My dear step-daughter Candice is expecting her second child, a son this time named Basil – we’re over the Moon excited for this little sage to be welcomed into this lifetime alongside sister Paisley Jayne, so when I was offered the opportunity to throw a shower, I was delighted.
With the kids being in Tampa, I’m not always able to do on-the-spot family events, so I missed the first shower with ‘Mimi’, and the second shower hosted by Nik’s employer. Third shower – OK – I got this. Then Candice called; ‘we’re doing a Blessing Way – Google it.’
On a last minute of inspiration, I did a quick search of headlines to get the gist of things.
Blessing Way isn’t the usual shower, with baby gifts, oohhs and aaahhs as you pass around plush, nice smelling baby things, with games and rituals. Rather, it's about the Mother and the amazing journey she’s on, as we lift her up with support and intention, to welcome our newest loved one. It’s literally blessing the way for a graceful birth and a circle of unconditional love and joy for the baby.
We’ve come a long way to get back to the roots of family, compassion and community.
Meghan welcomed us into her plant store – I was in heaven. We made space for tea and goodies (thanks to co-host and Candice’s BFF Christy), and I set about meeting the people that Candice considers her spiritual circle. I was among pranic healers, doulas, and teachers of boys (thank you), I met midwives, mothers, massage therapists and more. These were the Wise Women and Mothers of her beloved community; a haven of healers from so many wisdom traditions in one place…BOOM just like that. It was easy to be inspired beyond my original vision.
We opened with a meditation to enliven the elements and join our hearts. We enjoyed stories of how we met Candice, tales of laughter and remembering, paired with tears of love. I led The Chocolate Meditation, inspired by my recent training with Elena Brower, releasing more joyful tears, bringing forth loved ones lost. Then the radiant mother Candice passed around feathers for our Intention Setting Meditation – they hang over Basil’s crib in a handmade mobile, so he can feel our love daily.
I’m grateful to the women who joined us, to Candice who has clearly touched all of their lives with mutual love and respect. I see a future where women raise children in homes of meditation and mindfulness, regardless of their background or income. I'm hopeful this momentum will bring a wave of peace the world so desperately needs right now.
Fear cannot grow where seeds of love have been planted.
#aditi #blessingway