous without being depleted,
for I have learned to set boundaries.
I am strong without being hard.
I am open and truthful with myself and others.
Dignified and gracious,
I am a picture of gentle strength and quiet might.
I AM WOMAN.
Maia
I AM WOMAN
I am Woman – Spirit, Body, and Mind –
And I am opening myself to the grandeur and the power I was created for.
There were those who, even well-intentioned, would form me according to a standard mold.
I am greater than that.
I was taught to clean house, and there is honour in keeping beautiful surroundings,
But I also understand the importance of eradicating the stains and cobwebs from my inner self,
and in keeping bright the luminous crystal that I am.
I was taught to mend clothes, and there is honour in being well-clothed,
But I am finding greater fulfillment in healing the rips and tears in the fabric of life.
I was taught to cook, and there is honour and joy in nourishing bodies,
But I have learned how much more vital it is to nourish my soul and to share insights with others.
I was taught to be a wife, and there is honour in being a helpmate,
But I have grasped that my first love and loyalty must be to myself.
I was taught to raise babies, a great trust, and a privilege and responsibility to be honoured,
But I have discovered my own little girl self is waiting to
be cleaned, clothed, nourished, and protected,
Waiting to be loved, cherished, and played with.
I rise now to look after her, for this will be a balance and a well
Of joy whether I am maid, mother, or wise woman.
I was taught to be submissive; there is little honour in that.
I prefer to surrender in a way that empowers me.
I claim the right to make my own choices and to speak my own truth.
I strive now to understand and live the full meaning of WOMAN.
Head high, shoulders back, I stand tall in this body that houses my soul.
I completely love, accept, and respect myself.
I am beautiful.
I am proud and confident in my femininity, without being
apologetic, pompous, or provocative.
I walk a path of Light, Truth, and Healing.
When I stumble, I embrace the lesson, and gently forgive myself.
I am compassionate and supportive without taking
away another’s responsibilities.
I am generous without being depleted,
for I have learned to set boundaries.
I am strong without being hard.
I am open and truthful with myself and others.
Dignified and gracious,
I am a picture of gentle strength and quiet might.
I AM WOMAN.
Maia
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