Mindful mamas are so much more than the hashtag #blackgirlmagic. They’re divine goddesses — women with beautiful spirits, intense emotions and wholesome values. Mindful mamas are in a league all of their own and approach motherhood in a brilliant, unique fashion. They’re driven by an intangible but omnipresent force. Mindful mamas are driven by their feminine spirit which reminds them that each person on Earth is powerful… and they must be aware of how they (and their children) use that power.
Motherhood comes with the gift of life, the reincarnation of love in physical form. It’s an honor to bring life into the world, but to raise conscious children, especially health conscious and socially conscious Black children, is no easy task. It can be even harder for mindful mamas because they place great importance (and burden) on themselves to raise sharp Black girls and strong Black boys. Over time, internalizing the self-imposed burden takes a toll on their mind, body and soul and mindful mamas start pouring for their kids from a shallow cup. This is a mistake, but it can always be reversed. Mindful mamas should take moments throughout the day to relax, free their minds of fear and celebrate the divine goddesses within. To preserve the spirit which fuels them, they must be selfish from time to time and restore themselves.
Mindful mamas tend to focus on their children and forget to focus on themselves. From focusing on ensuring children are focused in school to monitoring what fuel they're putting into their bodies, mindful mamas are distracted and as a result, pressed for time. But yes, even in a time crunch (and wherever they may be) these women should practice self-reflection. From health and wellness expert Gabriella Waters, here are the most powerful inspirational quotes (and meditation techniques) to help those women relax, breathe easy and know that while they’re not perfect… they are perfectly trying.
“To travel is to take a journey into yourself.” -Danny Kaye
If this quote is difficult to remember, Waters recommends saying the following: It flows from nose to toes. “I use this short sentence to prompt me to inhale a long, slow breath through my nostrils, before exhaling it slowly. I mentally picture the air traveling all the way down to my feet, taking my time to imagine the journey my breath will take. Ten of these deep breaths are reenergizing and calming, allowing me to check in with myself, relax and intentionally release tension.” Mindful mamas can practice this anywhere, at any time of day — even if they must sneak away from their children into a dark hallway for a few minutes.
“We must let go of the life we have planned, so as to accept the one that is waiting for us.” -Joseph Campbell
Waters calls letting go of negativity (or our expectations that didn’t come to fruition as we hoped) holding a silent auction. "No matter how hard I try, there will always be occasions when I hold onto negative thoughts or energy. I mentally hold a silent auction for those ideas and feelings. Would other people ‘bid’ on what I'm holding onto? Why am I clinging to things that have no value? Letting go of what doesn't serve me is key for my well-being. Sometimes that means amplifying the positive. Sometimes it means changing the environment." Indeed, an environment change for a mindful mama can be as small as lighting a lavender candle on a nightstand long after the children are sleeping and reflecting on the day under a plush heated blanket.
“Solitude is creativity’s best friend, and solitude is refreshment for our souls.” -Naomi Judd
Waters is a fan of logging off to stop the internalization of self-imposed burdens and preserve her spirit. “If I want to really center myself, I need as few distractions as possible. I'm talking phone on airplane mode, television off, computer shutdown and as quiet a space as I can find. The world is loud and distracting. Unplugging is a quick and easy way to center yourself, set intentions, and tune into your own thoughts and feelings.” An easy way for mindful mamas to enjoy solitude is to reclaim their time. If your children are enjoying activities in a safe environment (be it an after-school sport or visiting trusted family members) … leave. Be present for your children, but don’t helicopter. If they’re preoccupied and you have a quick opportunity to sit in a quiet car and center yourself, do so.