I wake and stay in bed listening to a symphony of bird song, twitterings and tweets, caws, and turkey gobbling that percolates through all my cells.  It’s morning in May and we celebrate the mothering that connects us all.  

This quote from an unknown source comes my way today.

“If at first you don’t succeed, try doing it the way mom told you to in the beginning.”

Perhaps there’s a way to balance that, or perhaps not, but today I remember all the women in my life, related and not, who’ve enriched, guided, brightened, opened, and paved my way. I’m grateful for celebration and honoring, a day to be with the birthing that continues to transform and unfold.  

Yesterday I emailed a friend and the email returned with what augments all her emails.

I offer it here.  

Five Vows From Joanna Macy and the Work that Reconnects:

I vow to myself and to each of you:

• To commit myself daily to the healing of our world and the welfare of all beings.
• To live on Earth more lightly and less violently in the food, products, and energy I consume.
• To draw strength and guidance from the living Earth, the ancestors, the future generations, and my brothers and sisters of all species.
• To support others in our work for the world and ask for help when I need it.
• To pursue a daily practice that clarifies my mind, strengthens my heart, and supports me in observing these vows.”

I sink into the truths of this mothered by the roots, branches, leaves, and fruits of trees.