Celebrating Women’s History
While names like Mother Teresa and Marie Curie may be familiar, countless women have contributed to spiritual practice, poetry, art, social work, and more. This post highlights a few lesser-known women of the 20th century in honor of Women’s History Month.
May their stories inspire all of us—regardless of gender—to bring our own strengths forward for the benefit of others.
Vimala Thakar (1921–2009)
Indian spiritual teacher and activist Vimala Thakar was deeply influenced by Krishnamurti and Gandhi’s philosophy of nonviolence. She first worked with the Bhoodan movement, which urged landowners to share land with those in need. Later, she focused on blending spiritual growth with social change. She believed true transformation begins with the individual and radiates outward.
Maechee Sansanee Sthirasuta (1953–2021)
Thai Buddhist nun Maechee Sansanee was known for her innovative approach to meditation and social outreach. After leaving behind a life of material wealth, she founded a center in Bangkok that offered meditation programs and community support. She helped single mothers, promoted environmental conservation, and empowered women—always emphasizing the deep connection between personal awakening and social well-being.
Angela Davis (b. 1944)
In the early 1970s, American activist and scholar Angela Davis turned to yoga and meditation while imprisoned for over a year before her acquittal. These practices gave her strength and clarity during a difficult time. Today, she continues to integrate mindfulness into her work, advocating for racial, gender, and economic justice.
Anna Świrszczyńska (Anna Swir) (1909–1984)
Polish poet Anna Swir lived through World War II, and her writing reflects the hardships of war, survival, and human resilience. She wrote about women’s strength in the face of suffering, giving a deeply personal and universal voice to endurance and transformation. Later, her poetry explored love, aging, and the impermanence of life, showing the quiet power of inner strength.
Taking Strength & Inspiration
These women embody the connection between meditation, art, and social action. Their lives remind us that inner peace and creative expression can fuel real change, even in difficult times.
At Middle Path Healing Arts, we draw inspiration from these and many others who came before us. If you’d like to explore mindfulness practices and deepen your connection to inner strength, here are a few ways to begin:
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Mindful Movement Weekly – Gentle sessions in hatha yoga, qi gong, and mindfulness to support body and mind.
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Personalized Meditation Sessions – One-on-one guidance to develop a mindfulness practice that fits your life.
May we all find strength in these stories and in our own journey