For me, 2022 will be the Year of the Woman

As I make my way down the river of life experience with those of you who have taken the plunge and joined me as readers of Stories and Journeys, I always knew this moment would come. Initiating conversation with people I interact with during my day is one thing. Recently one of you, a reader, approached me in a grocery store and initiated conversation about Stories and Journeys.
This has me thinking. How do we show up to one another when we encounter one another in the community? Are we wearing a mask like we might at a Halloween party? I'm not very good at wearing masks. Sometimes I feel things deeply. My defense mechanisms may not protect me. Don't let that stop you from approaching me. After all, we are on this river of life experience together as readers; yes, I am a reader of Stories and Journeys. I wonder: can our encounters with one another be as simple as we are in the moment? It's hard for me to believe it's that simple.
In this column and the next I am stepping outside of my comfort zone. I am aware that throughout my lifetime I have been influenced and inspired by women. Sometimes our masks have come off just often enough that we are able to see and connect with the divinity in each other. Recently it came into my awareness that I have never really taken a deep dive into women's issues and realities. In fact, at age 77, I have come to the stark realization that even though I have worked for women, been supervised by women, worked beside women as co-workers, and experienced women as friends that I didn't know women at all. I had taken these associations (all of them positive for the most part) for granted. I needed to take a deeper dive with respect to my woman awareness. I have declared 2022 for me The Year of the Woman.
My Year of the Woman begins with me recognizing my mother as a primary source of influence and inspiration. Early on in my life, I was displaying a capacity for being a reflective and deep thinker, at times revealing a curious mind about many topics. I have always experienced myself to be on a quest, a seeker of sorts especially in matters of spiritual awareness. It was my mother's affirmation of my questing and seeking that made life in my family of origin stimulating and meaningful. This in no way is meant to disparage my father and brother. It is my experience in my life that all the pieces fit.
What follows are some of my mother's words that continue to contain a grain of truth for me. For example: "Don, you need to take a stand. If you don't take a stand people won't know with whom they are dealing." Other words from my mom that remain in my awareness are as follows: "To your own self be true, and it shall follow as night follows day you cannot be false to any man or woman." Other words from Mom: "No experience is entirely lost." "Your happiness lies right under your eyes right in your own back yard." "Learning is a life long experience." All containing a grain of truth for me.
My mother was 77 the year she died. Now I'm 77. It was 1988. I eulogized her around theme, "A Women of Steadfast Presence, Faith and a Devoted Heart." Her influence notwithstanding, I have discovered that my woman awareness needs updating – which will be explored if I am to continue to grow as an elder man given my current spiritual journey. I must embrace the changes taking place as my own spirituality and healing story unfolds.
In the meantime, what about those masks? Are they just part of our daily round? What about those environments where male domination, exploitation of women and masculine imbalance in relation to the feminine can be so prevalent? Look no further than the current authoritarian dictator making headlines!
What positive maternal influences do you celebrate because they have shaped your life and given you a sense of being whole? Tell yourself, share with others or tell me at news@LongfellowNokomisMessenger.com
In gratitude. Stay tuned.
Donald L. Hammen is a longtime south Minneapolis resident, and serves on the All Elders United for Justice steering committee.