We live in a world that expresses duality, opposites, and polarity. It has been designed this way, for a harmony of both male and female to work together. In this article, we’ll explore the traditional traits and roles of both male and female and explore and understand the differences and why male and female were designed in such a way for a balance of nature.
There is no doubt we all have masculine energy and feminine energy at play in each experience we go through. Just look to the sky — we have the sun (masculine) and we have the moon (feminine). They dance every day in harmony, never competing, always in unison, as they were designed to.
There are distinctive traits that have long defined the traditional roles of men and women. These roles, deeply rooted in history and culture, embody the essence of what it means to be a man or a woman. Before we dive into the core attributes that have traditionally defined these roles, take a moment to consider this question.
Why all of a sudden, in this day and age, are we trying to force the opposite or defy what our natural innate abilities are, as a man or a woman?
The Time-Honoured Traits of Men
Brute Strength: Throughout history, men have been celebrated for their physical strength. The muscular prowess of men has enabled them to take on roles that demand power and resilience, both in times of battle and in daily life. The image of the strong, resilient man has been a symbol of traditional masculinity. Men have taken on physically demanding roles, pushing the limits of their bodies and mental strength.
Protection & Providers: Men have historically been the guardians and protectors of their families and communities. The role of safeguarding loved ones has been a cornerstone of traditional masculinity. Just the same, providing for your family, your tribe, and your community is in the DNA of a man.
Logical Mind: Men have often been perceived as logical thinkers, known for their analytical and strategic approach to problem-solving. This logical prowess has helped shape the man’s roles in leadership and decision-making.
Strategy: The ability to devise and execute complex strategies has been a hallmark of traditional masculinity. From military commanders to business leaders, men have been at the forefront of strategic endeavours. It is very much related to the logical mind, the left brain. Men think in steps, and processes to establish their goals.
Humbleness: Traditional men have embodied the virtue of humbleness, typically exercising their power and influence with humility and grace. The old adage “It is the quiet man that you need to worry about” not the loud mouth in the room.
Power: Men have wielded power both overtly and subtly, internally and externally. From tribal leadership to political leadership, and to executive positions within companies, men have traditionally been associated with positions of authority. Related to strength, strategy, and protection, this is partially where the power comes from. And partially from an inner confidence from experiences, that exude outward.
Explorer: Men have historically ventured into the unknown, whether it be in search of new lands, scientific discoveries, or pioneering innovations. The spirit of exploration has been a defining trait. Perhaps, it is the curiosity for more.
Stepping Outside Boundaries: Traditional masculinity has often encouraged men to challenge boundaries and expand horizons, both personally and in their endeavours. This supports a man’s growth and only when he steps outside the boundaries to get uncomfortable, do all these other traits improve greatly.
The Enduring Traits of Women
Loving: Women have been celebrated for their nurturing and loving nature, providing care and compassion to their families and communities. Look to Mother Earth, a feminine energy, all giving, providing the most essential needs for both men and women.
Nurturing: The role of nurturing extends to raising children and supporting the emotional well-being of those around them, their tribe. This has been a foundational aspect of traditional femininity. A great woman will only help to further a man’s progress to his own greatness.
Caring: Women have typically been caregivers, tending to the needs of their loved ones with unwavering dedication. Men could definitely take a page out of a women’s book, to understand their own balance of emotions and for holding space for their loved ones.
Protection for Family: Just as men protect, women have been guardians of the family unit, ensuring the well-being of their loved ones. Although perhaps a different approach than a man, a woman will do anything to protect her family from harm and pain.
Spiritual Power: Traditional femininity typically includes a strong connection to spirituality and intuition, allowing women to provide guidance and wisdom. The intuitiveness of women is incredible, their 6th sense is of great power, which every woman seems to have ease of access to, should they wish.
Goddess: Women have been revered as goddesses, embodying qualities of beauty, grace, and strength. Many of the old goddesses have been of great importance to our world and its creation/evolution, women are in direct reflection of these goddesses.
Strength from Within: Traditional women have drawn strength from their inner reserves, often demonstrating resilience and determination. Women take on great hardships that vary from emotional, physical, mental and spiritual aspects, their strength of will is incredibly powerful and enduring.
Power: While the power of women has been manifested in different ways, it has always been present, from influencing family dynamics to shaping societal norms, to even alongside men in battle. Women are quite robust in their abilities, both internally and externally.
These time-honoured traits of men and women have been integral to the development of cultures and societies throughout history. However, it's essential to acknowledge that these roles have evolved, and individuals are no longer confined to these traditional expectations. The modern world celebrates diversity and recognizes that each person, regardless of gender, possesses a unique blend of attributes and strengths.
In today's society, we can appreciate the enduring qualities of both men and women, and we should be proud to express our individuality, as a man or a woman.
The essence of being a man or a woman is not limited to a set of predetermined traits. It encompasses the beauty of embracing our full range of talents and characteristics, free from rigid stereotypes. However, it is something to be said that men and women are not equal, there should be no comparison, to begin with. We are different animals biologically and physiologically. Because of our design and functions, there are certain tasks, actions, or duties, that come naturally to our gender. This also means, depending on our gender, there are also things that require a tremendous amount of effort to do. For example, women are known to be more empathetic and emotionally aware in difficult situations, whereas a man will tend to react to a difficult situation with logic and strategy. For men, reacting emotionally and empathetically to a situation, as women naturally do, does not come naturally for a man. It would take a substantial amount of energy and effort for a man to react, experience, and understand a difficult situation, the same way as women do.
Having an open-minded perspective is imperative. Cherish the richness of our unique attributes, and celebrate the diversity of men and women. The traditional roles of men and women have shaped the past and played a significant role in the present day we live in. The future is an open canvas, and we each have the freedom to paint a vibrant and monumental piece of art. Art, being life.
People often forget, whether male or female, these two genders were created for a distinct purpose. Both men and women have unique abilities that are natural to them, and this should be celebrated. Like the sharpening of one’s sword, and preparing for action, our roles as male and female should be distinct, defined, and honoured. If not, one might find themselves lost due to external influences distracting them from their natural duty and responsibility, as a man or a woman.
Here's to both men and women, for without one, there would not be the other.
— SD
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