We Gather

Just a little conversation can begin a revolution.  Speaking from inside of ourselves or out loud with someone we know, we all have the seed lying in the center of our beings for love, transformation and growth.  When birthed into words, that which moves us from our centers can manifest into movement.

I love to gather.  I especially love to gather to honor women, and I leapt at the opportunity to assemble a small group of moms to initiate a dear friend into the mothership circle.  What began as a subtle, spoken yearning by Keri to be surrounded by "mama energy" before the birth of her son culminated in an amazing, whirlwind weekend of food, fall color, mommies and babes in Woodstock, NY.

I'm beginning to be at a loss for words, so visit Wendy who found a beautiful song that I think describes what happens when we gather perfectly.

What stands out for me most of all, is the mighty courage it takes for women to fly and drive great distances to support another woman in her rites of passage, and how this is a lost practice in our culture that is making a comeback.  It might be easy for someone to shy away from other women or artists for fear of being judged or thinking that they may not have much to bring or offer others.  Nevertheless, women are sitting on floors and couches, on the earth and on the chairs of their ancestors with each other, sharing stories, fears, and finding their voices.

We must all keep having the conversations, sending out the smoke signals for support when we need it, asking for what we want, listening for the drumbeat, and answering the call to quest.

Here's to four amazing mothers, two curious boys, one brilliantly growing seed, and two that are being dreamed of today.  You are all brave and shining. 

   

"If the world is to be healed through human efforts, I am convinced that it will be by ordinary people, people whose love for this life is even greater than their fear.  People who can open to the web of life that called us into being, and who can rest in the vitality of that larger body." --Joanna Macy

Comments

[patricia]

i am a nut for crimson leaves -- exquisite pictures...i can smell the autumn, the chill and the warmth...

[Goddess of Leonie]

HO to all of this...

i gathered with women last night. as always, the very cells and atoms of me are changed.
i wonder who i would be if i did not know the power of women gatherings and sacred space. i do not know if i would recognise her.

HO to women gathering to share and honour and participate in rites of passage.

HO to the world being changed by these circles of women.

[Gangie]

How wonderful and glorious--this gathering of hearts and souls. And how fortunate we are to read the words and gaze upon the pictures of you beautiful women and the babes. You inspire, enlighten, and bless the rest of us with your heart-thoughts and dream-catching.

[Maggie]

Oh, the poetry you inspire in the hearts of women! I am so honored to be one of the many women with whom you take time to gather, and shake the bones and shed the tears and sing the souls back to life. xoxo

[michelle stevenson]

Cool! I found a beautiful song about a mother and her daughter this week that I thought I'd pass along.
www.myspace.com/kimmcmechan
It's called " little morning song" (3rd track, i think)
It's now my soundtrack for parenting.

[boho girl]

mmmmm...i can feel the love from here.

beautiful gathering.

[Maggie]

Michelle, thank you for posting the link for Little Morning Song. I absolutely love it, and have been singing it all day and night! What a sweet, true song.

[pixie]

What a lovely voice she has! Thank you for this gift, Michelle. I love these little treats! And thank you to all who are listening for your own heartbeats.
xoxo p

[kellyrae]

i know i don't comment often, but you must know that you inspire me. yes you do.

[Stefanie]

Found you through the Whole Self. Wonderful artist...my hubby is in the recond industry and I've passed her along to him. He thinks I'm brillant for finding her:) Looks like you girls had so much fun...so jealous!

Have a wonderful thanksgiving...

[keri smith]

i couldn't have said it better myself!

is that my belly?

holy crap.

i love the photo of nina, pre tangle.

i love you girls.

[jenica]

how beautiful is this. i think that birthing is meant to be shared among women. and not just the birth. you gathering sparks my soul to do a little more, to reach out to my sister friends, and to reach out and strengthen the lovelies in my life!

[Julie]

I love you. The gathering sounded wonderful! Through my relationship with you, I have really learned to yearn for (carve out) time with my tribe. Currently I am looking for ways to add more rituals and traditions into my life...I may have to call you about that :)