Papa and Me! the Perils of Patriarchy: Stories Told by American Women from Their Journeys to New Feminine Consciousness and Empowerment

By Catherine Mich

CAUGHT IN THE CONFINING CHRYSALIS OF PATRIARCHY?

Five American women candidly share their transformative experiences of moving through the stifling culture of patriarchy out into the fresh air of their uniquely authentic, sparkling selves. The journey may seem long and daunting, but the destination is worth the trip. Making a commitment to the process is the first step of the journey toward being the person you came here to be with all the gifts you possess. You are a piece of good news! Be glad and rejoice in it!

The brave women who share their stories here may inspire and motivate you to reflect on your own life, plumbing your depths for aspirations denied, plans deferred, and intuitions ignored, in the context of patriarchal relationships.

This storytelling process often ignites an individual process unique to each woman who pursues it. The benefits of this process are enhanced by coupling it with a journaling practice.

Should you feel alone in your struggles with the reality of patriarchal relationships, these women aim to point you in the direction for overcoming that feeling of isolation. As a woman, you are one of a multitude of women searching for creative, healthy, freeing responses to patriarchy. You have caring companions and these women are some of them.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Balboa Press
• Release date: Feb 28, 2013
• ISBN: 9781452568133

Catherine Mich

Catherine Mich holds a Masters Degree in Counseling from California State University, Los Angeles and is certified by William Bridges and Associates for guiding individuals and groups through major changes and successful transitions. For the past 15 years she has served as a transitions mentor, educator, workshop facilitator , and caring coach, who is passionately committed to guiding clients on transformative journeys to empowerment. During the years 1963 to 1978 Mich was a member of the Immaculate Heart Community, a group of Catholic religious women who sought to follow the mandate of Vatican II to renew and revitalize the role of religious women in the Church. They encountered a “battle royal” with the local Cardinal of Los Angeles and the Vatican. Mich opens another window on the patriarchal challenges of this tumultuous time and place. In this work Catherine Mich has invited participation by four American women contributors. Each has prepared a chapter based upon her own encounter with the challenging reality of patriarchy. Their experiences within the crucible of patriarchal relationships are unique, though related , to women everywhere. Mich has published two other books, Be the Artist of Your Own Life’s Work in 2007, and From Employee to Entrepreneur, A Journey Worth Taking in 2010. Threads from each of these works are woven into Papa and Me! The Perils of Patriarchy. Mich lives in Sequim, Washington amidst the beauties of the Olympic Mountains and the North Olympic Peninsula.

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Copyright © 2013 Catherine J. Mich, Ltd.

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The author of this book does not dispense medical advice or prescribe the use of any technique as a form of treatment for physical, emotional, or medical problems without the advice of a physician, either directly or indirectly. The intent of the author is only to offer information of a general nature to help you in your quest for emotional and spiritual well-being. In the event you use any of the information in this book for yourself, which is your constitutional right, the author and the publisher assume no responsibility for your actions.

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ISBN: 978-1-4525-6812-6 (sc)

ISBN: 978-1-4525-6814-0 (hc)

ISBN: 978-1-4525-6813-3 (e)

Library of Congress Control Number: 2013902308

Balboa Press rev. date: 2/25/2013

9781452568133.pdf

CONTENTS

With Gratitude

Introduction

My Heroine’s Journey Catherine Mich

Phase One: Father’s Daughter

My Heroine’s Journey

Phase Two: Conflict with Institutional Patriarchy

Daddy Dearest and the Magic Ladder

Gloria Shafton

Finding My Own Light

Joan Cole

Investment in Forgiveness

Elsbeth McLeod

Making Waves

A Conversation between Pat Holden and Catherine Mich

Epilogue

Contributors’ Conversation about Their Process and Inner Transformation

Endnotes

Bibliography

About the Author

About the Contributors

In the spirit of gratitude and loving kindness we, the authors of Papa and Me! The Perils of Patriarchy, dedicate this work to our fathers and fathers everywhere.

9781452568133.pdf

With Gratitude

Many years ago my aunt, Isabella Taves Mich, author and journalist, suggested I write a book focused on the story of my life. At that time I found her suggestion a genuine compliment, however I was not sure there was enough material in my life to make a good read. My point in mentioning this fact is a confession that Isabella planted a seed. It has been almost ten years since her passing and there are many moments with her that I still cherish.

In a moment in time, when least expected, I received an invitation to join the Transformational Author Experience (TAE) designed and presented by Christine Kloser. As soon as I read through the information, I knew I wanted to be there and signed up immediately. The first session of the class inspired an internal process for me, which ultimately led to this book. I have self-published two other books, Be the Artist of Your Own Life’s Work, and From Employee to Entrepreneur, A Guidebook. Neither of these involved telling my own story.

For some time I have known there was another book within me and I have resisted it, as it does involve telling my story. The TAE class experience helped me tap into new insights and motivation for sharing my story with fresh energy and purpose for helping others who might be facing similar situations and relationships with patriarchal overtones. Ultimately I chose to enter the contest which was a part of this class experience. I prepared a Book Proposal for the contest and, in the process, invited four other women to share their encounters with patriarchy.

The organic evolution of this book has been heartening and encouraging to be sure. From the outset I knew that stories from several women would be more interesting and inspiring than only presenting my story. As destiny would have it, four women were attracted to say yes to this project by sharing their own stories. I will forever sing the praises of these women who took the leap and wrote their chapters. Joan Cole, Elsbeth McLeod, Gloria Shafton, and Pat Holden, your courage, your trust, persistence, and ongoing support have meant so much to me. We are part of the future we are writing about and we are more interesting as many, rather than just one!

A work of this kind becomes possible only in the presence of loves in one’s life. I have long felt blessed with people in my life whose loving care has made all the difference. This is true from my parents and family forward to friends, colleagues, clients, mentors, and more. Borrowing words from Corita Kent, truly I have reason to say grace all day long for all that I have been given. Two friends in particular, who have nurtured me through this book process are Kathleen Lucitt, my dear friend of over forty years, who has patiently and optimistically lived with this book from embryo to infant, and Gregg Gunner, who has cheered me on and supported this effort as though it were his own.

The professionals of Balboa Press, beginning with Sandy Powell, who noticed my Book Proposal and took action, are extraordinary. They do a great job of gently taking an author by the hand and guiding her through their well-developed system. So, my profound thanks go out to Wendy Herrington, Adriane Pontecorvo, Nichole Kruse, Carolyn Lockridge, each of you as my point of contact for the various facets of the process, has been impressive professionally and personally.

Three cheers for the faithful editor, Elizabeth Barrett, for her careful work with the original manuscript. Your edits added elegant clarity and simplicity to the overall work. For this we are grateful. Kudos to the designers, Madison Lux and Matthew Art Thomas, the magic of your handiwork is priceless. You have taken the bare bones of the original ideas and fleshed them out brilliantly. From the cover throughout all of the interiors, your work shines brightly.

To all the talented professionals at Balboa Press, I am grateful for your time and care with my questions, unusual requests, and attention to deadlines, so this book and I could attend the Los Angeles Book Festival (2013) together. You have been knowledgeable, helpful, and understanding all along the way. My gratitude for the