Embrace Your Primordial Purity: A Buddhist Approach to Self-Worth for Ambitious Women
Have you ever felt seen in a way that made you relax into your body, breathe a little deeper, soften the shame and believe in yourself a little more fully? That's the power of being recognised for your primordial purity - a concept that's revolutionised my life, and my approach to leadership and coaching.
I believe it could transform the way you see yourself and your potential too.
During my teens and twenties, I raged against the injustices of the world, and the constraints our modern culture places on women. I was angry and rebellious.
At the same time I was exhausted from the internalised effects of female conditioning: from always working so hard to prove my worth, constantly striving to be ‘better' in every aspect of my life, stuck unconsciously trying to make amends for not being 'good enough’.
I hit a crossroads: continue down the path of burnout or find a radically different way of being.
That's when I embarked on a journey which eventually led me to ask for ordination as a Buddhist.
What changed (and probably saved) my life was the Buddhist concept of primordial purity.
The Struggle: The Myth of Not Being Enough
Our culture teaches women that we're never enough - not productive enough, not successful enough, not thin enough, not good enough.
We seep in this belief so deeply that we end up:
Overworking and burning out attempting to prove our worth
Struggling with imposter syndrome, even when we're highly capable
Giving away our time and energy, and neglecting our own needs
Feeling stuck and paralysed with self-doubt.
I would feel constantly inadequate, and thought that if I just worked harder, achieved more, or became 'better', I'd finally feel worthy.
This is how women end up on the hamster wheel of self-improvement.
The Solution: Embracing Your Primordial Purity as a Path to Self-Confidence
But here's a radical idea: what if, at your core, you're already whole, worthy, and brilliantly capable?
This is a fundamental truth recognised in Buddhist philosophy and at the heart of my life and coaching approach.
Primordial purity suggests that beneath the layers of conditioning, trauma, history, doubt, fear, and limiting beliefs, there's an essence of goodness and potential within you.
It's not something you need to achieve or earn - it's already there, waiting to be uncovered, rested into and lived from.
For me, this realisation was the beginning of my liberation.
It meant I could stop trying to always fix or improve myself and instead focus on relaxing into and revealing my true nature.
It allowed me to pursue my ambitions from a place of wholeness rather than lack.
The Power of Being Truly Seen
But, just for the record: I don’t dwell here in some kind of constantly serene, enlightened state. I forget daily, hourly! I slip into old stories of unworthiness and shame all the time and it’s a constant practise to remember what I truly am beneath all the layers of conditioning the world has piled on top of me.
I am most often brought back into contact with my true nature through good friendship and contact with wise elders, who relate to me on the basis of my purity and potential, rather than my habits and fears.
When you're seen through the lens of your primordial purity, something profound happens. You begin to relax into a deeper sense of self-acceptance, self-love, even radical self-delight.
And from this place, real transformation becomes possible.
In my work with clients, I've seen time and time again how this perspective allows women to:
Let go of shame, and old outdated limiting stories
Take back their time and prioritise what truly matters
Make decisions from a place of self-trust rather than external validation
Pursue their ambitions with both drive and softness
Bounce back from setbacks with deep-rooted resilience
Express themselves more authentically in work and life
Practical Steps: Living from Your Innate Wholeness
Ready to start embracing your own primordial purity? Here are some steps to begin:
Practice self-compassion: I know it’s cliched but it really is the foundation - treat yourself with the kindness you'd offer a dear friend.
Celebrate your whole self: Acknowledge both your strengths and vulnerabilities as integral parts of your journey. Welcome all of yourself into your experience.
Create space for stillness and rest: Regular meditation, reflection and true rest can help you connect with your innate wholeness. Capitalism tells us that we are only worthy when we are ‘doing’ or being productive, but you are worthy because you are here, embodied, alive. There is nothing that needs proving. See if you can find moments to pause, and to let yourself just be. Drop the self-improvement project and rest into who you are. This can be so challenging because it’s so counter cultural, but you have a right to be!
Your Invitation to Radical Self-Delight
Embracing your primordial purity is a journey - one that can lead to a profound shift in how you experience life and pursue your ambitions.
It's about peeling back the layers that were never yours, to reveal the radiant, capable person you've always been at your core.
I believe that when women rest into who they truly are, they resource a revolution. They ARE a revolution.
By connecting with your innate worthiness, you're not just transforming your own life - you're contributing to a cultural shift towards a more equitable, just and kind world.
Your Assignment: Take a moment to write a letter to yourself from the perspective of your primordial purity. What would that wise, compassionate part of you say about your struggles, your dreams, your worthiness?
I'd love to hear your reflections. How does the concept of primordial purity resonate with you? What shifts do you notice when you view yourself through this lens?
If you're feeling called to explore this perspective more deeply, I'd be honoured to support you. My coaching programs are designed to help you connect with your innate wholeness and create a life of time richness and meaningful impact from this place of deep self-delight.
Together, we can work on slowing things down while shaking things up, allowing you to pursue your ambitions in a way that feels sustainable and nourishing.
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