Each One Teach One –
How do we learn about the major milestones in a woman’s life? From getting our first period, becoming sexually active, giving birth and then going through the change of life, at the end of our fertility, it seems we learn the hard way. I like to imagine that long ago, under the red tent, older women shared their knowledge and experience with younger women.
I have always been curious so I take many workshops. One memorable one was the – let’s look at our own cervix one! Yes, we actually did this as a group and it was very interesting! I am a reader so I found books to be helpful and still do. Dr Christaine Northrup was very popular during my childbearing years. She was on the forefront of many breakthroughs in women’s health and also promoted natural childbirth. The original first run of her book, Women’s Bodies, Women’s Wisdom is a well worn treasure.
Today, I’m guessing that most people primarily use the internet and social media. We held a red tent event at Bloom Yoga, in Chicago, and it was wonderful! There were also men participants. The sharing and ritual were magical and I will never forget it. The thing that is missing from the internet is energy! My concern is that we are becoming more and more dehumanized by technology. We also have very high expectations for it in regard to birth and other health matters. Does it really save us or cause more problems?
My request is that you connect with your mothers, daughters, aunts, grandmothers and others and ask them what these life changing events were like for them. Sharing information can be very powerful. We learn best from stories. Sharing stories includes many lessons in a format that is interesting and helps us remember that we are all connected. Connection is a basic need for all living beings.
There are also many things we can’t know and never will. I call these mysteries the delight and surprises of life. Find someone you can connect with in your family/friends circle and share with them what you have learned. Make time to get the teapot going and share your wisdom and knowledge. I’m guessing it might help others feel more confident going forward in their lives.