Mothering Ourselves Mindfully

In this episode, I explore the common (and often daunting) question that many mothers ask: "What do I actually need?" This question seems to come more from a place of overwhelm, resentment, or struggle, versus one of curiosity and hopefulness.

I share part of my personal health journey, including dealing with bunions that affected my knee health and gut issues that came with a side of an autoimmune condition. Through these experiences, I discovered the importance of looking beyond symptoms to find the root causes of our struggles. 

We explore how getting to the root of our issues requires us to examine what's happening in our nervous systems. I discuss how 90-95% of our experience is driven by our subconscious, which has been programmed by our lineage, family upbringing, and larger systems like patriarchy, capitalism, and societal expectations.

While we might need specific solutions like therapy, household help, or medical interventions, what we all need on some level is to understand what is happening in our bodies and learn how to regulate our nervous systems. When we tend to our dysregulated nervous systems at the root, the positive impact is significant.

• The Mother Matrix - A series exploring the systems and programs that influence our lives, bodies, and nervous systems. Register here: https://theschoolofmom.com/mother-matrix 
• Katie Bowman's work - Website: Nutritious Movement (for those interested in biomechanics and body alignment)

Thank you for tuning in to this episode of "Mothering Ourselves Mindfully." We look forward to sharing more insights and inspiration in the upcoming episodes!

www.theschoolofmom.com

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Who benefits from the inner healing work we do? Who “should” we be doing it for? Particularly in the context of generational patterns and motherhood.

Inspired by a spicy comment thread on an instagram post, I reflect on this question in this week’s podcast episode.

I share a personal story about an ancestor session that transformed my understanding of generational healing and my purpose in The School of MOM. This spiritual experience helped me see that while it only takes one woman to unconsciously pass down trauma and unhelpful patterns through a lineage, it also only takes one woman to consciously heal and create new patterns for future generations.

We discuss the common pushback against the "burden" of lineage healing and reframe it as an opportunity rather than an obligation. I emphasize that outcome and impact of doing inner work matters more than who you're doing it for - whether it's for yourself, your children, or your lineage. The key is approaching healing from a place of aligned choice rather than guilt or shame.

I also reflect on moving away from labeling spiritual and intuitive practices as "woo-woo," which diminishes the power of feminine intuition and body wisdom. These experiences have consistently provided me with profound healing and direction, connecting me to something larger than myself.

• The Mother Matrix series - A recently announced program focused on helping mothers connect to deeper meaning and purpose. Register here: https://theschoolofmom.com/mother-matrix 

Thank you for tuning in to this episode of "Mothering Ourselves Mindfully." We look forward to sharing more insights and inspiration in the upcoming episodes!

www.theschoolofmom.com

Instagram @the.schoolofmom

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In this episode, I dive into the profound question, 'What is the point?' focusing specifically on why we should care about our relationships/healing our relationships with our bodies as women and mothers.

This topic emerged from heartfelt conversations in our School of MOM community where so many of us struggle with developing and maintaining a healthy self-image and relationship with our bodies. I invite listeners to pause and reflect on their current relationship with their body and how that’s developed over time, as well as what they'd like it to be and what they want to model for their children.

We explore the exhausting cycle of self-criticism that so many of us find ourselves in and why finding purpose beyond our physical appearance is so important for our well-being. I share insights about how shifting from criticism to compassion changes not just how we feel but ripples through all aspects of our lives.

For those wanting support on this journey, I highlight resources including our FLOURISH program and Mother Matrix series, both designed to help you transform your relationship with yourself in a supportive community setting.

Join The Mother Matrix in April! Learn more/sign up here: https://theschoolofmom.com/mother-matrix

Learn more about FLOURISH: https://theschoolofmom.com/flourish

Thank you for tuning in to this episode of "Mothering Ourselves Mindfully." We look forward to sharing more insights and inspiration in the upcoming episodes!

www.theschoolofmom.com

Instagram @the.schoolofmom

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In this episode, I take a reflective walk to introduce a powerful new approach to understanding and healing what I've come to call the 'mother matrix.' This concept expands on the traditional 'mother wound' by exploring how deeply embedded patterns from our mothers and broader societal conditioning shape our behaviors, relationships, and self-perception.

I share personal insights and experiences that have helped me recognize these influences in my own life. By examining collective patterns and cultural conditioning, I highlight the importance of both personal and community healing. The work of understanding and reshaping our 'mother matrix' empowers us to cultivate more conscious, intentional, and compassionate ways of being — not only for ourselves but also for future generations.

