Feminine consciousness

Because of the different life experiences a woman undergoes, her consciousness will differ from that of a man's. The onset of menstruation means that, from puberty onwards, time will be perceived in terms of monthly cycles, and therefore not as a linear process. The passive nature of pregnancy, with no knowledge of the sex, health or character of the child to be born, requires a creativity which expresses itself in the preparation of the environment for what is created rather than the creation itself. The experience of labour, when the body has a will of its own and no longer responds to her commands, means that it is necessary to allow inner nature to guide, relinquishing the control of the ego. And the symbiotic relationship between a nursing mother and her child requires responsiveness to and awareness of the needs of others, and an interest in developing two-way, fulfilling relationships.