“I’m applauding this work, forever and ever...it really did save my life. I was unwilling to see all the Orphans clearly or I was able to see them but refused to allow the Visionary to be born and to recognize the UM…I have been leafing through all my journaling and notes I took of things you said in all the circles, workshops and the many private sessions and I am so amazed by what happened.“
The pleasure of teaching is inseparable from the pleasure of learning. I learn something from every single interaction whether in a workshop, a one-on-one call, or a Visionary Circle.
One of the many rewarding parts of my work is that among the women who knock on the FertileHeart door seeking guidance, I have found the most extraordinary teachers. The note at the top of this page is from one of them. Her name is Anne. Annie B. as I like to call her.
Here are two things she has taught me and validated for me in the nearly five years we’ve known each other.
1. No matter how fully I can envision what’s possible for someone, it’s the respect and love (yes, love) we bring to our interactions that enables the person to turn that vision into reality. There is not a whole lot I can do without being received. Anne has been and continues to be an extraordinarily courageous “receiver.”
2. Every creative journey is a birthing journey with not just a “one-time labor” when we push the baby through the birth canal. We’re certainly in labor far more than just once on this rugged road to motherhood. The times when we’re no longer sure whether we want what we want? That’s labor. Times when we’re numb, because the tsunami of emotions feels un-contain-able? Labor. Times when we need someone else to remind us of the destination we’ve been heading for? Labor.
I’ve witnessed my friend Annie B, go through many painful labors. But she didn’t stop. With just the slightest nudge she recognized the pain as labor pain, hit the road again, kept walking and didn’t stop until the little boy in that short video below was safely in the baby carrier.
So when you’re in pain, I hope your draw inspiration from Anne’s story, May it remind you that what you’re feeling is the pain of contractions and that you, like Annie B. can summon the courage (yes it takes courage) to receive the support you need when it’s offered to you.
Here is to the courage to give love and to even greater courage, to receive it. Welcome to the world and the Fertile Heart family, Jonah Alexander! Thank you for all that you have taught me, Annie B.!
