Mamas, what has been the most depressing part of your mothering journey so far?? At the top of list is the lack of nurturing and welcoming spaces for mothers and children. We all know being stuck at home is isolating and suffocating. I have travelled far and wide, taking journeys of over an hour to seek solace in nurturing spaces. I often find my peace in the wild; walking in the woods and the fresh breeze at the beach. But it’s not enough to visit there, I feel I have to live there, dreaming of a cabin in the woods. (It’s on the vision board so it will manifest)
Image via Julia Caesar
BUT inside spaces are seriously lacking for adults and children. For me the nearest undercover space is a shopping centre and I have spent many a soul less afternoon pacing with the pram. It does not sit well with my ethics, I’m hugely against mass consumption and a materially led life. It sends all the wrong messages to my child, just like the TV adverts that tell you, you need something new every second of every day! The life I’m living is so far away from my ideal, but everyone says its reality and thats that!!
Maybe its just me and my lack of nurturing in the younger years, but all I wanted when I became a mother was nurturing, like a lost child I felt alone and trapped. Midwives and nurses did not have time for my tears and I certainly didn’t find my tribe at mother/baby groups. (Ok I have made some lovely mama friends but I met them through yoga)
I started dreaming of space in the wild where children could run free and find shelter when the rain comes. A naturally stimulating and nurturing environment where women felt seen, heard and could relax. We all know the public stares when your child cries in a garden centre cafe. Is this much needed space a commune??? Quite possibly, but women need a village and they simply don’t exist anymore.
I can not stand SOFT PLAY or over stimulating environments.. Our kids don’t need it and nor do the adults!! My child and I are happiest in nature, it is the most cleansing and refreshing environment for everyone involved. So my dream is to create a creative nurturing space for mamas and their children, a space for them to seek advice and solace, a space to create, to feel nurtured and warm, a place of beauty and love. I know all this sounds hippie but its in my heart and I can’t ignore it.
There are so many fab spaces thinking along the same line, but so many are in London or in built up areas. I would like more of a destination, a natural environment that offers peace and tranquility. A non commercial space thats authentic and purpose led. Women are rising, but we need more spaces to gather!!
I have often thought are my dreams too far fetched, are my expectations too high? My previous career in fashion offered me so much aesthetic beauty, trips and meetings in stunning spaces, attention to detail, creativity on tap. BUT Motherhood has been barren in comparison. I want to bring to the beauty and harmony back into mothering and it often starts with the environment we find ourselves rooted.
My depression could have been lessened if this vision was a reality – Heal the mother / Heal the child! So there it is, planted in the centre of my vision board, dreaming it into reality. xx
Do let me your favourite places and spaces to hang out with your little one?
Here are my top 5 spaces:
- Wilderness Woods – I drive over an hour to visit this beautiful woodland. Fab activities for the children and peace for the adults.
- Duckduckgoose Cafe – I have not visited yet because again a ing drive, but I think they have the home from home space sorted.
- Bedgebury Pinetum – Magical woodland and great park for the little ones
- Greenwich Park – Has hidden woodland area for climbing and balancing. I tend to avoid the playground
- Discover Story Centre – Again on my list. I love going to interactive spaces, engaging for both the adults and children
I just find London trips take a lot of energy for all involved, which is why we need more rural spaces to connect within.x
Mandy Barthram says
The simplest places are the best! Something enchanting for people of ages about woodland! We live Ashen bank in cobham, and the route to the Darnley Mausoleum- couple it with some good friends & a flask = perhaps escapism. Not to mention a wealth of learning opportunities- no need for structured activities the children will lead the way!
motm says
Wonderful Wednesdays – Great escapism and grounding in nature xx Grow them wild!! xx