There are times when good things are too near to be noticed. Take a good book, for example — one that's been on the bookcase shelf so long it blends in with its surroundings, lying prone, unread and unappreciated. Such was the plight of "The Tao of Women" for me, an exciting book I'd like you to know about. The creation of Pamela K. Metz and Jacqueline L. Tobin and published in 1995, the book is divided into sections, each warmly sensuous as it lays out the colors of womanhood.

From Section 8, "Fluid":

"The wise woman can take the shape of her space but does not lose her form. It is not essential to her nature to stay inside the lines. She does not give up that which holds her together; therefore, she is free."

On birthing, Section 10:

"Can you give birth and still let go? Can you nourish others and continue to take care of yourself? Can you show others the way without losing your own? Can you provide safety yet dare to risk the unknown? Can you calm the fears of children while embracing your own? Everything you touch changes. You change everything you touch. The process is creation."

From "Doing the Work of the Tao," Section 45:

"When working with the pieces, the whole may be difficult to see. The work may seem impossible, but the impossible can happen. Daily work seems tedious, but the tasks are eventually completed. Letting things happen naturally, the wise woman steps aside."

From "Women and Men: The Tao," Section 32:

"Men and women in harmony reflect the Tao. When working together, the sum of the parts is greater than the whole. Man is not greater, woman is not more beautiful; words are but reflections of the person who speaks. The rivers run separate courses only to merge in the ocean. The earth accepts the sun at the end of each day. Depending on your perspective, the sun in the noon sky is either rising or setting."

This time of rising womanpower, deeper appreciation of the female sensibility and contribution to the world, is a time to use our femininity to build deeper friendship between the sexes. That can happen only if we women extend our hand in friendship to our counterparts. This is a time to be careful not to overpower the men in our lives. We must nurture and build understanding with them.

Have a question for Susan? You can reach her directly at susan@single-file.com.

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