Sarah Durham Wilson is a women’s rites of passage leader and writer. She has taught courses and led retreats for thousands of women over the past decade. She previously worked as an arts and music writer in New York City, for Rolling Stone, VH1, GQ, Vanity Fair and Interview Magazine.
Sarah is also the author of ‘Maiden to Mother’ - her first book, published by Sounds True in 2022.
https://themotherspirit.com
Live Free or Dialogue is a video conversation series within Michael Todd Fink's "Kind Mind" podcast platform and based on the etymology of the word dialogue: two individuals (di) communicating with openness, respect and mutual search for meaning (logos).
You can support this podcast and access bonus content here: https://patreon.com/kindmind
(Music “Obscurity” by Lowercase Noises)
Psychologically speaking, maturity basically means the ability to respond to the environment in an appropriate manner. Sounds simple. But, how does one respond in an appropriate manner to a political, societal or any other environment when it seems so dark, chaotic or dysfunctional?
To answer, let us come back to the word maturity and trace its roots in search of deeper meaning. The etymology of spiritually charged words often reveals important messages that are hidden over time as words and their applications evolve.
The English word maturity has its origin in Latin. Maturus means “ripeness” which is a description specifically for fruit. What is the difference between ripe and unripe fruit? Unripe fruit is hard and bitter while ripe fruit is soft and sweet. Metaphorically, hardness means rigid and bitterness means unforgiving. Softness is not weakness but rather represents flexibility and sweetness implies kindness. Those are the qualities of maturity.
(Music by Lee Rosevere and episode artwork by Dove Dahlia)
Psychological resilience typically refers to the ability to regain emotional balance and stability after encountering stressful or traumatic events. This talk explores how emotional maturity, positive attitude, and creativity influence this life skill. Also included are recent studies and scientific evidence that expand our conventional understanding of resilience and demonstrate the need for mindful strategies for changing our relationship with problems.
(Music by Christopher Lloyd Clarke, licensed from Enlightened Audio and episode artwork by Dove Dahlia)