The Many Faces of Mothering:

The Opportunity to Love

by Kathy Kirk

I have a friend who at the age of 60 still regrets that she never became a mother. By this, of course, she means that she never had a child. By that definition, the field of mothers narrows to exclude all those who are mothers, except not by the biological process of birthing. I submit, however, that there are infinite ways to be a mother in a lifetime.

Mothering by definition is 1 a: to give birth to b: to give rise to: produce 2: to care for or protect like a mother 3: to nurture. If we consider the several dimensions of mothering, then truly there are infinite ways to be a mother, which is simply loving something so much that there isn’t anything you wouldn’t do for it. It is in its ideal, unconditional love and support.

The first idea is giving birth, of course. This can be to a child, but it can also be to an idea or concept, an invention, a business, or a new thought that when nurtured and developed brings much good to mankind.

A second aspect of the first idea is to produce something, such as a book. Whenever we produce something, we have given birth to something new. Source Energy delights in all of our creations, so in that respect every time we create, we are mothers.

The third idea of mothering is to care for or protect like a mother would. This is nurturing, Nurture by definition is 1. To nourish; feed. 2. To educate; train. 3. To help grow or develop; cultivate. Whenever we feed Life, we are mothering. Whether we are tending a vegetable garden, or supporting a friend with a new idea, or assisting someone else or even ourselves in our life’s projects, we are nurturing Life, sustaining growth, affirming Creation and ourselves as Creators.

As to the myriad ways to actually mother, let’s explore just a few.

♥ How about being the Auntie to your sibling’s children. I love this aspect of mothering, because I can enjoy them, be friends with them, and love them without much of the daily responsibilities. I am free to see Who They Really Are and cultivate their dreams and unique talents. In much the same way, you can mother your friend’s children.

♥ Many find a mother’s expression through their pets. Without these pets, many people would not understand, nor experience that same love – a mother’s unconditional love and all the benefits such as joy, delight, and contentment to a life’s experience. If you prefer mothering pets, then hop on over to the local animal shelter and volunteer.

♥ There are organizations such as Big Brothers Big Sisters (http://www.bbbs.org/site/c.diJKKYPLJvH/b.1539751/k.BDB6/Home.htm),

♥ organized for just this purpose, offering the opportunity to mother another person, which is simply to open your heart, share your life, and nurture another in the process.

♥ There are opportunities to mother by becoming a nanny or governess, or working at a day care center.

♥ A fun way to mother is to volunteer at the library to read stories to the children.

♥ How about becoming a Girl Scout or Brownie Leader; Rainbow Girl advisor, or counselor at a camp? All offer opportunities to nurture and support Life and individual lives.

♥ You can become a Foster Mother, and by proxy, open your heart to a child whose birth mother is no longer able to nurture them to adulthood; or you can become an adoptive mother, and take a child to your heart in this way, as well. I did, and I highly recommend it.

♥ You can be the mother hen at the office or in your social group, who by your own true nature, cares for and nurtures the others through your kind heart, gentle manner and listening ear.

♥ If you are a nurse, you mother people every single day. You could become a volunteer at a hospital or nursing home, or simply notice someone within your own world who is in need of friendship.

By now you get the picture that the whole concept of mothering has little to do with the process of how it came to you, but rather is all about opening your heart so wide and allowing love to flow through it so freely that it changes the course of at least two lives, if not more for the Good.

Still want to be a mother? Then just jump in.

There’s never been too much love on Planet Earth, so why not bring more onto the planet in a way of your choice. No matter how you choose to mother, you are honored and you will be blessed beyond what your human mind can conjure. Oh, and one more thing, don’t discount your mothering process. Love always matters; it’s the only thing that does.

Kathy Kirk was raised in the Midwest, and has lived in MT, NY and CA. She has a BS degree in Hotel and Restaurant Management from Cornell University. She is the founder of Applied Spirituality and the author of two books, Well Done, and The Earthling's Quick Start Guide – both scheduled for release Sring 2009. Her website is http://www.appliedspirituality.com Her blog, A New View, is at http://www.appliedspirituality.blogspot.com Kathy is a powerful and inspirational speaker and has spoken to such groups as North Island Naval Air Station, Qualcomm, BAE Systems, SPAWARS, Mensa, the US Post Office, Cornell University, Phoenix House and the San Diego County Libraries. She gives Seminars and Workshops to groups and corporations on Applied Spirituality™. Kathy is also available on a limited basis for private coaching. She can be reached at support@appliedspirituality.com or 619-445-0972. "Like the moon, we illuminate without scorching."