So what is a wild woman?

Well… a wild woman is not a screaming, raving banshee. She is not an out-of-control woman desperately clawing at everything and everyone in a mad rage. She is rather like the wild itself; the untamed wild forests, prairies and deserts where everything is in balance – in accord. And like the animals that live in that wilderness, a wild woman lives with her instincts intact. She trusts her own inner voice, is wary of predators, and loves her children and tribe fiercely. She is also in tune with her own – and the environment’s – cycles, and is not afraid of the ‘life, death, life’ cycle. Our ‘civilized’, industrialized culture in the West has attempted to tame the wild woman (and continues to try to do so) with the idea that a woman should, at all costs (and at all times) ‘be nice’, ‘be happy’ and ‘look pretty’. Yet the wild woman is hard to tame… and I believe that within every woman there is a wildness; a fierce loving and glorious creativity that has the potential to be unleashed and empower the woman, if only the woman begins the quest…

But is there time for this quest? Surely modern woman is just too busy; busy with the children, busy with her job, busy with her partner, busy with the house… The list is endless. But this work – the journey to develop the psyche, and to truly listen to one’s own inner voice is, ultimately, the most important work there is. Because a strong woman; a wild woman has the power to live life to the full; to move mountains, change society’s perceptions… she can change the world.

And best of all, wild woman wants to be found. She will help you make the journey. You only have to start…

To the Wild Woman at My Heels


When I think of a wolf, I think of thee;

Fearsome, yet loving, with instinct intact.

O wildish woman, untamed and free,

When I think of a wolf, I think of thee,

And I long to be able to see what you see.

I’m ready to journey; to sort fiction from fact…

*

Now when I think of a wolf, I think of me;

Fearsome, yet loving, with instinct intact.


by Marija Smits


This blog post was inspired by the wonderful book Women Who Run With The Wolves by Clarissa Pinkola Estes.

0 thoughts on “So what is a wild woman?”

    1. You’re welcome Lisa. Glad you thought the poem poignant. Yes, Women Who Run With the Wolves is such an inspirational book, isn’t it? It’s informing a lot of my own writing too; hence the poem. I’m looking forward to reading your blog post. I do subscribe to your blog anyway, but it hasn’t popped up in my email inbox as yet. Strange… Anyway, I’m sure it’ll be a post to savour when I get the chance (I’m busy organising games for my daughter’s birthday party tomorrow).
      Thanks for stopping by again, much appreciated. 🙂

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    1. So much of what you have written here speaks to me. The HSP. The Wild Woman (I have a poster on the inside of my wardrobe door about being a Wild Woman, to remind me that this is what I am, despite 16 years as a suburban mum). I identify with the self-doubting creative and I identify with the harassed Mum. You are right. It does pass. Thank you for posting it

      1. Thanks so much Su for connecting with me here. And I’m so glad that you can relate to what I’ve been writing about. 🙂 I think it’s wonderful to know that these issues – of high sensitivity, of the wild woman etc. – are of concern to so many women, and how sharing our experiences, both highs and lows, with each other can help. Wishing you all the best.

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  13. This is so beautiful Marija. Thank you for the clarity this offers on what it is to embrace the wild woman in us all as well as honouring the wild ones who call us out and hold us up on our journey.

    1. Thanks so much for your comment. 🙂 And I’m glad it’s offered you clarity. I would like to write much more about the Wild Woman… I can hear her calling to me… Hopefully it’ll happen one day soon. All the best. xx

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