A Mother’s Day Meditation

We made it to May and we are almost to Summer! For those of you with children, you are probably in the midst of (if not already done with) signing up your kids for all their summer activities, events, and camps. Between budgeting, scheduling, and planning, it can be a full-time and overwhelming job. Regardless of where you are right now in your own personal journey, let’s take

a minute to reflect.

We all come from various walks of life. Irrespective of our differences, there is one common truth for all of us. We all have a mother; we are all someone’s child. Now, what that relationship looks like for each of us differs greatly. However, it remains that we all have mothers. In observance of this important fact, the United States has designated May 11 as a holiday for all mothers, called Mother’s Day.

Now, my understanding of what makes a “mother” has changed over the years and through my experiences, especially since becoming a mother myself. In past May columns, I have shared ideas on how to celebrate the holiday with your families and how to self-celebrate for us moms. This year, however, I wanted to provide a way for everyone to participate, celebrate and enjoy Mother’s Day regardless of your state in life.

So, in the vein that we all have a mother, know a mother, and may even be a mother, please join me for the next couple minutes in a Mother’s Day Meditation. Feel free to take part in this by yourself, with friends, with your own mother, your siblings, or your children and spouse. Let’s do it!

First, close your eyes and take a deep breath in. Use a five-count breath, where you breath in for five seconds, hold your breath for five seconds, and then release your breath over five seconds. As you exhale, imagine any stress or discomfort you are experiencing leaving your body. Repeat this breathing process three times, letting go of more and more of the stressors bogging you down.

Next, center your attention on your heart and feelings. Think of someone in your life who has filled the role of mother for you. Think of your actual mother or someone who took on a nurturing and guiding role for you, who helped you become the person you are today. With this person in mind, feel and wrap yourself up in the love this individual has given to you. Allow this love to travel throughout your entire body, starting at your heart and flowing out through your arms, torso, legs, hands, fingers, feet, toes, and head. Feel the love exponentially overflowing from you.

While you are experiencing this love, send this wonderful mother in your life (whether still with us or gone) your thanks and gratitude. Thank her for sharing herself and her love with you. Imagine her feeling the love you are sending and her overflowing with feelings of joy and happiness. Take a moment to witness the circle of love created by both you and your mother.

Now, take a deep breath for the count of five, hold it for five and as you release it for five seconds, will that this love be extended to all the mothers and children of the world. Repeat this three times.

Take a few additional deep breaths and slowly open your eyes.

You are someone’s child, you are loved, you are special. This Mother’s Day and month of May, practice this meditation a couple times. Use it to calm yourself, express your gratitude, and just help to place some more love into our world. God Bless!

By Cheryl Thode