I'm excited to introduce an upcoming two-part series designed to help you map and intentionally redesign your own 'mother matrix.' Through guided reflection, practical exercises, and supportive resources, this series offers a transformative path toward healing and growth.

Learn more/sign up for The Mother Matrix here: https://theschoolofmom.com/mother-matrix

Resources Mentioned:

• "Mother Hunger" by Kelly McDaniel
• "The Drama of the Gifted Child" by Alice Miller
• "It Didn't Start with You" by Mark Wolynn

I invite you to join me in this journey of self-discovery and healing. Together, we can break free from old patterns and embrace a more compassionate way forward.

Thank you for tuning in to this episode of "Mothering Ourselves Mindfully." We look forward to sharing more insights and inspiration in the upcoming episodes!

www.theschoolofmom.com

Instagram @the.schoolofmom

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In this episode, I discuss why anti-racism work is an essential part of our self-awareness journey and mindful motherhood practice.

I explore how mindfulness gives us the capacity to examine unconscious biases in our thoughts, feelings, and actions. Drawing on insights from Rhonda Magee's work on the intersection of mindfulness and racial justice, I explain how mindfulness helps us develop the ability to stay present with difficult truths about ourselves and society.

I share my personal commitment to ongoing anti-racism education within The School of MOM community, and why this work remains important despite current cultural pushback against DEI initiatives. This episode emphasizes how combining mindfulness and compassion creates a sustainable approach to anti-racism work, allowing us to respond more effectively when confronting uncomfortable realities.

• Five-Day Anti-Racist Conversations Confidence Challenge: A free resource with our DEI coach Ashani Mfuko this month. Join us for live calls on March 18th and 25th. Sign up here: https://theschoolofmom.com/anti-racist 
• The Inner Work of Racial Justice: Healing Ourselves and Transforming Our Communities Through Mindfulness by Rhonda Magee - recommended reading on the intersection of anti-racism, mindfulness, and self-compassion.
• Nice Racism: Book discussing how subtle behaviors from well-intentioned white people can still perpetuate harmful racial dynamics.

Thank you for tuning in to this episode of "Mothering Ourselves Mindfully." We look forward to sharing more insights and inspiration in the upcoming episodes!

www.theschoolofmom.com

Instagram @the.schoolofmom

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In this episode, I explore the mindfulness concept that "you are exactly where you're meant to be." I delve into what this phrase truly means beyond just positive thinking, and how we can approach our present experience with genuine openness and curiosity.

We explore the various reactions people might have to this statement - from eye-rolling skepticism to deep relief - and what these reactions tell us about our relationship with the present moment. I emphasize that accepting where we are isn't about wanting to stay there forever, but rather about creating the conditions for natural movement and growth through mindful awareness.

I connect this concept to Rumi's famous poem "The Guest House," using it as a metaphor for how we can host all our experiences - thoughts, emotions, and circumstances - with greater presence and acceptance. The episode offers a gentle reminder about the transformative power of welcoming our experience exactly as it is.

Resources Mentioned:

• Rumi's poem "The Guest House" - https://www.scottishpoetrylibrary.org.uk/poem/guest-house/ 

This episode is perfect for anyone feeling resistant to their current circumstances or seeking a more mindful way to approach life's challenges. It's a reminder that mindfulness isn't about forced positivity, but about meeting our experience with genuine curiosity and openness.

Thank you for tuning in to this episode of "Mothering Ourselves Mindfully." We look forward to sharing more insights and inspiration in the upcoming episodes!

www.theschoolofmom.com

Instagram @the.schoolofmom

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In this episode, I attempt recording an episode while x-country skiing and dive into a topic that has been coming up a lot recently in my community - resistance - particularly as it shows up during these challenging winter months when we're dealing with sick kids and snow days. 

I explore how mindfulness teachings can help us understand resistance and suffering, sharing how our attempts to fight against our current reality often add an extra layer of difficulty to already challenging situations. I walk you through practical strategies for working with resistance, including:

• Why it's important to acknowledge our resistance rather than trying to fight it
• What the "second arrow" concept teaches us about how our reactions can cause additional suffering
• How we can move from resistance to acceptance through the bridge of allowing
• Practical ways to meet our resistance with curiosity and compassion
• Finding those small moments of connection, even within challenging circumstances

I share this episode as a compassionate framework for all of us moms dealing with the inevitable disruptions of winter (and being a mom in general!) - from sick kids to snow days - offering tools to help us move through resistance and find more ease in difficult moments.

