What's the vibe today . . .

Are you Shining?

by Sarah Juliusson

In Senegal, one of the common greetings is “Yangi leer?” which translates as “Are you shining?” As a 19-year-old living for a year in West Africa this seemed a wonderfully poetic greeting. I’m not 19 anymore, but the poetry of the question still resonates and I find myself using it now as more of a personal mantra or check-in. Am I shining?

Marianne Williamson writes: “We are all meant to shine, as children do.” You know the look, right? When our children are in a place of absolute pure delight they radiate life. There are moments, too, when we mirror their radiance and that spark of pure joy is fully alive in us as well. There may also be moments when you wonder what you have lost along the way.

What does it mean to you to shine as a mother?

In a traditional sense, shining means we are demonstrating excellence in our role. While this remains true, we may also choose to expand our understanding of shining to encompass a sense of being whole, joyful, and connected with ourselves, our families and our community.

Think of a recent moment when you have felt fully alive and “shining” and try to remember where you felt it in your body. Notice what was unique in that moment that allowed you to shine, and consider how you could bring what was special in that moment into more of your daily life. If it has been a long time, what do you imagine might help you to bring that spark back to life?

We are all meant to shine, says Marianne Williamson. Sometimes the routine of daily life gets in the way of us nourishing ourselves and we lose our spark. What keeps you from shining? This month allow yourself some time to shine, whether through some nourishing self-care or enjoying the shine that comes from doing something that you love. You’ll feel better, and your spark may just inspire a friend to do the same.

Sarah Juliusson is the mother of two young boys, and co-founder of Mama Renew together with Jennifer-Lee Koble, offering self-renewal groups for seasoned mothers, and Mothers Unfolding for new mothers and babies. As a working mother, she is forever seeking new ways to expand her circle of support and find balance so that she can give more fully to herself, her family, and the community. To learn more about Mama Renew, visit www.mamarenew.ca. Mama Renew offers groups throughout the Lower Mainland and Vancouver Island.

B.C. archives | Calgary archives

Mom relaxing

What's the vibe today . . .

Social media . . .

About babyvibe . . .