Birthday season
remembering what replenishes me, three birthday wishes, imbolc
While I was sick with a chest infection last month, I started dreaming of my birthday and how I would like to celebrate this year. What replenishes my spirit and restores my heart? And how can I share this joy with others?
I spent my convalescence re-watching Back to Nature. I love how the show expresses a deep love of natural places and repeatedly demonstrates how restorative they are for our mind, body and spirit.
So my first birthday wish is to slow down and spend time in nature, with presence and joyful awareness. That’s why I’m calling it a birthday season, rather than just a day. I’m taking my time. Trusting that what I remember this month will carry me forward over the next year.
My next wish is to enjoy simple pleasures - hugs, tea and cake, conversation with friends and family, colour and art, and making things with my hands. So far this has included an afternoon gathering with friends to learn eco-dyeing with Claire Mosley. And a visit to The Lume with family.
I’m anticipating the pleasure of wandering around the NGV one day soon, visiting the Joy exhibition at the Immigration Museum, and walking around Hanging Rock in the crisp weather.
My final birthday wish is to honour the deep work of mothering. I believe that we all do this work, whatever our age or gender. It is how we keep everything alive and connected - our family and friends, our children, our animals, our plants, our own inner child, our changing bodies.
I’m acknowledging how difficult and exhausting this work can be sometimes, especially for mothers of young people. And how deep it goes.
While I was unwell, it felt like I was caring for my sick inner child in parallel to the day-to-day caring for my family. Little me needed so much attention and compassion and nurturing and co-regulating. It was healing to take the time to give her that and do little else for two weeks.
When possible, I visit third places to restore my mothering self. These are places distinct from home and work, that are free or accessible for all, eg. communal bath houses or swimming spots, libraries, galleries, parks and bushland. Places we can be equal, present and bring our whole selves.
It is not only my birthday season this month, we are entering the season of Imbolc in the southern hemisphere. The first quickening of spring. The rising of creative energy. The tilt towards the sun and light of summer.
It’s a great time to ask what is keeping your inner spark alive? Especially if you are feeling sluggish in the long darkness of winter. Can you keep in mind a positive vision for the next six months… where will you be? how will you be feeling? what small daily steps will tilt you towards this?
Inspiring words:
Mothering depth by Asia Suler
How to take care by Jodi Wilson
The power of failing by Annabel Crabb
Much love,
Emily