Resources Mentioned:

FLOURISH: My science-backed, interactive program designed for women who want to be present and resilient mothers. This program helps you set intentional boundaries and become the happiest version of yourself while breaking generational patterns. Join our community at theschoolofmom.com to learn more about navigating motherhood mindfully.

Thank you for tuning in to this episode of "Mothering Ourselves Mindfully." We look forward to sharing more insights and inspiration in the upcoming episodes!

www.theschoolofmom.com

Instagram @the.schoolofmom

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In this episode, I share a reflection inspired by a recent Healing Your Lineage call in our FLOURISH community on how the mother wound is playing out in real-time in my life.

Key insights from this episode:

• The mother wound involves inherited beliefs and programming passed down through family lineages, influenced by cultural and societal patterns
• My personal journey with people-pleasing and tendency to protect others' feelings stems from seeking unconditional love and acceptance that was unavailable in my relationship with my mother
• A pivotal moment in my healing came through exploring my birth stories and realizing how I held back from sharing positive experiences to protect others
• The importance of stepping into celebrating and embracing our lives without apology, while recognizing that others' reactions reflect their journey, not ours

This episode offers a raw look at how the mother wound can influence our behavior in subtle ways, even after significant healing work. It's a reminder that healing is ongoing and that each new awareness creates opportunity for growth.

Resources Mentioned:

• FLOURISH: A 12-month program for women ready to dive deep into this work in community: https://theschoolofmom.com/flourish 
• Storytelling session about my journey with my mother: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HX4PdgTyG7g 

Thank you for tuning in to this episode of "Mothering Ourselves Mindfully." We look forward to sharing more insights and inspiration in the upcoming episodes!

www.theschoolofmom.com

Instagram @the.schoolofmom

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In this episode, I share two insights from recent conversations with FLOURISH students that have deepened my understanding of what it truly means to thrive in motherhood.

Key Points:

• The "Flourished Mother" archetype - an embodiment of embracing rest, pleasure, boundaries, and intentional self-care
• Why flourishing isn't a destination but an ongoing journey of growth
• The importance of shifting from seeing flourishing as a future state to recognizing it's available in our present reality
• How small shifts in mindset and language (like changing our tagline from "path to thriving" to "path for thriving") can reflect deeper truths about personal growth
• A student's journey from "managing okay" to experiencing improvements across all aspects of life

Big News: FLOURISH is now open for ongoing enrollment! Rather than having limited registration windows, we're making this transformational program available year-round to honor each woman's unique timing and ready-ENOUGH-ness.

Thank you for tuning in to this episode of "Mothering Ourselves Mindfully." We look forward to sharing more insights and inspiration in the upcoming episodes!

www.theschoolofmom.com

Instagram @the.schoolofmom

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In this episode, I delve into the complex relationship between mothers, money, and self-investment, sharing insights inspired by my recent silent meditation retreat.

I explore the concept of "Dana" (generosity) and how it connects to larger questions about how we value and invest in ourselves. I discuss the invisible barriers that often prevent women from investing in their personal growth and wellness, introducing the interconnected concepts of the "mother wound" and "money wound" - unconscious programming passed down through generations that influences how we view our own worth and what we feel entitled to invest in.

I share my personal journey of transforming my relationship with self-investment, from only valuing visible, physical results to understanding the priceless nature of inner work. I explore how mindfulness practices have created profound shifts in various aspects of my life - from reducing my resting heart rate to healing my relationship with chronic pain and my body image.

Through this discussion, I invite listeners to examine their own beliefs around self-investment and consider what might be holding them back from prioritizing their growth and wellbeing. I emphasize that while the impact of inner work may be less immediately visible than other investments, its ripple effects on our lives, relationships, and future generations are immeasurable.

Resources Mentioned:

• FLOURISH: My science-backed, integration-focused program for women ready to invest in their personal growth and healing
• IMS (Insight Meditation Society): Where I recently completed my silent retreat
• MBSR (Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction): Referenced as an example of how mindfulness has been integrated into Western healthcare

Thank you for tuning in to this episode of "Mothering Ourselves Mindfully." We look forward to sharing more insights and inspiration in the upcoming episodes!

www.theschoolofmom.com

Instagram @the.schoolofmom

Book a breakthrough Call