Why Patriarchal Spirituality Teaches Us to Leave the Body (And Why That’s Hurting Us) with Cynthia Abulafia

Many spiritual traditions teach us to transcend the body.To rise above sensation.To witness instead of feel.To go “up and out.”But what if that very move is why so many women feel spiritually informed… yet internally disconnected?In this Aries season conversation, I sit down with Cynthia Abulafia, author of Embodying the Goddess, to explore the cost of spirituality that excludes the body — and the feminine path of returning “down and in.”Many non-dual or transcendence-based traditions emphasize:Rising above the bodyDetaching from emotionEscaping identificationThese practices can be meaningful.But what they don't always teach is how to go down and in.  And for women especially, that absence matters.  Because when spirituality prioritizes ascent without descent, the body becomes secondary — sometimes even suspect.This isn’t anti-spiritual.  It’s a restoration of the feminine current within spirituality, and seeing the body is not an obstacle to awakening, but as the doorway.Connect with Cynthia:Follow Her on YouTubeOrder Her Book - Embodying the Goddess Visit Her WebsiteFollow Her on SubstackSend us Fan Mail Our intro and outro song, Reclamation (Reborn), is an anthem of remembering.This song was created as a companion for the healing journey, especially for women reclaiming their voices, their rhythms, and their belonging in a world shaped by patriarchy.You’re invited to listen, feel, and let the music meet you wherever you are.Looking for support? Here's how to go deeper:Book a Somatic Assessment: Your 75-min 1:1 virtual session to explore what your body is holding and shape a personalized care plan. Book HereFree Trauma Recovery Mini-Course: A self-guided intro to trauma recovery and nervous system care. Download Here1:1 and Group Support: Virtual and in-person offerings. Learn MoreMeditations on Insight Timer: Guided practices for nervous system regulation. Listen HereWatch Reclamation: A music video and expressive arts project. Watch HereFollow on Instagram: @healingherstorypodcastSubscribe so you never miss an episode. Email [email protected] or DM @healingherstorypodcast on Instagram.