Things a new mother knows

A poem for those who hold and those who need to be held

Hello.

I wrote this poem in those early, sleepless nights of motherhood. When Noah felt glued to my chest, his little head resting on my body, all hours of day and night.

The position we held for weeks and months.

We have already changed our shape—now his head on my shoulder, his legs draped below my waist, the weight of his body manifests in the bulge of my arms, grown strong.

This poem is prophetic, marking a time not yet passed but anticipated. Now, I see everyone as babes once held in their mother’s or caregivers’ arms, my heart a tender expansion of love beyond my own.

Things a new mother knows

The difference
between
carrying
and 
holding
One passive
the other requiring
every muscle
fiber 
of being
The weight
of the world
on her 
chest

How body
can nourish
while hungry
and voice 
can soothe
when 
thirsty 

Every possible
position 
for sleep-
standing
sitting
rocking
wearing
slanted 
and straight

A newborn’s 
cries
won’t always 
make 
tears
but when
they do
her own
will fall  
too

The unimaginable 
joy 
of firsts-
smiles
coos
flips
and steps

The absence 
visceral 
and true
when baby
no longer
carried
or held
becomes
someone
apart
from you 

We are in the heart of Cancer season, a poignant time to acknowledge our relationships as child and caregiver. What wounds need healing? What love needs acknowledging? How can we expand our capacity for holding and being held?

Our Creative Contemplation practice holds us as we reconnect to spirit, nurture our creativity, and remember our connection to each other. This month’s New Moon letter is full of intuitive insights, inspiration, and spiritual wisdom to hold you.

I am held: New Moon in Cancer

I’ve also designed a Creative Contemplation lunar calendar and journal to accompany you as we explore our inner and outer landscapes, together. You can download a free copy below.

May you be held in love,
Mariah

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Upcoming Workshops

This is a pay-what-you-can, sliding-scale workshop, so everyone is welcome!

I’m so excited to announce this workshop will be co-hosted by

Darla Antoine

, an Indigenous interculturalist and spiritual worker, and author of

Your Enchanted Planner

and the Serendipity Daily newsletter.

We are doing a special evening workshop to journal under the bright light of the full moon. Join us live or watch the replay as we notice our home together. 🌕📓🏠