I 100% agree with this train of thought. I moved internationally, away from my hometown, just before becoming a mother. My community was of a tight knit, old hippie seeded variety and something I didn’t know to love until it was gone was that all ages comingled.
I was friends with people my mom went to high school with and people that well exceeded her age too. I had abundant access to wise women, and a whole spectrum of established mothers , and playful & passionate big sister type women 5 - 10 years ahead of me. I would recognize a classmates grandfather, and have a bit of comfortable small talk as we waited together in line for a sandwich. If I found myself in a sticky situation I never fretted, as I knew I’d see someone familiar who would lend a hand (even if that just meant recognized their face or distantly knew their cousin).
I had no idea how special this was, or how exceedingly rare it is to find in the real (western) world these days. I didn’t know how much this dynamic shaped me as a person or how important it was to me, until of course, it was gone (unfortunately at the same time I found myself with an infant cradled in my arms)
Damn how I still ache for my wise women crones circling around... that grandmother energy was medicine.
Not only is The Village *not* a bunch of women around our age mothering their toddlers together but also for our children it is not being exposed only to kids their own age. There is profound wisdom in the true Village set up as our toddlers learn how to assist and care for the babes while being guided by and taken care of by kids, whom are being overseen by the adolescents.
I contemplate (&dream) about this structure so often and deeply feel into your expression on this topic! I hope your share here opens a pathway for discussion in our RL communities... that it sparks a curiosity and initiation in others to explore the more traditional composition of the Village as we all slowly find our way back to a nourishing and sustainable way of experiencing life together.
Wow how incredible, I love that for you but also unfortunate it didn’t follow you into the season of motherhood!
I’ve had many moments of a more holistic village and it was always so nourishing too.
Even yesterday (we are visiting where we lived when we birthed Rafi,) watching him play with young teenagers, pre teens, 5 year olds all the way down to one year olds. Super special
Yes Kat!!! This this this 100%! I am beyond grateful for my friends who have shown me and continue to show me the way. I love that Birdie has older friends and kids and adults that are her village. I agree with it all!!! Thank you for putting in to words what I also feel is so powerful and important for myself as mother and for our family 🙏❤️❤️❤️
immense gratitude for those that have walked this path before us. goosebumps. some people really are literally MADE to mother, it's in their blood & body & soul and when it all aligns... pure magic
I 100% agree with this train of thought. I moved internationally, away from my hometown, just before becoming a mother. My community was of a tight knit, old hippie seeded variety and something I didn’t know to love until it was gone was that all ages comingled.
I was friends with people my mom went to high school with and people that well exceeded her age too. I had abundant access to wise women, and a whole spectrum of established mothers , and playful & passionate big sister type women 5 - 10 years ahead of me. I would recognize a classmates grandfather, and have a bit of comfortable small talk as we waited together in line for a sandwich. If I found myself in a sticky situation I never fretted, as I knew I’d see someone familiar who would lend a hand (even if that just meant recognized their face or distantly knew their cousin).
I had no idea how special this was, or how exceedingly rare it is to find in the real (western) world these days. I didn’t know how much this dynamic shaped me as a person or how important it was to me, until of course, it was gone (unfortunately at the same time I found myself with an infant cradled in my arms)
Damn how I still ache for my wise women crones circling around... that grandmother energy was medicine.
Not only is The Village *not* a bunch of women around our age mothering their toddlers together but also for our children it is not being exposed only to kids their own age. There is profound wisdom in the true Village set up as our toddlers learn how to assist and care for the babes while being guided by and taken care of by kids, whom are being overseen by the adolescents.
I contemplate (&dream) about this structure so often and deeply feel into your expression on this topic! I hope your share here opens a pathway for discussion in our RL communities... that it sparks a curiosity and initiation in others to explore the more traditional composition of the Village as we all slowly find our way back to a nourishing and sustainable way of experiencing life together.
Wow how incredible, I love that for you but also unfortunate it didn’t follow you into the season of motherhood!
I’ve had many moments of a more holistic village and it was always so nourishing too.
Even yesterday (we are visiting where we lived when we birthed Rafi,) watching him play with young teenagers, pre teens, 5 year olds all the way down to one year olds. Super special
This is definitely your medium
Thank you 🥰
I loved this perspective❤️ Thank you for sharing 🙏🏼 Looking forward to following your writing on here. ✨
Thank you for reading! And for choosing to be here too. I appreciate it xx
Yes Kat!!! This this this 100%! I am beyond grateful for my friends who have shown me and continue to show me the way. I love that Birdie has older friends and kids and adults that are her village. I agree with it all!!! Thank you for putting in to words what I also feel is so powerful and important for myself as mother and for our family 🙏❤️❤️❤️
Yes yess, can’t wait to come play once we are back. I keep missing your circles and so badly want to come! Xx
Yes I know the time will align soon for us to connect more!! ❤️
immense gratitude for those that have walked this path before us. goosebumps. some people really are literally MADE to mother, it's in their blood & body & soul and when it all aligns... pure magic
Absolutely 😍😍😍