Being a Mother with Jessica Connolly

“We had a certain way before becoming a mother that we related to our jobs, our worth, our sexuality, our bodies—and motherhood changes all of that. There's a reorientation as we come back into ourselves.” –Jessica ConnollyWhat does mothering mean when kids get older? Have you ever wanted a deeper discussion about mothering? I’m talking with MotherCircle leader Jessica Connolly about anchoring into our motherhood and power.Many of us long to go beyond the surface level conversations. We want to explore the experience and the changes we experience in work, our bodies, our sexuality, all the way down to our soul level. So how you do that?Jessica reminds us that as mothers we are already leading. We can lead with more intentionality. We can create spaces and expectations that invite the deeper conversations.We talk about: Engaging with women of different ages and experiences to create a map of the journey we go on as womenCreating a legacy for our kids of having deeper conversations and passing on wisdomMaking spaces of intentionalityThe rose, thorn, bud practiceLearning to listen from the heartSimple rituals that bring intentionality and an opening to deeper experiencesABOUT JESSICAJessica is a birthworker, holistic coach, and a circle leader committed to the practice and sharing of wisdom. She is the mother of 4 daughters ages 6-16, and has extensive experience in leadership, group worship, academic settings and the sharing and exchange of information in non-traditional ways.She leads circles, retreats and online classes at the intersection of ancient wisdom and modern science. She is the co- creator of the MotherCircle Facilitator Training along with Kimberly Ann Johnson and is currently teaching the MotherCircle anchor course.She serves women who want to discover the pathway of feminine wisdom and intentional community, for themselves and for their children. Jessica lives in a San Diego urban beach town on a property with 9 kids, 3 families, 4 adults, 3 dogs and 2 chickens.LINKSWebsite: ​​https://mothercircle.com/free-checklist/Instagram: @mother.circle @moon.daughtersDOABLE CHANGESAt the end of every episode, we share three doable changes, so you can take what you've heard and put it into action. Change comes from action. Doable changes are things that you can add into your life, one at a time to make micro shifts and really create a ripple effect that will create a big change over time. Choose one that really piques your interest and roll with it. Here are three Doable Changes from this conversation:CREATE ONE RITUAL. Rituals don’t have to be complex or time consuming. They are simply things you do consistently, usually to mark something or bring attention somewhere. For example, you could light a candle to open a conversation or group. You could turn on a certain song to indicate it’s time to wind down the day. You could pause to say a simple prayer or even thank you before a meal. Pick one and do it throughout the week.TRY ROSE–THORN–BUD PRACTICE. In Rose–Thorn–Bud, each person has a chance to share something good from their day, something hard from their day, and something they are looking forward to. It is a chance for others to listen from the heart, not to solve problems. An easy way to do this is around the dinner table.BE PART OF A CIRCLE. Being part of an intentional circle can be transformative. Find a circle to participate in or create one. See what being in an intentional group and going on a deeper journey feels like.