By Stella Westbrook
The twin flame journey is one of the most profound, transformative, and often tumultuous spiritual experiences one can undergo. It’s a connection that transcends the physical realm, touching the very core of our souls. Yet, one of the most common dynamics observed in twin flame relationships is the “runner-chaser” phase, where the divine masculine often retreats while the divine feminine pursues. This dynamic can be confusing, painful, and even maddening for those experiencing it. But why does this happen? To understand this phenomenon, we must delve into the energetic, psychological, and spiritual underpinnings of the twin flame connection.
Understanding the Divine Masculine and Divine Feminine Energies
Before we explore the runner-chaser dynamic, it’s essential to understand the roles of the divine masculine and divine feminine energies. These energies are not tied to gender but are universal forces present within all individuals, regardless of biological sex.
- Divine Masculine Energy: This energy is associated with logic, action, structure, and outward focus. It is the energy of giving, providing, and protecting. The divine masculine is often linked to the solar plexus and crown chakras, representing willpower, authority, and higher consciousness.
- Divine Feminine Energy: This energy embodies intuition, emotion, creativity, and receptivity. It is the energy of nurturing, healing, and inner knowing. The divine feminine is often connected to the heart and sacral chakras, representing love, compassion, and creation.
In a twin flame connection, these energies are meant to balance and complement each other. However, due to societal conditioning, personal traumas, and spiritual imbalances, these energies often become distorted, leading to the runner-chaser dynamic.
Why the Divine Masculine Runs
The divine masculine’s tendency to run from the twin flame connection can be attributed to several factors:
1. Fear of Vulnerability
The divine masculine, in its distorted form, often struggles with vulnerability. Society has conditioned masculine energy to equate vulnerability with weakness. The intensity of the twin flame connection demands emotional openness and surrender, which can feel overwhelming to the divine masculine. Running becomes a defense mechanism to avoid facing these deep-seated fears.
2. Overwhelm from the Intensity
Twin flame connections are incredibly intense, often triggering unresolved wounds and past traumas. The divine masculine, being more action-oriented and logical, may feel ill-equipped to handle the emotional and spiritual depth of the connection. This overwhelm can lead to a fight-or-flight response, with running being the preferred escape.
3. Fear of Losing Independence
The divine masculine values independence and freedom. The idea of merging with another soul on such a profound level can feel threatening to their sense of self. This fear of losing autonomy can cause them to retreat, seeking solace in solitude or distractions.
4. Unhealed Wounds and Shadow Work
The twin flame connection acts as a mirror, reflecting our deepest wounds and insecurities. For the divine masculine, this often brings up issues related to self-worth, emotional suppression, and fear of failure. Until these wounds are addressed, the divine masculine may continue to run, avoiding the discomfort of facing their shadow self.
5. Societal Conditioning
From a young age, masculine energy is often taught to suppress emotions and prioritize logic and action. This conditioning can make it difficult for the divine masculine to fully embrace the emotional and spiritual aspects of the twin flame connection. Running becomes a way to avoid confronting these ingrained beliefs.
Why the Divine Feminine Chases
On the other side of the dynamic, the divine feminine often finds herself in the role of the chaser. This can be attributed to the following reasons:
1. Stronger Connection to Intuition and Emotion
The divine feminine is deeply connected to her intuition and emotions. She often senses the depth of the twin flame connection before the divine masculine does. This intuitive knowing drives her to pursue the connection, even when the divine masculine retreats.
2. Desire for Union and Harmony
The divine feminine thrives in unity and harmony. She is naturally drawn to creating balance and healing within the relationship. Her chasing is often an attempt to restore this balance and bring the divine masculine back into alignment.
3. Unhealed Wounds and Codependency
While the divine feminine’s pursuit may seem noble, it can also stem from unhealed wounds, such as fear of abandonment or codependency. These wounds can cause her to chase after the divine masculine, seeking validation and reassurance in the connection.
4. Spiritual Awakening and Growth
The divine feminine is often the first to awaken spiritually in the twin flame journey. Her chasing is not just about the relationship but also about her own growth and evolution. Through the pursuit, she learns valuable lessons about self-love, patience, and surrender.
The Purpose of the Runner-Chaser Dynamic
While the runner-chaser phase can be painful, it serves a higher purpose in the twin flame journey. This dynamic is designed to trigger growth, healing, and transformation in both individuals.
- For the Divine Masculine: Running forces the divine masculine to confront their fears, heal their wounds, and embrace vulnerability. It is a call to integrate their divine feminine energy and achieve balance within themselves.
- For the Divine Feminine: Chasing teaches the divine feminine the importance of self-love, boundaries, and surrender. It is an opportunity to release codependency and step into her power as a sovereign being.
How to Navigate the Runner-Chaser Phase
If you find yourself in the runner-chaser dynamic, here are some steps to navigate this phase with grace and understanding:
1. Focus on Self-Healing
Both the runner and the chaser must prioritize their own healing. This involves shadow work, addressing past traumas, and cultivating self-love.
2. Practice Surrender
The divine feminine must learn to surrender the need to control the connection. Trust that the universe is guiding both individuals toward union in divine timing.
3. Communicate with Compassion
If communication is possible, approach the relationship with compassion and understanding. Avoid blame or judgment, and focus on creating a safe space for both parties to express their feelings.
4. Embrace Divine Timing
Twin flame connections operate on divine timing, not human timelines. Trust that everything is unfolding as it should, even if it doesn’t make sense in the moment.
5. Balance Your Energies
Both individuals must work on balancing their divine masculine and feminine energies. This involves embracing vulnerability, intuition, action, and logic in equal measure.
Conclusion
The runner-chaser dynamic in twin flame connections is a complex but purposeful phase of the journey. It highlights the imbalances within both individuals and serves as a catalyst for profound healing and growth. While the divine masculine may run due to fear, overwhelm, and unhealed wounds, the divine feminine chases out of love, intuition, and a desire for harmony.
Ultimately, this phase is not about forcing union but about achieving inner balance and alignment. When both individuals heal and integrate their divine energies, the runner-chaser dynamic dissolves, paving the way for a harmonious and fulfilling twin flame union.
Remember, the twin flame journey is not just about finding your other half but about becoming whole within yourself. Trust the process, embrace the lessons, and know that love, in its purest form, will always find its way.
With love and light,
Stella Westbrook

