....mothers, daughters, friends

This is the cover of a little journal Daughter #2 presented to me about two years ago...In side she had written this...
""My Dear Mommy (she calls me mommy when she is happy with me....if not, I am mother)
Please answer these questions for me in this book. I want to have a collection of information about you...your experiences, your thoughts, and your hopes. It means so much to me."
She didn't even have to say please...the fact that she was interested in my experiences, thoughts and hopes meant a lot to me.

Her questions were thoughtful...

Can you think of three days that stand out in you life as exceptionally happy? I

If you, with the wisdom you have now, could talk to ourself at my age, what advice would you give?

Do you remember the first boy who you cried about because you loved him? who/when

Could you sense my specific soul or personality while I was in your womb?

When did you learn that being creative wasthe road to joy?
There were 13 questions.
It took me almost a year to answer them....to give them the attention they deserved....
Not too long ago she gave it back to me...this is part of what she wrote...
"Reading you answers was one of the most touching, beautiful, and significant experiences of my life... I love that you think in ways that our so creative. You are a big INSPIRATION to me!"

And she has asked 8 more questions..She want's to know more!! It makes my heart sing.

I've been thinking about the importance sacred circles play in the lives of women who are lucky enough to belong to one. In circles we can we can share our stories. Women know so much, experience so much...we have knowledge, wisdom...we are bursting with juicy creativity..let's gather and share, the world needs more feminine energy..
let's grow it together.
When women wake, mountains move..

Imagine a Woman

Imagine a woman who believes it is right and good she is a woman.

A woman who honors her experience and tells her stories.
Who refuses to carry the sins of others within her body and life.

Imagine a woman who trusts and respects herself.
A woman who listens to her needs and desires.
Who meets them with tenderness and grace.

Imagine a woman who acknowledges the past’s influence on the present.
A woman who has walked through her past.
Who has healed into the present.

Imagine a woman who authors her own life.
A woman who exerts, initiates, and moves on her own behalf.
Who refuses to surrender except to her truest self and wisest voice.

Imagine a woman who names her own gods.
A woman who imagines the divine in her image and likeness.
Who designs a personal spirituality to inform her daily life.

Imagine a woman in love with her own body.
A woman who believes her body is enough, just as it is.
Who celebrates its rhythms and cycles as an exquisite resource.

Imagine a woman who honors the body of the Goddess in her changing body.
A woman who celebrates the accumulation of her years and her wisdom.
Who refuses to use her life-energy disguising the changes in her body and life.

Imagine a woman who values the women in her life.
A woman who sits in circles of women.
Who is reminded of the truth about herself when she forgets.

Imagine yourself as this woman.

“Imagine a Woman” © Patricia Lynn Reilly, 1995
www.imagineAwoman.com

The poem is copyrighted and may not be used without permission.