Embracing Your Wildness: Rediscovering the Joy of Untamed Living

The Innate Wildness of Childhood

As children, we exhibited a natural wildness akin to that of young animals in nature. We explored, tasted, and experienced life with a fearless and open heart, much like a wolf pup in its natural habitat. This uninhibited behavior is not only natural but essential for our development and understanding of the world.

Key Characteristics of Childhood Wildness:

• Exploration and Curiosity: Children are naturally explorative, using their senses to understand their surroundings.
• Expressiveness: Uninhibited expression of emotions through shouting, dancing, or other physical forms.
• Physicality: Engaging physically with the environment, such as playing in the dirt or splashing in water.

The Suppression of Our Wild Selves

As we grow, societal expectations often lead us to suppress these natural tendencies. Phrases like "Act your age!" or "Don’t be such a wild thing!" are commonly used to encourage conformity. Over time, this can lead to a disconnection from our instinctual selves, which can stifle our intuition and spontaneity.

Consequences of Suppressing Wildness:

• Loss of Intuition: Ignoring our gut feelings can lead us into harmful situations.
• Decreased Happiness: Suppressing our true nature can lead to dissatisfaction and unhappiness.
• Physical and Emotional Restraint: Holding back our natural impulses can result in stress and related physical ailments.

The Benefits of Reconnecting with Our Wildness

Reawakening our wildness can have profound benefits on our mental and physical well-being. It enhances our intuition, reconnects us with the joy of living, and provides a healthy outlet for emotions.

Psychological and Physical Benefits:

• Enhanced Intuition: By embracing our natural instincts, we can navigate life more wisely.
• Increased Happiness and Freedom: Living authentically brings joy and liberates us from societal constraints.
• Stress Relief: Physical expressions of emotion, like shouting or physical activity, can significantly reduce stress.

Special Considerations for Women

Women, in particular, may feel societal pressure to restrain their wildness more than men. This can lead to a disconnection from their true selves and a yearning to reconnect with their natural instincts. Activities like gardening, dancing, or even howling at the moon can be powerful expressions of this wildness.

Empowering Women to Embrace Their Wildness:

• Encouragement of Self-Expression: Allowing oneself to express emotions freely without fear of judgment.
• Physical Engagement: Activities like dancing or sports can help women reconnect with their physicality.
• Mental Health Benefits: Engaging with one's wild side can alleviate anxiety and depression.

Cultural Reflections and Recommendations

The book "Women Who Run With The Wolves" by Clarissa Pinkola Estes is a profound exploration of the importance of embracing one's wild nature, especially for women. It serves as a guide for women to rediscover and embrace their innate strengths and instincts.

How to Start Reconnecting With Your Wild Side:

1. Spend Time in Nature: Engage with the natural world through hiking, swimming, or simply walking barefoot on grass.
2. Allow Spontaneous Expression: Dance, sing, or engage in activities that feel liberating and joyful.
3. Listen to Your Intuition: Pay attention to gut feelings and instincts in daily decisions.

In conclusion, embracing our wildness is not about discarding all societal norms but about integrating our true nature into our modern lives. It's about finding balance and allowing ourselves to live more fully, joyfully, and instinctively. Whether through a moonlit dance or a solitary walk in the woods, rediscovering our wildness can lead to a more authentic and fulfilling life.