Ep. 22 - Finding My Masculine Heart

Finding Forgiveness; a Family Fairy Tale

Welcome to "Finding Forgiveness: A Family Fairytale," hosted by Susan Gibson. In this episode, Susan invites listeners to explore the depths of their masculine hearts, beginning with a poignant reflection on a dream she had following her mother's death. She candidly discusses her evolving feelings towards the patriarchy, acknowledging past resentment that has since softened. Susan recounts a moment at a conference where she was subjected to inappropriate behavior. As she navigates her journey to find her masculine heart, Susan delves into the healing power of integrating feminine and masculine energies. Susan would love to hear what's in your masculine heart or help you find it first, and she would be honored to be your guide or assist you in finding one.

IN THIS EPISODE:

• [1:10] Susan challenges the listener to wonder what is in your masculine heart, and she describes a dream she had following her mother’s death

• [5:28] Susan admits she has held resentment towards the patriarchy; however, now it has softened

• [7:03] Susan shares an instance at a conference where a man was inappropriate and how she and others responded

• [15:25] Susan finds her masculine heart

• [18:42] A discussion of the combination of the feminine and masculine and how the combination will help you find healing and forgiveness

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

• The feminine can heal the masculine nature inside of us and help us find our masculine heart

• The pandemic brought out kindness in some people but anger in others

• Change begins with ourselves and flows from the healing and forgiveness you can share with others

QUOTES:

“The man knew he was inappropriate without anyone saying or pointing it out. The bros are evolving and policing each other's behavior. Remarkable. Amazing. I think I found my masculine heart that day, and it was filled with love and forgiveness. Oh, forgiveness takes so many forms. Forgiveness of another. Forgiveness of self. Forgiveness of a societal structure. I'm still working on forgiving the patriarchy. But I am grateful that I found my masculine heart filled with love and forgiveness. That's important as I continue to heal myself.” Susan Gibson

“When we can heal our masculine heart, it allows that heart to shine. The masculine heart can confront the patriarchy and the masculine structures in a way that the feminine energy cannot, right? The masculine energy knows the masculine structures, just like our feminine energy inherently knows the feminine structures. So, finding a way to see our masculine heart and let it shine is vital to our existence and changing the structures around us. It takes a combination of feminine and masculine energy for that to happen.” Susan Gibson

RESOURCES:

Susan Gibson - Email

ABOUT THE HOST:

Susan Gibson grew up in a small town in Northern Maine, the only surviving child of parents who married young and divorced young. From the influence of their shared experiences, Susan has learned two things that are core to who she is: the value of community and the power of having a voice.

Susan has spent her entire academic and professional career as a woman in tech. She started as a developer in the mid-80s and continues today as CEO of Temenos+Agility, a management consulting company she co-founded with her partner, Siraj Sirajuddin. Together, they help enterprises transform organizationally and personally to find a more meaningful way to deliver value to their customers.

Susan frequently contributes to the Women in Tech (WiT) Regatta and speaks worldwide at public and private events. She uses her voice to grow communities of women, mentors and allies in tech.

Susan has many lifelong pursuits - healthy eating, fitness, yoga and meditation, music, theater, opera, reading, movies, travel, family and friends. She is also rebuilding her family’s 110-year-old homestead in Northern Maine, a labor of love.