Yael, I'm so happy this found me at the time it did. I've had an uneasy relationship with my mystical side nearly all my life. Along the years, I step back and forth, back and forth, dipping my toes into it and then drawing back — generally for fear of seeming "crazy," shattering my credibility, squandering my opportunities, or (lately) feeling burdened by the need to over-explain any given spiritual musing as if I owed lengthy, grounded explanations to the people who just won't get it anyway. I appreciate you putting a name to all this anxiety: sexism.

Similarly, one of my recent hesitations in writing of my spiritual experiences is the fact that what society tends to consider "story" is action-oriented, show-don't-tell, and is only truly validated (in reader's minds) by a concrete "conclusion." Your piece helps me recognize that this, too, is about a devaluing of the Feminine. A devaluing of emotion and pure being, in favor of prioritizing explanations, reason, and results. (I recall reading someplace long ago about the sexism inherent in narrative conventions. I wish I could remember where.)

Anyway, I don't know where this leaves any of us. We can write about the great mystery, but apparently can't expect to be respected for it... until things change.... I guess.

Your observations are wise and validating, and I will keep them in mind next time I hem, haw, and hedge in trying to tell a story about soul.

Thank you.