My spirited toddler

I had been fortunate growing up. I had no surgeries or broken bones. So when my toddler fell off of our computer chair Tuesday, I was baffled at how such a short fall could cause her to break her elbow. V is very strong, and seldom cries, so I knew something terrible was wrong by her reaction to the fall. I tried to console her, which usually always works, but this day she did not want me to touch her at all. She told me in her sweetest voice ever "my arm doesn't work anymore, it's broken, call the ambulance." :( :(
We made our way to the ER. Every ounce of my baby was in pain, and resistant to touch or movement that may disrupt her comfortably uncomfortable state. For having her elbow broken, she was being very brave, and was in great spirits when not being tampered with.
I could not believe how fast this had all happened, and how sorry I had felt for her. I just wanted to take on her pain. All I could do was lay with her, caress her hair, tell her I would not leave her side, and that it would be over soon. In some ways it reminded me of being with a woman in labor. Ever present in the moment, one breath at a time, not thinking about the past, or focusing on what may come up in the future.
As with each fall in our life, it is meant to be. And we must surrender to the lesson, if we ever find meaning in one. As cliché as this sounds, even in the midst of the fear, crying vomit and what seemed like a never ending waiting time, we were together as a family. And we had everything that we actually needed in that moment.

Veda painting the morning of

Cuddled up in her blanky and unable to wear a shirt

Metamorphosis

It's official! It's been one week now since I quit my "real" job to pursue my passions. Mothering, servicing families through the childbearing year and crafting.These are ways that I fill my days at the moment, and I could not feel more blessed!
I have the chance to be reminded of the beauty in each moment, and am forever thankful that I am able to share it with my daughter. We are taking advantage of it fully, and have spent it wisely, allowing the smell and sounds of spring to permeate our every being!
This week we have:



Water color painted picture frames




Homemade Strawberry Ice Cream



Outdoor play with friends



The perfect dinner after a hot day outside- Nicoise Salad with homemade bread and brie (3/23)



Nature walks



The inspiration behind the title- we will have to check back with them!



Surprisingly, V loved dinner tonight: Eggplant "meatballs", spinach fettuccini and garlic toast!(3/24)



What's with all the labyrinths??

Labyrinths may seem like a thing of the past, but with all of the ancient symbols popping up, I have had many inquiries as to what they mean.

A labyrinth is a tool used for meditation to help deepen our spirituality, access intuition and creativity, all while identifying obstacles that may hold us back. Its path is a single one, so you do not have to "think" your way around or memorize anything. You can allow your mind-body connection to fully take over, by remaining present.

In many cultures, labyrinths are used as a metaphoric representation of life, death and re-birth. And so have much significance in ceremonial rites of passages. The death part is not so literal. We experience "death" in a much more transitional way, constantly. For instance, when we give up a bad habit that no longer serves us, if we realize our career brings us peace of mind no longer, or when we feel the wind calling us to move West. These are all times that must be honored, explored and reflected upon.

Viewing life as a labyrinth allows us to accept where we are on our journey while having an awareness of the fact the we do not know what lies behind every corner.

Using a labyrinth:
1. Before entering, set an intention. Choose an aspect of your life that you are in the unknowing. Or choose a mantra to repeat throughout.
2. Acknowledge the beginning of the path. You may want to say a blessing or a prayer. Take your first step, intention in mind. While using your labyrinth let your body guide you, while remaining aware of  your body and emotions.
3. Once in the center, take a moment to yourself before making your way back out. Since the entrance has now become the exit, let this be a reminder that all endings are beginnings and all beginnings are endings. Offer a prayer or blessing as you exit.
4. After your journey through the labyrinth, take a moment to reflect in your journal. Remember how you felt at different points along the path, do those feelings relate to current sittuations in your life. Ask yourself how you can integrate these insights into your daily life.

Locate a labyrinth in your area! http://labyrinthlocator.com/

Information adapted from the following sources:

The birth of a blog

As my mind is calm, my soul longs to release some of this creative energy. I open to opportunity, and start working on a clay labyrinth, inspired by the book Labyrinth of Birth.
Starting with a large piece of clay, I evenly roll it out. Smooth and flat, I trace the "seed" for the Chakra Vyuha Labyrinth. I have never worked with clay before, but this seems to come undeniably naturally to me. Each stroke of my finger blends the circuits with intention and mindfulness. I pause to revel in this moment of pure and boundless bliss.

As with the seed of the labyrinth, this blog is starting off with small beginnings. Intention started almost four years ago with the birth of my daughter, and continues each day through the birth of myself as a mother, mentor and doula.

"Without action, however small, our intentions cannot manifest but remain wishful thinking." -Art is a Way of Knowing