In honor of all mothers, everywhere, let us sing and dance this Mother’s Day. Let us feed the hungry, love the unlovable and find compassion for all. Let us take the holiday away from Hallmark and put it back into our hearts, holding space for Mama Earth, the Divine Mother and the mother within us all.

I invite you to press play and dance like nobody’s watching…

translation below from KundaliniYoga.org

ADI SHAKTI, ADI SHAKTI, ADI SHAKTI, NAMO NAMO,
SARAB SHAKTI, SARAB SHAKTI, SARAB SHAKTI, NAMO NAMO,
PRITHUM BHAGAWATI, PRITHUM BHAGAWATI, PRITHUM BHAGAWATI,
NAMO NAMO,
KUNDALINI, MATA SHAKTI, MATA SHAKTI, NAMO, NAMO.
The First Shakti Mantra tunes into the frequency of the Divine Mother, and to primal protective, generating energy. Chanting it eliminates fears and fulfils desires. Adi Shakti means the “Primal Power,” Sarab Shakti means “All Power”, and Prithum Bhagawati means “which creates through God.”

Several weeks ago I wrote about my experience in a needle felting class and the amazing creations of the woman who taught the class. I am honored and grateful that she has agreed to donate one of my favorites as a Mother’s Day giveaway.

She is a reminder of possibility, of creation, and of the responsibilities we have in caring for ourselves and Mama Earth. She is a celebration of all mothers, everywhere, whether we hold our children in our arms or not.

Please leave a comment below to be entered into the drawing. Feel free to share what being a mother means to you (whether you are one or not) or simply say “count me in”. Winner will be chosen on Mother’s Day, this Sunday May 8.

With great love,

Alana

***I wish I had one of these wonderful Earth Mamas for each of you lovely women. This particular one goes to Celina. Thank you all for leaving your words and Happy Mother’s Day.***

If we have no peace, it is because we have forgotten that we belong to each other. – Mother Teresa

Praying for peace tonight – for myself, for the world.

There has been sadness the last few days, as often seems to happen just before the 29th of the month. At various moments I have felt overwhelmed, grief-stricken, angry, raw, panicked, frustrated and scared. I could write about the friend I am missing, Ada’s plan to make a baby out of mardi gras beads, or my sense of inadequacy about being the parent I want to be right now. I won’t though, not tonight. Instead I will follow in Pamela’s footsteps, and Lindsey’s (two gorgeous writers and wonderful women) and take a moment to share some of what brings me great joy.

I’ve been making an effort to read again – stolen moments that add up to me feeling more whole.

Dancing. For at least 4 minutes a day I put on some music and let my body move the way it wants to. Sometimes it’s a dance party. Sometimes I am on my own. Either way, my creativity is soaring, inspiration is flowing and both my body and I are happier.

Working with the one and only Dyana Valentine. I am excited, motivated and feeling 100% in alignment with the projects I’ve begun. They are big and juicy and I can’t wait to share them with the world.

Dry brushing. Seriously. Every morning. I’ve had a dry brush for years and never used it. A month or two ago, I thought Why not? It’s supposed to be good for detoxifying and getting rid of cellulite. I’m hooked.

The sound of the ocean. The stars in the night sky. The magical deep blue highlighting the palm trees just before dark. The warm sun on my skin and sand between my toes.

Tonight’s sunset and Ada’s farewell song.

The latest dog walking outfit.

Good friends. Supportive words written here, in emails and spoken on the phone. A patient, funny husband who loves me well.

9 months ago our son died. Today I smile through my tears. Everywhere I look, if I look hard enough, there is joy.