For millennia, women have been oppressed. Oppression is traumatic. Trauma is genetically transmitted. I termed my discovery of this collective inherited trauma, Patriarchy Stress Disorder® (PSD).
This study illustrates how PSD may be created and passed down: Researchers introduced the smell of cherry blossoms to mice while simultaneously zapping their feet with mild electric shocks. The mice were then bred, and their children and grandchildren, when exposed to the smell of cherry blossoms, showed a strong fear and anxiety reaction. Let that sink in.
PSD is women fearing the smell of cherry blossoms. Our “cherry blossoms” are everything that we authentically desire that has historically been prohibited and punishable for women under patriarchy—unapologetically expressing our brilliance and sexuality, knowing our desires and going after them, loving who we love, being wealthy, visible, and powerful.
So my sister, I’m so glad that our paths have crossed, because I’m going to be sharing with you exactly how to recognize and heal from PSD so you can reclaim and relish living in the fullness of your authentic self, so you can create and luxuriate in a life designed by your true, deep desires. So that you can enjoy the cherry blossoms.