The most embarrassing thing about following my young adults on social media is how often I succumb to trendy advertising. The latest was Pura’s bluetooth room diffusers and though I consider them overpriced I’m “obsessed” with this company for one main reason.
Two weeks ago Pura sent out an email giving me the choice to opt out of Mother’s Day advertisements. I was perplexed, grateful and a bit astonished. This very simple act of care has brought to mind so many people who find Mother’s Day emotional tumultuous. Whether it’s a strained relationship, adoption journey, premature death or simply feeling misunderstood by the person we most expect to get us, so many of us experience this day as salt in a wound.
In the spirit of Pura’s email, I’m offering a simple, nurturing and collective time to gather in recognition of what is often unacknowledged in our culture—the grief of feeling disconnected from our mother. Our time together will be based on Jan Richardson’s poem Blessing for Falling into a New Layer of Grief with opportunity for reflection and regulation as we focus on these words: ache, kindness, provision, solace and shelter.
This virtual 30-40 minute time won’t require any personal explanation for attending. There will be 2-3 times participants will be invited to respond (via voice or the chat) with a word that reflects a thought or feeling but even this will be optional. My hope is those who attend leave feeling centered, seen and resourced for whatever may surface on Sunday May 11th. Feel free to share this with anyone you know.
When: Saturday evening May 10th @ 7pm MST
Cost: none
Zoom Link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/7205487165
