Little Things, Big Love

It's been a whirlwind of a week. I think I've been saying that for months now…

Though the pace has accelerated, and shows no signs of easing off, there is still spaciousness when you drop from your head to your heart. Too much thinking and not enough loving pulls you from your True North.

It's Mother's Day in the US today and I am reflecting on the grace that is found when we nurture one another. Mothering at its core is nurturing, caring for another (especially when they are unable to do it for themselves).

Giving birth to a child is not a requirement for mothering. We all do this in many ways. It can be a challenge to honor this day especially if your relationship with your mother did not live up to your expectations of it. We all carry expectations around this, as we do with most things. The trick is to allow yourself leeway in how you navigate this.

In my case, my mother was far from perfect (and at times very toxic). I ignored the ugly aspects for decades. Becoming a mother gave me an opportunity to do it differently. I wasn't perfect either but I was willing to take responsibility (and make amends) for my mistakes. There's a different trajectory that's possible. You have to be willing to make the difference that you desire.

Nurturing is a powerful offering, especially at this time when the heart is absent in so many places. The most substantive thing we can do right now is to open our hearts and allow love to flow into all those spaces. It doesn't have to be anything big. Little things have a big impact.

If there is a moment — however small — when your mother held you with kindness and care, rest in that today. And if not, remember a time when anyone did. You are loved and you ARE love.