The Power of the Femme Collective

For everything I love about the body art I am able to create and express myself through, one of the lasting and most moving aspects has been the deep connection to femme energy. Historically a ‘Women’s Art’, henna and body adornment has been used for millenia between women during milestones and celebrations along life’s journey. It is easy to see it as merely cosmetic and superficial. This week I was reminded once again why henna mediates more than just body art.

Following the week of personal transparency that was Mental Health Awareness Week here in the UK, I transitioned into some particularly difficult personal times. For once, unrelated to my own brain chemistry or mental health – but entirely related to the mechanics and routine of marriage and family life. Without disrespecting the privacy of my relationship with my husband, suffice it to say that it has been a shock that seemed to quietly creep up on us, and it has been incredibly difficult.

But here is the thing that I have learned in these most confusing and difficult of marital times: When womxn come together, the power of collective energy is REAL and it is POWERFUL.

In my darkest hour of despair: My married friends reached out to comfort me with their own similar experiences, offering their strength in solidarity; My parenting friends offered unbiased listening, consolation and emotional support; And my dear mehndi meet friends were unjudgmental, loving, thoughtful, hopeful and supportive. In short, this collective of unconditional femme support empathised, held me up, raised my spirits, and gave me hope for better days to come.

After a very difficult week of marriage, these women [womxn] have kept me together, ensuring I felt loved and valued, and gave me the strength I was lacking in my commitment.

Every individual womxn I know is so, so strong, but when we all come together, the power is truly astonishing and life altering.

I dedicate this blog entry to all the amazing womxn who have been here for me. You remind of all that is good in myself and inspire me to be a better human. With thanks to you, there is a future yet in the bond that is my marriage.

Thank you.

Thank you.

Thank you.