It is delciously soul satisfying when you find that sweet spot of meeting a need while also doing what you love. This is what I feel after each Wonder, Love, and Connection playgroup.
For a long time, as I supported mothers in conscious, self-compassionate mothering , I have been aware of the need for a greater sense of tribe and belonging; a community that is consistent and goes deeper than daily mommy chat. As I’ve said before, this is what inspired me to offer Conscious Mothering Circles which are a profound, fun, and restorative time of connection and support…. something every mother can benefit from.
In fact, creating meaningful community is one of my primary passions and why I offer family gatherings, healing support groups, CM circles, blessings and retreats.
Exploring our suburban 'farm'...need I say more about why I love children??
And yet, I have found that mothers can usually only attend something that is just for them, about once a month. Even as they still long for more community.
As I reflected on this, I also began to realize how much I missed my days working with children in the elementary schools, integrating art and play to support their healing and resilience. I simply love chidren and all they inspire in us.
At our Connected Family Gatherings, I always enjoy leading the children in imaginative stories, songs and playful yoga which is often surprising to some. There is the ‘serious’ side of me that loves to support people in their deepest, most vulnerable spiritual-emotional needs, and then there is the ‘playful’ side of me that loves to BE, dream and delight with children. When I worked in the schools, I even used to dress up as a clown and throw a carnival party every year!
Now, since becoming a mother, my passion and understanding of what children need has naturally expanded and I have spent much time carefully creating an imaginative, peaceful and nurturing environment in my home and life with my own children. While I share these insights with the mothers I work with, my soul missed working with children directly. Something was stirring in me…
imaginative and nurturing storytime
Then it all came together, as things always do when I open my heart and intention, then wait.
Soon enough, I clearly envisioned a conscious parenting playgroup as a way of bringing mothers together with their children, in our nurturing, imaginative space to support active connection with their children, AND offer them sacred time and space for real connection with other conscious mothers on a more regular basis. A way to bring my loves of supporting children and supporting mothers, together with my knowledge of how to facilitate growth, self-expression, and wonder-full connection through environment and open-ended activities.
I mentioned this idea to Maya. Having had the experience of participating in a waldorf -inspired homeschool co-op with me last year, she was very excited. She began talking about how we could do circle time, the fingerplays and songs, and how she would help teach. She gracefully accepted the reality of sharing her space and toys. I hemmed and hawed for awhile, trying to figure out the logistics, but she kept me focused, often asking, “Mama, when are we going to have our special playgroup????”
And thus was born, the Wonder, Love and Connection: Conscious Parenting playgroup.
After only a couple gatherings, the joy in all of the children’s eyes as they feed chickens, plant seedlings, spin soapy wool into birds nests, and hop from one imaginative activity to the next donning playsilks and capes, lets me know we are on to something. 
The authenticity and openness in each of the mamas during our sharing time, fills my heart with peace and knowing that this is the beginning of something exquisitely beautiful….
I often encourage my clients to follow their bliss, trusting that the world needs them to express exactly what their heart desires. I am deeply blessed and grateful to have found a place where my joys intersect AND an amazing community of mamas and children that let me share this with them!
If you are interested in joining us, click here for more details!
