Edith Stein tells it well

The soul of a woman is called to be expansive and open to all human beings; 

it must be quiet, so that no small weak flame will be extinguished by stormy winds; 

warm so as not to benumb fragile birds; 

clear, so that no vermin will settle in dark corners and recesses; 

self-contained, so that no invasions from without can imperil the inner life; 

empty of self, in order that extraneous life may have no room in it; 

mistress of itself and also of its body, so that the entire person is readily at the disposal of every call.