this one's for the mothers.
May 2024 (Issue #46)
Welcome to a love letter, a monthly publication from artist, writer and yoga teacher Colby Mackenzie featuring stories of my loving practices and support for yours. Thanks for being here.
Hello Loves!
May is many things.
The month of the flowers, after many weeks of rain (hopefully).
A month of pleasant and mild weather, popular for celebrations like weddings, baby showers, and bridal ones.
A schedule-packed season for schools (students graduate!).
A healthy and productive month creatively, after weeks of winter rest.
A popular work conference time.
Mental Health Awareness Month.
Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Month.
and last but really first, Mother’s Day Month.
It is a zen principle (I learned from this angel Kyodo williams podcast) that nothing happens inside the individual that does not happen outside the individual and vice versa. It is all connected, and we are all impacted.
Mothers, those who mother or can mother or may mother, and the place we live on who mothers all of us, have suffered. Are suffering.
Thus, we all suffer.
I hope mothers don’t get only a day this month. I hope we acknowledge and celebrate them all month. They get a month, too. (Thus, we all do!)
It’s your month, mamas!
ALL YOU MAMAS. Mamas that have been, mamas that are, mamas that will be, mamas that want to be, mothers that thought to be, mothers who chose not, mothers who have lost, those who mother.
I salute you. I respect you. I love you (respect is one of the 6 pillars of love).
May our society learn how to humble ourselves before your strength, your grace, your generosity, your power, your wisdom, and your fortitude. May we learn how to learn from you.
May we all know how to support our mothers and how to mother ourselves and how to mother our own.
(My definition of “mother” is “someone who” or “to” care for and protect. To nurture. A nurturer).
Special shoutout to my own mother, Cynthia Anne McGurren, my most loyal and supportive fan. A woman generous beyond words. A woman of many talents and many layers. I love you mama. Fiercely and to infinity and beyond. I say it here again but it is never the last time because the times I need to say it are infinite, and I say it on behalf of all daughters:
Thank You.
Shoutout to her mother, Jacqueline Ferdinand “Meme” McGurren, and all the hers before her. And to my father’s mother, Martha/Marti “Nanny” Kitsmiller (Sheffer) and all the hers before her.
And finally, may the mothers of this world know how to mother their own selves the best. Thanks for birthing everyone on earth.
Treat a mother near you!
Some ideas:
FOR THE EMPTY NESTERS: Some nice shit that is breakable that no one is around to break :) like these insanely gorgeous lamps from repurposed material supporting two independent female artists, some floor-standing infused glass handmade by self-taught artist Helen Rudy, or a Japanese flower vase for that weekly bouquet you know you should be getting yourself but don’t often enough.
FOR THE NEWBIES: I’ve heard new mothers don’t sleep a lot. That SUCKS. I am so sorry. I would be a hot mess if I were you. Here are some things to help support a tired mummy: cashmere eye mask (20% off first order), bedtime nutrients, natural alarm clock ($30 off until 5/8), Headspace subscription (their sleep stories are wonderful), noise cancelling headphones (Bose has a sale) for those naps.
FOR THE IN BETWEENERS: Maybe you have a kid in middle school or high school. I am so sorry for this too, especially if they are girls. This is ROUGH. I imagine you need wine? Probably a journal to shout in (Denik has 15% off for new customers). Lots of massages and spa gift cards. A ridiculously expensive vaca-scented candle. And maybe therapy (for you, you and your partner, the kid, and/or your whole fam). Being well is normal.
FOR THE SOON TO BEs: The founders of The Pilates Class just launched The Birthing Class, a 12 week program designed to support expectant mothers. Gift a membership for someone you know - use code TPC15 for 15% off!
FOR THE HOPEFUL & THE HEALTHY: Maven Clinic offers all sorts of programs for maternal health like fertility and family building, maternity and newborn care, a breast milk shipping service, parenting and pediatrics, and menopause and miscarriage services and support.
FOR THE PET/PLANT/OTHER LIVING BEING MAMAS: Taking care of another living thing whose life basically depends on you makes you a mother. Regardless, that living thing needs water. So do you! Invest in a faucet filtration system to ensure everyone gets the cleanest hydration possible.
Goddess speed and all love,
Colby
Beautiful Cuz! Thanks for the shout-out to all the mamas! And to Nanny 🥰
Very nice, Colby. Loved the tribute to your mom, Nanny & Meme. xoxo