Maka Laughingwolf’s Humanifesto
This is my humanifesto. No, I'm not calling it a WOmanifesto...because I am a human as well as a woman. Yes, I am a woman - unequivocally and proudly so. But I want to create a space for myself that does not revolve around gender.
I choose to be a positive person, an optimist. I choose to manifest positive people and situations in my life. I choose to transform apparently negative experiences into positive ones - by embracing the lessons they bring, and by recognizing the often-hidden blessings they bestow. I choose to live without fear.
I choose to embrace myself as embodying the traits of all genders. Without denying my identity as a woman in this culture, I seek to move beyond the social- and self-imposed boundaries of womanhood. I accept those who choose to embody traditional gender roles, as well as those who choose to break from tradition. All paths are equally valid. The key, to me, is choice.
I choose to love freely and openly, selecting for my family, friends, and lovers those who honor and respect me, my choices, and my ideals. I give myself permission to release myself from bonds created of guilt and duty, keeping only those that bring joy and beauty to my life. I will remove myself from situations and relationships that feel unsafe or unproductive to me. I wil communicate openly and honestly - but as gently as possible - with those I love, and will ask for and accept such communication in return. I will listen to the words and seek the heartsongs of those I love, and will share my own in kind. I will place no limitations on my love, allowing it to flow in ways that make me feel whole, happy, and safe.
I choose to look only to myself for my primary purpose in life - not to my partners or my children. I will be my own primary partner, my own best lover, my own best friend. I will allow myself to seek and accept help, but will remember that ultimately, my primary dependence is on myself. Those around me can be wonderful assistants, but the responsibilities and the joys of my life ultimately belong to me.
I choose to remember daily that I am part of an interdependent web of existence, no more or less important than any other person, creature, plant, rock, drop of water, speck of dust, or microbe. I will view each part of the web, including myself, as vital, retaining its individuality, worth, and dignity while contributing to the wholeness and holiness of the web. I will recognize the impact on the entire web of every choice I make, everything I say and do. I will make every effort, within the scope of my resources, to be conscious of the web in my purchase, packaging, food, and disposal choices. I choose to work actively for social and political change to benefit the whole web.
I choose to learn constantly, seeking out new knowledge on topics both familiar and unfamiliar every day.
I choose to allow my life's work to blossom and grow naturally, seeking new ways to serve and heal the web. I will avoid stagnation by letting my path flow freely without locking myself into a choice forever.
I choose to identify myself as a survivor, beyond breaking my two-and-a-half decade-long pattern of victimhood. I will use my resources to help others find their way to survival and beyond.
I choose to use the gifts given to me and the skills I obtain to heal myself and others - and ultimately, the web.
I choose to spread peace and love, to consciously sow the seeds of joy among all I come into contact with.
I choose to raise my children in a manner that honors their autonomy and individuality. I will respect them as full fledged persons, and will insist that those around them do the same as much as I am able. I will raise them within my Unitarian Universalist faith tradition, which will encourage them to seek their own paths. I will help them to speak their heartsongs. I will be their parent first, their friend second. I will be selfless when a true need for it arises, without becoming a martyr to motherhood.
I choose to seek a daily personal spirituality that deepens over time. I will allow my spiritual path to unfold within me, informed and inspired by the web around me, the wisdom of ages past, and the intelligence of science.
I choose to care for my body in ways that resonate with me. I will continue using yoga for its physical and spiritual benefits for as long as it seems right to me to do so. I will continue to love my body in its present state while also moving toward a healthier state - much as I love my children as they are, even as they grow and change.
I choose to release myself from guilt as I learn to embody this humanifesto, giving myself limitless time to manifest these things in my life.
BIO: Maka Laughingwolf is a single polyamorous bi-dyke, crunchy hippie, healer. Maka lives in Norman, Oklahoma with her two beautiful children, who she supports with a variety of creative work choices. Maka is part of Trebuchet Gardens, a small organic farming community dedicated to sustainable agriculture, alternative energy, sustainable housing, live local music, and more.
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