“Mother of the modern women’s movement” whose two-volume philosophical treatise, The Second Sex, is considered the starting point of second-wave feminism. Upon her death, in April 1986, the newspaper headline read: “Women, you owe her everything!” So, women: You may pay her back by reading The Second Sex. I would also recommend de Beauvoir’s autobiographies, particular The Prime of Life.

This book by philosopher-therapist-Yogini extraordinaire, Deborah Adele, beautifully and simply explains the principles contained in the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali. The Yamas and Niyamas are the foundations of ethical living according to the Sutras, and they read like a detailed map, telling us where to go and how to get there. Ms. Adele says of these 10 tenets: “I often think of them as jewels, because they are the rare gems of wisdom that give direction to a well-lived and joyful life.”  

I own only a few films, and this is one of them. Written and directed by renowned filmmaker, Chantal Akerman, Jeanne Dielman is considered one of the first and finest examples of feminist filmmaking (whatever that is—Akerman herself said, “I don’t think woman’s cinema exists."). See this film. It is long (201 minutes). It is hypnotic. The film reflects not only the women’s movement of the time, but also the eternal struggle of womanhood.

Mardy S. Ireland, Ph.D, a  psychologist and academic, was ahead of her time in writing this book about women who are not mothers: published in 1993, it is still one of the few truly illuminating explorations of the subject. The author writes: Unlike the “traditional” or “transitional” woman, the “transformative” woman chooses a child-free life and places herself on a little-traveled path. 

The author, Elisabeth Badinter, has written three seminal works of feminism. This particular work addresses and undresses the cultural tyranny of motherhood, without bias against those who choose to have children. Still, it is a scathing thesis that the author presents, creatively expressed in truly engaging prose. This is a must-study for all women who identify as feminist, regardless of their mothering status.

 I first heard about this new brand of psychology from a friend who was considering studying for her masters degree in the subject. I became so fascinated by its principles and ideals that I applied for the same program. Three years and many late nights and weekends later, I attained my goal and got the diploma. If you are attracted to where psychology and spirituality meet, or if you find theories about happiness and fulfillment fascinating, you are already on the positive psychology trip. 

From even the simplest, briefest daily practice you will notice the benefits. Find a style that works for you, one that you are able to sustain and cultivate. I am devoted to Passage Meditation, as taught by Eknath Easwaran, who said:  “As meditation deepens, compulsions, cravings, and fits of emotions begin to lose their power to dictate our behavior. We see clearly that choices are possible: we can say yes, or we can say no.

Is it shocking to hear that over the past decade, only 11% of the acquisitions made by major museums have been works by female artists? Are you stunned? Sadly, you are probably unsurprised. Gender inequality in the arts is a massive problem. Gender inequality is a massive problem, period. A few Mary Cassatt’s and a sprinkling of Sonia Delauney’s does not a fair representation make. Brava to the Guggenheim for devoting their main exhibition space, in 2018/19, to Swedish mystical-expressionist, Hilma af Klint. It was af Klint’s first major exhibition. Too bad she wasn’t around to see it—she died in 1944.

“Lots of my friends have money, but I’m the rich one.” Not sure who said this, but I love the sentiment. It’s true: well-being is wealth, and vice versa. However, cash flow is a valid form of abundance; and being educated around money is every woman’s responsibility. For those who are married or partnered, merging finances may work just fine. But I always advocate for keeping a separate stash, and I’m not talking “pin money.” I mean: Your Money. Educate yourself, demystify money, read up, and be clear (with yourself) about how to best spend yours. As the great Dawn Powell said: “Luxury is living within your means.”