lydia : an urban crunchy mama

Imagine…

Instead of inviting your husband’s best friend’s wife or whomever else you feel obligated to invite, you welcome the presence of only your closest, most intimate friends.

Instead of pastel, paper streamers and balloons, you are greeted by seasonal flowers and candlelight.

Instead of receiving yet another onesie, chew toy, or diaper cake, you receive gifts that are not only practical but mystical and inspirational as well.

Instead of feeling self-conscious about your pregnant body, your form is celebrated and captured in a plaster cast.

Instead of identifying unmarked dollops of baby food or brands of candy bars mashed into diapers, you enjoy a relaxing footbath infused with healing aromas and imbued with meaning.

Instead of keeping intentions, fears, and concerns around your pregnancy, birth, and future motherhood unspoken and suppressed, you openly share these thoughts with the hostess(es) so they may be supported during the ceremony.

Instead of hearing harrowing birth stories masked by uncomfortable laughter, you are bathed in inspirational and empowering stories of birth and body wisdom.

(As a guest of such a gathering) Instead of making small talk with people you may or may not know, you are fully present and open to sharing the most substantive parts of yourself without inhibition.

These are just some of the many gifts of a Blessingway — for the Mother-to-be, the guests in attendance, and the hostess(es).

At a time when interventive and dis-empowering pregnancy and birth is rampant throughout our culture, Blessingways offer an opportunity to realign our expectations and reconnect to deeper truths. I have had the honor of hosting three of these ceremonies in recent months, and I am continually renewed and in awe of each woman’s soulful journey to motherhood.

Imagine…

a world where all pregnant women are exalted and cherished for the gifts they bring to the Earth.

. . . . .

Hand-spun yarn by thystle

Birth Ju Ju by luckyjuju

Honored Mother : Thais