Mother's Day Eve :: Inspiration:: the in breath

'Twas the night before Mother's Day and all through the house...

I have just returned from a really lovely evening.  First I went to the Heart of the Valley Birth Network's showing of Guerilla Midwife.  Robin Lim, the 'star' of the film, is truly a brightly shining star in this world of ours.  She is living and working the idea that gentle birth will create a gentler world.  It was such a gift to see this film on the eve of Mother's day, and to think about my own Mother, who birthed me gently, and inspired me to do the same with my children.  It was lovely to sit next to and in front of our two local midwives and know that they are doing the good work.  It is not easy work, but oh, is it good.  It is nice to have validation every so often that the path that I am on is the right one for this life of mine, and watching that film was very, very inspiring.

 My sister, Molly, is cooking something up over there at Go Running Mom!  She, having just run the Lincoln half-marathon, and just become an instructor at her local Y, is giving a big push for us all to notice that it is :

 

Oh yeah, that's right.  She has a lot of events posted up on her blog.  I would also like us to notice this, and because I'm me, and waited until the last possible moment to do this, I'm doing a more informal celebration in my life.  I was pondering it all in the shower this morning.  Here's what I'd like to do:

Spend each day of this week focusing on a particular aspect of Health.  I have a lot of friends and relatives who seem to be on a health journey right now, (or, maybe we ALL are??) and I think recognizing that we can all help each in making healthy lifestyles our vernacular is a big step in making it reality for more women, and thus, families.  

So, here was my brainstorm:  The Japanese names for the days of the week are similar to English, but there are elements of nature involved too, so I thought I would use those names as a guide for focusing on a particular aspect of health each day of the week, and also to shout out to all my women friends to celebrate with me. 

Sunday =日曜日 = Sun Day, also Mother's Day.

Today when you wake up in the morning, spend a few moments in gratitude for the sun, it's warmth, it's light, the beauty and bounty we experience because of the sun.  Me, I'm going to do some Sun Salutations, too.  Will you join me?  Spend the day experiencing gratitude for everything:  family, friends, food, clothing, home, dishes, laundry, diapers, sticky hands, smooshy kisses, all of it.  Celebrate your Mother!  And remember where Mother's Day has it's origins:  Julia Ward Howe's Mother's Day Proclamation

Monday =  月曜日 = Moon Day

Today is a day to recognize our connection to the Moon... we are connected you know, as are the tides of the oceans.  It is also a day to honor our menstrual cycles, and female organs.  Like so many mamas, I often think that our fast paced lifestyle is really not conducive to having a healthy cycle.  Sleep too few hours and spend too little time being in nature so that our cycles have stopped being tied closely to the moon.  Here's a challenge (for me, for you?):  Can you see the moon every day for a month?  Today, before bed, I will do Moon Salutations.  I will also contemplate how I can have a healthier cycle--more nourishing teas?  Yes!  

Tuesday = 火曜日　= Fire Day

What is it that fires you up?  What are the things that make the creative juices flow?  Where is your passion.  Part of women's health is truly living our passions.  I was reminded of that today at the movie.  When we are doing our life's work, people around us are inspired and impassioned as well.  Today I will remember that which inspires me and make note of it in some way, through journaling, art or just talking to someone about it so I can really remember.  I like that little expression:  Remember who you wanted to be when you grew up. Today I will also spend some moments meditating.  Please join me!

Wednesday = 水曜日= Water Day 

Today is a day to recognize the flow of the universe and the gift of water in our lives.  Here in Oregon, we spend a lot of time being grateful for rain--it is so incredibly lush with green growing things.  When the rains finally stop in July or so, I find myself feeling a bit dried out.  I have been feeling that way lately because I have been forgetting to drink my water.  I'm a nursing mother, for goodness sake.  It's no wonder my lips are parched and my skin is dry!  Today I will drink lots of water, please join me!  I also want to say something about Water Birth.  I am a mother of four children, all who were born at home, three of whom were born in the water.  I believe in water birth as an amazing, gentle way to welcome babies into our world.   I want to recognize the work that women like Barbara Harper with WaterBirth International are doing. 

Thursday = 木曜日= Tree Day

I have been a tree hugger since way back.  Now, I live in the forest.  Trees clean our air, provide us with homes and food, house our animal friends, give us shade, and maple syrup, and cures for diseases.  Today, let's honor the trees by walking in them with friends.  And, while I'm at it, I'm going to manifest up a new home that is also surrounded by trees.

Friday =　金曜日 = Gold Day

Here's a good chance to examine our relationships with money, honey.  How does my financial health relate to my physical and emotional health?  Where can I find sustainability in my financial life?  How am I working towards goals in this area?  Where does the fear lie?  How do i vote with my dollars?  Am I spending with integrity?  Today I will walk with my children by the river, where will you walk with yours?

Saturday =土曜日　= Earth Day

Let's dig in the dirt.  I don't think i was always this way, but I love getting dirt under my fingernails now.  I love the feeling of planting and harvesting.  Today I am so grateful for the earth and all it's bounty.  Even if you do not have a garden, you can find a place where there is earth and sink your toes in.  Come on, do it!  And while you are sinking into Mama Earth, remember this feeling of grounding, connection to that which is constant, solid, and yet constantly changing.