From Purpose to Action – Make it Work for You!

March 16, 2010

I got an email from a friend recently that reinforced the difference you can make in someone else’s life by converting purpose-driven feminine energy into action-oriented masculine energy. She described her joy in loaning small amounts of money to help people in a big way through a company called Kiva Microfunds.

Her first investment of only $250 was two years ago, and it went to help Sang Phala of Cambodia start a taxi service. As a result of the business that grew from the loan, Sang Phala and her husband can now support their family. It’s like the old saying about teaching a man to fish – by giving them the means to start their own business, my friend helped them eat for a lifetime! Currently she is helping Esther Mary in South Sudan expand her vegetable business, Gorgonia Tandug in the Philippines further develop his pig business, and the God First Group in Liberia grow their pharmacy.

Since Kiva began in 2005 they've arranged almost $124 million in micro-loans around the world. What is most interesting is that 82 percent of those receiving loans are female, and 98 percent of the loans are repaid. My friend says that every time she gets a notification from Kiva about the status of the repayment of her loans, it's like getting a hug, knowing that in her own little way she is helping someone somewhere be better off. She has a purpose, takes action by putting “her money where her mouth is,” and helps others in the process.

This brought two thoughts to mind. First, on a macro basis it is a good example of how philanthropy is a manifestation of good Gender Physics: it is outer action, which flows from internal beliefs. Micro-loans in particular are good business decisions (masculine) fused with the principle of cooperation and taking care of others (feminine). This program is a great cause for the Sixth Stilletto Step of Self-Celebration. We can celebrate what women can do by providing them a hand-up.

However, it is my thought on a micro basis that brings me the greatest pleasure: my friend is displaying good Gender Physics herself as she takes action to extend these loans. From time to time she has emailed me to say that she needs to develop more masculine energy, but I think this exemplifies that she already has much more masculine energy than she gives herself credit for! So to my friend I say: “Take a moment to puff out your chest and congratulate yourself. Bask in the glory, as it’s time for a little personal celebration as well.”  

Women are often accused of “taking care” rather than “taking charge” in our organizations, and it limits our advancement opportunities. Good Gender Physics is all about doing both. Masculine energy makes everything “either/or” while feminine energy is about integrating. As individuals and organization include more feminine energy in their beings and their corporate structures, we’ll have more directive masculine energy flowing from our feminine values. It will result in greater equilibrium, which is the way of the future. What purpose can you put into action?

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