You Are a Great Mother!
By Tabby Biddle
You are a great Mother! These are the words my friend said to me yesterday on the phone. They felt so good to hear. My whole body lit up with happiness as I received those words.
You are a great Mother! Doesn’t that feel good to hear?
Whether you are a mom, a step-mom, a fairy godmother, a goddessmother, an auntie, or a maiden who is mothering a mission, business or project in the world, you deserve to be honored and celebrated.
Two years ago, I led a virtual retreat called Honor the Mother with my friend and colleague Renée Wilson, an award-winning filmmaker, writer, actor, singer, fellow Mom and Steward of the Divine Feminine.
At the time of the retreat, there was a lot going on for Mothers — between keeping our families safe during the onset of the pandemic, homeschooling our kids, managing our careers, fighting for our civil rights, holding space for systemic change, and adapting to all of the daily uncertainties — it was A LOT.
Now, two years later, there is even more going on for Mothers.
While most of our kids are back in school, the list above still exists. Add to it, the war in Ukraine and its detrimental effects on women and children; the U.S. democracy coming apart at the seams; and the sovereignty of our female bodies at stake with the potential overturn of Roe v. Wade and the ripple effect that would have on undoing other laws that protect our bodily rights and personhood. It’s a lot!
One thing I know, however, is that when we get caught up in fear or the never-ending “to-dos” of Motherhood, we often lose connection to the wilder space of the Feminine. Her mysteries. Her vast terrain. Her creative juice. And our own creative juice.
When we get disconnected from Her (even just a little), we can feel stale, dry and undernourished. We feel “out of sorts.” Low energy. Not quite ourselves.
Any of this sound familiar?
While I won’t be hosting an “Honor the Mother” retreat this Mother’s Day, I’d like to offer you some practices that I use on a daily basis to honor myself as a Mother and the Divine Mother within me. My hope is that they will serve you, too.
5 Practices to Honor the Mother
As a Mother, I know how much you give. I also know how important it is for you to replenish, restore and R-E-C-E-I-V-E. With this in mind, I invite you to try these practices. I do these on a daily basis to keep myself centered, grounded and nourished. With this said, even just doing one of these practices a day will support you in connecting with the Divine Feminine, and the Divine Mother within you to honor and celebrate yourself as a Mother not just on Mother’s Day, but every day. ❤️
Love Breath.
Start your morning by placing one hand on your heart and the other hand on your lower belly/womb. Take three long deep breaths, tuning into your body and the movement of your very own breath. Then say aloud (or silently) to yourself: I am love. I am the frequency of love. I am peace. I am the frequency of peace. I am wisdom. I am the frequency of wisdom. I am beauty. I am the frequency of beauty. I am truth. I am the frequency of truth.
Drink a cup of tea and listen to the birds.
Make yourself a cup of tea and find a place on your porch, or in your home where you can listen to the birds. Drink your tea slowly and listen to the birds chirp and sing. This is a great way to connect with nature, calm the nervous system, and remove yourself from your computer or the clutter of the day. Try it!
Journal what’s on your mind and heart.
Writing is a fabulous form of self-expression. It gets you connected with yourself in an honest and intimate way. All those things you may be holding back from saying get a place in your journal. You get to be seen and heard by you! This is extremely nourishing and empowering. You can do this anytime of day. Try it in the morning, afternoon or evening, and see what’s best for you.
Kick your feet up and read a good book.
Reading is good for the soul. It’s a place to escape to, go on an adventure, be awakened, educated, inspired and nourished. Whether you like to read fiction, non-fiction, poetry, or something else, choose your book and set aside at least 30 minutes for this daily. I like to read before dinner and before bed. What about you?
Go for a walk and smell the flowers.
I love this practice in the Spring when all the flowers are in bloom. After I finish my work for the day, I lace up my walking shoes and take a walk around the neighborhood and smell the flowers. Smelling flowers puts me in a state of receiving. I love receiving this sacred gift from nature. Roses and jasmine are my favorite! What are yours?
I hope that these practices bring you much joy and delight. You deserve it! Happy Mother’s Day!
Tabby Biddle, M.S. Ed. works at the intersection of women’s leadership, feminine spirituality and social change. She is the co-founder of 50 Women Can Change the World in Media & Entertainment, the bestselling author of Find Your Voice: A Woman’s Call to Action, and an internationally celebrated women’s leadership coach, educator, strategist, and group facilitator for her unique approach to activating and advancing women’s leadership. Visit tabbybiddle.com.