I know many of you are probably spending today celebrating Mother’s Day. But perhaps some of you have experienced a loss of your mother or a grandmother or a mother figure. Perhaps you have a relationship that is strained with your mom or your child.
What would be a message that could still offer healing, soothe your pain, and comfort you during this time?
I shared this beautifully inspiring story on Facebook this past week and so many commented how they found it so helpful.
So I felt inspired to share it again here today.
This past week a client shared with me about her strained relationship with her adult son. As she approached the Mother’s Day weekend, she could feel a sense of loss and sadness that this holiday would accentuate for her.
Yet as we went deeper into asking what was underneath this upset, a lovely message of healing emerged. What her son wanted most for her was for her to be happy. He wanted to see this happiness shining in her eyes and light up her face. He did not need anything else from her and she did not need to do anything else to repair or fix anything from the past.
What was being asked and being offered by him beneath the appearance of a strained relationship was just an invitation to enter in present happiness. A commitment to present peace.
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I believe that our children want this for us- that we be happy. That we feel peaceful.
So, instead of us waiting to be gifted something for Mother’s Day (which, of course, is wonderful too!) how about we honor ourselves as mothers and honor our children by deepening our commitment to the healing of our minds so we may feel truly happy.
Not Hallmark happy. Not gifts and cards happy. But a deep contentment that comes from within and we nurture and grow each day. Being happy because of no earthly reason, simply to be alive, to be present to what is before us. Like the birds singing their songs for no reason simply to sing!
I honor each child that invites us into this experience, and each mother that answers this call.
Even if our experience in relationship to a mother or daughter or son or grandmother or mother figure has not been a happy or peaceful one, we can still commit to finding our own oasis and shelter of happiness within. And finding those who can be mighty companions along our journey.
Why Mary Magdalene can be our mighty companion
This brings me to the retreat this coming weekend. In our journey of healing, we all need a guide, a friend, a mighty companion who will honor everything we are feeling. Someone who will witness to each tear we shed, hold space for all our pain and suffering, yet always point us to peace, comfort, and love. Mary Magdalene is that mighty companion for me and can be for you as well.
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What is the format of the retreat and the dates?
The retreat will be held online via Zoom on May 15th – 17th, 2020.
Here are the times we will meet:
Friday May 15th from 7pm to 9pm EDT.
Saturday May 16th from 11am to 1pm EDT and 3pm to 6pm EDT
Sunday May 17th from 11am EDT to 1pm EDT.
On Friday, we will gather and spend time sharing about our experiences with Mary Magdalene, what she means to us, and what is the desire of our heart as we embark on the retreat.
Saturday we will spend some time preparing to watch the 2019 Mary Magdalene, discussing the main themes we want to explore, and then spend the bulk of the morning session and part of the afternoon session watching the movie. We will pause the movie as it feels guided so we can truly absorb all the wisdom that is shared. We will also have time for expression and sharing our response to the movie.
Sunday we will gather for some processing of what has come up as we watched the movie and how we can move forward to implement some of the insights we have gained.
There will be time spent in group prayer/meditation as well as listening to inspiring music that will complement the message of Mary Magdalene.
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Will you join me?
To read more about Mary Magdalene, the movie and the full retreat, please click here.
To sign up, please send $79 payment here.
If you prefer to send a check, please send payment to Seema Khaneja, PO Box 18373, Rochester, NY 14618.
If you would like to pay-it-forward (in full or partial payment) to support someone else to attend, please email me.
If you feel a strong pull to join us but need some financial help, we do have a scholarship option made possible by the generous support of a few sponsors who want to support me in my sharing of these teachings. Please email me and we can see what would be possible.
Mary Magdalene is with all of us today
I can feel that Mary Magdalene is with us today like a mother gently watches over her children with a protective presence of love and devotion. She is like the bodhisattvas- those wise beings who know their Truth of eternal peace and joy and yet stay available to each of us who might forget that Truth and need their help to reconnect. I do hope you will join me in the retreat so we may all strengthen that connection.
Wishing you all a joyous celebration of Mother’s Day!
Photo Credits: Mary Magdalene image; Mother and child image
