HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY

Happy Mother's Day to all mothers. Praise and prayers for all who have birthed, raised, and guided children into and through adulthood, for all who are just beginning this vital vocation, for all in every stage of nurturing others toward vibrant living and loving.

“Being a mother is an attitude, not a biological relation.”

~ Robert A. Heinlein

As I gratefully remember my own mother this Mother's Day, I expand this tribute to all our mothers and on to all who "mother."

I know some childless women, and some men too, who mentor, lead, feed, teach, train, heal, counsel...perform any and every kind of service in such a heart-centered and soulful way that it can be characterized as mothering. Most likely you do too. Mother Teresa is a paramount example.

Some may object to this far-reaching tribute, maintaining that this day is designated to honor mothers in a literal way. But I think, by expanding our recognition, we celebrate motherhood in a way that reveres mothers and elevates "mothering" itself. Imagine, if beyond both the surface and the sincerest expressions of venerating mothers, our culture encouraged girls and boys, men and women, children and adults - all of us - to respect, support, cultivate, and practice the ideals and characteristics of mothering. Imagine if we held in higher regard: unconditional love, forgiveness, listening, kindness, compassion, being of service, healing touch, tears, tenderness, and honest expressions of feelings. I think we would become more real, healthy, happy, peaceful and successful.

On this Mother's Day, may we honor Mother Nature too and "Be kind to everything that lives," as a matriarchal Native American proverb prescribes.

With love and reverence for all,

Charlene

(from TODAY'S TOUCHSTONE)