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.
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’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
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
, an Indigenous interculturalist and spiritual worker, and author of 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. 🌕📓🏠
Oohhhhhh! I don't have kids myself, but it made me think of my relationship with my parents. The simple touches. Hugs. Being fed. Lying on the lap. When they comb my hair....
After marriage I miss those. I'll probably go home today or tomorrow and hug my mom❤️
Beautiful poem. That looming heartache of knowing they won’t always need you to hold them in the same way constantly weighs on my chest 💞