Click for audio: Your Intuitive Mother
J Douglas Bottorff
We want to wish all mothers a Happy Mother’s Day and thank you for the many important roles you have played and for the lives you have blessed.
In metaphysical literature, the intellectual side of our mind is considered the masculine aspect, while the intuitive side is considered the feminine counterpart. The intellect is our more assertive, picture forming, thinking side while the intuition is the receptive, inspirational, feeling side. I would associate the denying, affirming actions of affirmative prayer with the intellect, and the passive receptivity of meditation with the intuition. Both sides are important and, when balanced, complement one another.
Our self-image tends to be dominated by our more masculine, intellectual side, which is why so much emphasis is placed on the importance of thinking and keeping a positive attitude. In developing a spiritual consciousness, however, our intuitive nature takes the lead role. Jesus made a distinction between being born of the flesh and being born of the spirit. To be born of the flesh is to draw our identity through the five senses. To be born of the spirit is to draw our identity through the intuition.
What many call their spiritual journey is little more than a perpetual attempt, using spiritual ideas, to protect and bolster their masculine-based self-image. True spiritual development occurs when we silence this assertive, masculine side and elevate the receptive, intuitive side.
The imagery of the head being anointed by oil, as we read in the 23rd Psalm, represents the intellect submitting to the outpouring of the prospering abundance of Spirit, signified by the oil. This intuitive submission opens our heart to the living presence of God, and we are born of the Spirit, our intuitive mother.
For the ultimate renewal, allow yourself seasons of silencing your masculine, intellectual quest for self-improvement and turn to that spiritually receptive, heart-centered aspect of your being through which the pure radiance of your soul shines forth. As we set aside time to honor our earthly mothers, let us also set aside time to honor our intuitive mother.