On Our Best Behavior : The Seven Deadly Sins And The Price Women Pay To Be Good by Elise Loehnen

“On Our Best Behavior: The Seven Deadly Sins and the Price Women Pay to Be Good” is a groundbreaking book that delves into the age-old expectations placed on women to conform to a standard of “goodness.” Instead of following the traditional route of simply condemning these societal rules, author Elise Loehnen offers a fresh perspective. In this book, Loehnen explores how the Seven Deadly Sins continue to exert control over our lives, distorting our true selves. However, she goes beyond this analysis and provides readers with insights into how to lead a more balanced and spiritually fulfilling life.

Loehnen challenges the readers to reconsider their views on sloth, greed, gluttony, envy, pride, wrath, and lust, and how these sins can intertwine in a way that liberates us. By dissecting the deeply ingrained patriarchal society that women have internalized, the book shows the path to breaking free from these constricting norms. It highlights the significance of finding wholeness and authenticity in a world that often imposes unrealistic expectations on women.

For those seeking spiritual wisdom, “On Our Best Behavior” serves as an essential guide. It empowers women to embrace a life that is liberated, empowered, and true to their inner selves. Whether you are yearning for personal growth or simply seeking a different perspective on the roles society assigns to women, this book is a must-read.

The Price Women Pay: Unpacking the Effects of the Seven Deadly Sins on Women

Elise Lunen, the author of the bestselling book “On Our Best Behavior: The Seven Deadly Sins and the Price Women Pay to Be Good,” explores the ancient rules that shape our culture and condition women to be well-behaved. In a recent interview, she discusses the inspiration behind the book and how these rules impact women today.

Lunen begins by sharing that in late 2019, she experienced chronic hyperventilation, feeling like she couldn’t breathe properly for an entire month. Despite being at the height of her career and having a happy family life, she felt a deep sense of dissatisfaction. This led her to question the idea that she would eventually reach a point of feeling “good enough” and realize that she was not alone in hearing these cultural voices about what it means to be a good woman.

She relates the seven deadly sins – sloth, gluttony, greed, lust, anger, pride, and envy – to the expectations placed on women. Lunen discovered that she policed these instincts in herself, as did many other women. Unlike men, women often suppress their desires and feelings of envy, projecting them onto others instead. However, she argues that envy serves as a message, revealing what women truly want. By acknowledging and embracing their envy, women can understand their desires more clearly and work towards achieving them.

The topic of gluttony leads Lunen to discuss society’s obsession with body image and weight. She refers to a survey by Yale University that found many people would rather die ten years earlier than be perceived as overweight. This cultural obsession with thinness is detrimental as it prevents individuals from fully engaging with life and embracing their bodies as they are.

The interview also explores Lunen’s departure from her role as Chief Content Officer at a wellness brand and her decision to write this book. She felt overwhelmed and disconnected from herself, realizing that she needed to step back from the pressure to optimize herself and gain objectivity. Through this process, Lunen has begun to interrupt herself and challenge societal expectations of women. For example, she has learned to embrace rest and relaxation, rather than constantly being productive.

In regards to preparing children for a world still dominated by male norms, Lunen expresses more concern for boys than girls. She believes that girls have shown resilience and adaptability in navigating a culture not built for them. However, boys often struggle with feelings of despair and toxic masculinity, which can lead to destructive behavior. Lunen suggests interrupting the societal narratives that limit women and allow women to be angry, thus promoting healthier relationships between genders.

Elise Lunen’s book, “On Our Best Behavior: The Seven Deadly Sins and the Price Women Pay to Be Good,” offers valuable insights into how cultural expectations shape women’s behavior. By challenging these expectations and interrupting societal narratives, women can embrace their desires and live more fulfilling lives. You can learn more about Lunen’s work by listening to her podcast, “Pulling the Thread,” and picking up a copy of her book, available in stores everywhere.