Black Sheep, Revolutionary, Nonconformist: You’re on the Right Track
Black sheep, revolutionary, non-conformist: you're on the right track.
Tl;dr
Embrace Your Uniqueness, Says Jungian Analyst
In a society that often discourages nonconformity, renowned Jungian analyst Clarissa Pinkola Estés champions individualism. She encourages those who have been labelled as “black sheep” or “lone wolves” to embrace their uniqueness as a potential source of original, useful, and surprising contributions to their culture.
Impact of “Women Who Run with the Wolves”
Pinkola Estés is best known for her influential book, “Women Who Run with the Wolves”. Published in 1971, it has since been translated into 18 languages and passed down through generations of women. The book has served as a gateway to deeper introspection for many women, inspiring them to explore the works of other influential female authors.
Struggling with Nonconformity
Pinkola Estés acknowledges the struggles that women who embody the archetype of the “Wild Woman” often face. These women have been tormented by societal prohibitions that contradict their natural desires and have been forced to leave behind families, marriages, and jobs in pursuit of their own lives. Amid the pain and confusion, they often ask, “Why am I so different?”
Survival and Beyond
Pinkola Estés believes that survival is not simply an act of will, but also an act of remembering our purest essence. She warns against the dangers of remaining stuck in survival mode, as it can limit our growth and our power in the world. Instead, she encourages women to move beyond survival to healing and growth, to embrace their freedom, and to reconnect with their deeper nature that yearns not just to survive, but to thrive.
Ultimately, Pinkola Estés tells us, “If you have lived your existence as an outsider, as a slightly strange or different person, if you are a loner and live on the edge of the mainstream, you have suffered. And yet, there also comes a time when you must row away from all these things, know another strategic position, migrate to the land that corresponds to you.”
May it be so.