Mother, May I?
Welcome to Your Love Breakthrough! Get Real. Love.
In this edition: Mother, May I?
Perspective – Nurturing the Possibilities
Practical Tips – Internalizing the Maternal Guidance and Love
Perspective – Nurturing the Possibilities
As Mother's Day approaches, motherhood and its role in our lives takes front row in our hearts and minds. Many of us are mothers, or aspire to be mothers, and we all have mothers.
Our subconscious concept of "mother" influences how we feel about ourselves, the world, and how we navigate decisions, including how we search for a mate, who we choose for a mate, and how we interact with the mate we choose.
Case in point: With the month of May and the approach of Mother's Day, the game "Mother, May I?" readily comes to mind. The game involves the "Mother" who stands at the finish line.
The Mother tells each player from the start line what to do. Sometimes the Mother gives a simple direction, like "Take three steps forward." Or it could be silly, like "take a giant twirl or scissor jump."
The participant must ask "Mother, may I?" before taking the instruction.
If the Mother says, "Yes, you may," then you do as the Mother directed you.
If the Mother says, "No, you may not," you must stay.
But if you move without the Mother saying you may, or if the Mother catches you sneaking toward the finish line without permission, the Mother doles out a "punishment," such as making you take steps backward.
Practical Tips – Internalizing the Maternal Guidance and Love
The "Mother, May I?" game works as a metaphor for how we travel through our love-voyage.
If you conceptualize "Mother" as ill-willed or controlling, the metaphor takes on a sinister ideation, as you believe a greater force sabotages you, dictates your actions, or makes you jump through hoops, and punishes you for disobeying.
If you perceive "Mother" as benevolent, you believe that a stronger force has your best interest in mind. The "punishment" is more disciplinary so you move forward having fun, learning, and listening to the protective, encouraging guidance.
We can all find an example of the benevolent Mother and internalize this care toward us to help us navigate our love-life.
We can reference a religious figure such as the Virgin Mary, Mother Earth, or the Holy Spirit (depicted as the feminine aspect of the trinity in some groups). Or maybe it's an individual who mothered you, a mentor or relative. If you are a mother, you can think of what you would want for your kids and apply it to yourself.
Straightforward or indirect, May your love-journey, be inspired by that gentle ushering embrace.
*Don't worry, Mom. I know you're reading this. You make my concept of Mother overwhelmingly positive.
Happy Mother's Day!
If this email was forwarded to you, Sign up to get uplifting messages from Christy Sanborn Grassman.
What you have you missed? Check out past email messages from Christy Sanborn Grassman.