It's funny because as soon as I became a mom, my "wants" list changed dramatically. I'm guessing yours did too. Suddenly, nice clothes, flowers, a cool piece of jewelry, or a new purse no longer mattered. What mattered to me?
Rest... deep rest.
A dark room with no sound that I could sit in for a few moments.
A dinner that I didn't have to make
The laundry to do itself
To be waited on, hand and foot, for one day.
To not be needed and for everyone else to tend to my needs.
Am I right, or am I right?
Especially nowadays, moms are overwhelmed, overstimulated, and overscheduled. And what's crazy about all this?
If you were to receive one or two of these things this Mother's Day, I bet you'll feel a tinge of guilt... like you should be doing something. Somehow, you'll find a way to tell yourself you didn't earn it and that you have to do more or that someone needs you right now.
And, I'll bet you're also the mamma who goes to bed at night wondering if she could have done things better. No matter how amazing you are, you just can't seem to fully acknowledge that for yourself -- even though everyone else sees it.
It took me a while to notice that I was in a constant state of hypervigilance. Always on guard, always ready to be of service to my children. I forgot how to relax. I became uncomfortable with being bored.
Every minute of the day had to be filled with a task. I collected lots of books that sat on shelves for years, and about 50% of them have been read... 1/4 of the way. 10% of them have been read front to back. I equated this all to my sense of self-worth...
I forgot how to slow down.
On Thursday, I went to a Mother's Day event that the school had planned for all the moms. Here in Mexico, Mother's Day is a really big deal. Bigger than Christmas.
And they didn't disappoint.
They made sure that Mamma remembered how important those little moments are. Those moments we typically fill with doing, instead of being. Giving instead of receiving. Every single mom, including me, had tears as our children serenaded us with the sappiest but sweetest song (I'll link it here).
Along with the good tears you'll release from that song, I have a practice for you to try today. This could change everything, and I'm not just saying that.
It's so simple... yet so profound.
Here's me and all the moms with our kiddos at the school event!
SOAK IN THE MOMENTS: GET IN YOUR BODY
Maybe it sounds silly when I tell you to notice where your shoulders are. But it's crazy how much I've caught myself with my shoulders shrugging while I'm simultaneously saying affirmatons that speak confidence, joy and presence into me.
There's nothing more you need to do, Reader, except focus on where you are, right now in this moment. The more you practice this, the more you soak in those little moments. It takes practice.
Ensure that your bodyset (not just your mindset) matches the energy or frequency you are calling in. You could be saying one thing... but your body will tell you you're lying to yourself.
Notice your shoulders: where are they? Up and clenched, or back, heart radiating
Notice your breath: how deep is it going? Is it short, long, deep? How about your exhales?
Is your bodyset congruent with the frequency you want to embody?
I know it's hard being a mom sometimes. We get so caught up in those little lives and their needs, we tend to forget about our own. By practicing presence in your own body, I promise you, you'll be more present in your life and with your children.
You'll be able to show up for your family in a big way. One that feels fulfilling and not draining. Rewarding and not punitive.
My oldest son turns 21 this year. Even though I am transitioning from mother to matriarch, the need to be present in each phase of life only grows stronger.
Let your body be the instrument that brings you closer to the divine, Reader.
This fun meditation is perfect for moms like you. The moms who relentlessly tell the mind it's fine when the body screams, "I'm not!"
Bring your mind and body into coherence with this simple hack. The Smiling Buddha meditation was practiced by Buddha and Jesus themselves because of its profound ability to bring feelings of peace, happiness, and possibility.
Stephanie is a Somatic Yoga and Kundalini Teacher, Yoga Therapist and Ayurveda Health Coach offering Kundalini Yoga, Somatic Movement, breathwork, nervous system regulation, and embodiment coaching infused with Ayurvedic wisdom to help mothers release stress, and increase pleasure! Gain mental clarity, build lasting confidence and awaken your authentic frequency to live fully and whole through movement-based coaching and therapy. Subscribe to support your emotional balance, focus, and aligned leadership! Get Aligned... mind, body and soul!
