3 minute read
Stephanie Jaie
STEPHANIE Jaie, an author, speaker, and somatic sexologist, explores the interconnected realms of spiritual materialism and the pursuit of gender equality in the workplace. She sheds light on the prevalent tendency to prioritize surface appearances over genuine inner transformation, noting a common dilemma that afflicts both spheres. “They are looking the part instead of truly embodying it,” she observes.
Within spiritual materialism, Jaie identifies a common pattern among contemporary spiritual adherents. These individuals meticulously adopt the outward symbols of spirituality, from wearing pricey “Tuluminati” clothing to partaking in trendy practices like meditation retreats and ayahuasca ceremonies. Yet, Jaie contends that genuine spiritual evolution demands more than surface-level engagement. “They are looking the part, acting the part - but they are not BEING the part. As a result, we see a huge amount of escapism, spiritual bypassing, and spiritual materialism: a focus on looking the part on the outside, without doing the actual inner work required for realization, ego dissolution, and ultimately transcendence”, she says.
Similarly, within the modern workplace, Jaie observes a parallel phenomenon among independent women striving for success within a male-dominated paradigm. These women often adopt masculine traits and behaviors, such as donning tailored suits and embracing aggressive communication styles, to assimilate into the corporate culture. However, she argues that true empowerment lies not in mimicking male counterparts but in embracing femininity with confidence and authenticity. According to her, being a boss babe woman was never about leaving behind one’s womanhood but rather about integrating it within a masculine environment with confidence. Jaie underscores the importance of introspection and authenticity in both spiritual and professional realms. She challenges spiritual seekers and feminists alike to shift their focus from outward appearances to inner landscapes, urging them to contemplate who they truly are in the world.
Reflecting on her experiences as an advocate for women’s rights and equality, Jaie notes the pervasive challenge of smart, courageous women succumbing to defeat due to external expectations or internal fears. She emphasizes the importance of embracing one’s unique strengths and individuality, rather than conforming to societal norms or attempting to outshine men in a competitive environment. She highlights parallels between her observations in spiritual communities and corporate settings, where superficial appearances often overshadow genuine growth and self-realization. Ultimately, Jaie emphasizes the significance of authenticity and selfempowerment in creating meaningful impact within communities and society at large.
Jaie further elucidates her insights by reflecting on her travels to various spiritual destinations worldwide (from Tulum to Costa Rica, Bali, India, and Thailand). She observes a pervasive tendency to prioritize external appearances over genuine spiritual growth, a phenomenon mirrored in corporate environments.
However, she remains optimistic, asserting that dismantling societal norms and biases is a necessary step towards reclaiming authenticity and wholeness, whether in pursuit of enlightenment or professional success.
Stephanie Jaie’s exploration underscores the universal challenge of reconciling external expectations with internal truths. By encouraging individuals to delve deeper into their inner landscapes and embrace authenticity, Jaie advocates for a paradigm shift towards genuine transformation and empowerment, both in spiritual and professional spheres.
