Mindful mamas are so much more than just #blackgirlmagic.
They're divine goddesses. Women with beautiful spirits, intense emotions, and wholesome values. Mindful mamas are in a league all 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 that 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 their 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 mantras and meditation techniques in the form of inspirational quotes to help those women relax, breathe easy, and know that while they're not perfect… they are perfectly trying.
A Quote For Relaxation
"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. 10 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.
A Quote For Letting Go
"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.
A Quote For Self-Care
"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.
Featured image by Getty Images
RELATED
VIEW THE FULL ITGIRL 100 LIST HERE.
Don’t forget to also check out the ItGirl Directory, featuring 50 Black-woman-owned marketing and branding agencies, photographers and videographers, publicists, and more.
THE ITGIRL MEMO
I. An ItGirl puts on for her city and masters her self-worth through purpose.
II. An ItGirl celebrates all the things that make her unique.
III. An ItGirl empowers others to become the best versions of themselves.
IV. An ItGirl leads by example, inspiring others through her actions and integrity.
V. An ItGirl paves the way for authenticity and diversity in all aspects of life.
VI. An ItGirl uses the power of her voice to advocate for positive change in the world.
Let’s make things inbox official! Sign up for the xoNecole newsletter for daily love, wellness, career, and exclusive content delivered straight to your inbox.
To help you better understand why this was such a mental awakening for me, I first need to give a bit of my backstory. I’m in my late thirties. I’m an attorneyand a journalist. I own a home and have traveled the world extensively. Essentially, I’ve done everything in life I set out to do. However, when it comes to dating, I struggle. Not because there is anything wrong with me per se, but because my career and “lifestyle” often create problems in my romantic relationships.
View from my hotel room
Courtesy
I’ve been told everything from, ‘I can’t continue to date you because you seem to choose your career over wanting to settle down and have kids’ by a man after only the second date to ‘Maybe if you just sat down somewhere for a while, I’d actually wife you’ by someone who has honestly never proven themselves to be the settle down type. And these are only a handful of the things I’ve been told over the years.
It’s been frustrating, to say the least, and there have even been seasons where I purposely dimmed my light in hopes that my career wouldn’t push away potential suitors. I know what you’re thinking, “Girl, why would you even consider that? If they’re for you, it won’t matter what you do.” Hey, don’t judge me, but also, I one hundred percent agree.
My hotel bathroom
Courtesy
That’s why this recent moment in Switzerland was right on time. When I first walked into the hotel to check in, I was blown away by the surrounding beauty. It was a five-star property with one of the world’s most famous thermal bathhouses. Yet, it was something about seeing that 90% of the hotel’s guests were couples, that forced me to sit back for a bit of introspection—while soaking in the thermal spa, of course.
As I went through the mental conversation, there was a battle of sorts. On one hand, I knew that being able to partake in experiences like the one I was having at that moment was important to me. I knew that, at times I actually love being able to dabble in the finer things—after all, I’ve worked hard to be able to afford them. On the other hand, and sadly, I knew that sometimes being a single Black woman that publicly showcases her “luxurious” habits can intimidate men and even scare them off from pursuing you under the guise of them feeling like they “can’t do anything for you, because you have everything.”
My hotel room
Courtesy
So, what is a girl to do?
Do I minimize/hide the life and experiences that I have? Do I play down the hard work I’ve put in to get where I am professionally? Or, do I risk being single in exchange for being able to have said life, without backlash?
Luckily, the joy that I felt while being at this property won. There was something about taking a full day to simply pamper myself at the bathhouse and in my in-room steam shower and soaker tub, indulging in cuisine from a 2-star Michelin restaurant and doing all of this while surrounded by an amazing group of Black women that reminded me—this is certainly the life I was meant to live and that I deserve. Even if it means that right now, I’ll just have to provide it for myself until the right partner comes along. And honestly, I’m okay with that.
Restaurant at 7132 hotel
Courtesy
Let’s make things inbox official! Sign up for the xoNecole newsletter for love, wellness, career, and exclusive content delivered straight to your inbox.
Feature image courtesy
