Why on Earth I’m Starting a Blog; on conscious parenting, homesteading, & sharing the Love.
Most parents can relate - our home life is mayhem. We have two boys under 5, which means all day supervision, guidance, cooking, cleaning, and a constant flow of laundry. We’re exploring the Childhood Unplugged and Re-wilding movements that often call for extra creativity, interaction, and planning ahead, and we’re always outside since our spiritual beliefs bring us into close union with Nature. We’ve chosen to homeschool using combined Montessori and Waldorf methods, which entails oodles of time in the elements - rain or shine. So that river of laundry becomes a muddy mess that finds its way into the most curious places…
On top of parenting responsibilities, I own a healing practice, am working on a book series, my partner worked more than full time, oh! and we just moved onto 40 acres in Northern Michigan that we’re turning into a permaculture homestead. Did I mention we’re in the thick of winter? Building chicken coops and chopping wood below freezing wasn’t what I imagined I’d be doing this year. We’ve dreamed out loud of presiding over land, not with an ownership mentality, but with a sort of protective partnership. I see the Earth as a sentient consciousness, a community organism that we are a contributing member of. A “mother” of sorts, complete with her own energetic system, organs, and cellular community. How could we “own” something (or someone) like this?
“How can you buy or sell the sky? The land? If we do not own the freshness of the air and the sparkle of water, how can you sell them?” -Chief Seattle
Last summer I was often in our old yard, root chakra planted firmly in the grass, meditating and praying with the Earth that we may one day find land under our care; a little sanctuary to preserve and teach us symbiotic self sustenance. Mere weeks later my partner was offered an amazing job we couldn’t refuse, and we were given 3 weeks to find a new home and move in. We stumbled across what looked like a dream home to us, complete with stone fireplace, fruit trees, and beautiful forested acreage. It seemed too good to be true, and yet…I wondered if it was a response to my prayers. We dared to believe we were worthy and moved in the next week. I’m still pinching myself.
When manifestation aligns with our dreams, portals of opportunity appear. By taking the opening we step into a new version of reality; I call it “reality weaving”.
Just like you, we’re busy. So, why on this good, green Earth am I starting a blog? Because I’m really, really, passionate. I’m filled with so much Love and gratitude for this planet, the life it sustains, and the future cradling us, that it spills over and I want to share it with everyone.
And it so happens that I love to write.
I’ve also realized that when I scoop my babies in my arms, I am holding a chance to contribute to the loving, balanced, peaceful future that we dream of. I thrill in watching their minds make new connections and unravel dusty old paradigms. Which is why I homeschool; to witness their unfolding, to be their guide, and allow them to learn at an unrestricted pace. As much as my ego would like to think they’re born prodigies or that I’m doing some fantastic job parenting, it really isn’t. They’re normal kids given the space to connect with their true essence and delight in discovery.
Conscious parenting can be woven into any lifestyle. It does not require homeschooling, special materials, or certification. The best asset for successful conscious parenting is an open mind that is willing to expand. Parental growth is key. I’ve become insatiably hungry for self improvement and simply allow the overflow to dribble into our daily interactions. Children learn quickly by example, so I’m quite motivated by tiny eyes and am always keeping mine open for teaching opportunities.
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We change the future by who We raise. A global community built upon Love, acceptance, and environmental responsibility begins in the home with conscious parenting.
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Thus, it becomes imperative for the parents of today to teach the leaders of tomorrow important concepts such as mindfulness, meditation, self reflection, healthy emotional release, acceptance of differences, interconnectedness, and ecological Oneness.
We designate the day to learning, with mommy’s work-time straddled within naps and independent play…or deep into the witching hours of night. Moreover, things usually have to give a little. Like having that dreamily organized Pinterest-home, baking the perfect treats, or concocting every natural house product from scratch. Some days I feel like I can’t keep up with the simple things, and want to hide with the covers pulled over my head and a sign reading: “no momming today - bring coffee”. I am by no means a perfect mom - I get frustrated, make mistakes, and am often too hard on myself. But then, my four year old says something that knocks me off my feet, like noticing the Fibonacci spiral in his curls, using his Pranic energy on booboos, or drawing pictures of clean machinery to keep “Mumma Earth healthy”. It is in moments like this that the effects of conscious parenting are crystal clear; healthy children who love themselves, are passionately curious, and have a deep, abiding respect for Earth and it’s inhabitants. I believe kids are naturally this way. The programming they receive either guides them to their truest selves, or leads them away. We don’t have to be perfect parents to raise conscious kids. It’s my hope that by sharing our experiences, we can help and inspire children and parents to live in closer alignment with themselves, the Earth, and their unlimited potential.
Welcome to The Conscious Classroom & deepest gratitude for reading.
Namaste,
Mother Woods