The Divine Messiness of Motherhood

by Marlaina Donato

The pitter-patter of little feet is one of life’s most beautiful blessings, but motherhood has always been a challenging role. In today’s world, the calling is more complicated than ever, and the average Mama Bear has a lot on her many plates. Despite support systems, juggling it all is often an obstacle course moms navigate behind closed doors.

It’s okay to not be okay. Society tends to impose unnecessary guilt upon mothers for voicing what most parents feel at one time or another. Feelings are human, and so too is being overwhelmed. Self-care enables us to nurture others, and it begins by being gentle with ourselves as we weave a tapestry of work, soccer games, homework and bedtime baths. Even when the threads are haphazard and tangled, it is healing to surrender to the realization that sometimes we cannot do it all, and it is not a sign of failure. Showing only the good days on social media or going on autopilot can add pressure, instead of peace.

“There’s no way to be a perfect mother and a million ways to be a good one,” says author Jill Churchill. Being a good mother begins by being good to ourselves, and it doesn’t require a miracle to make it happen. A few minor routine adjustments can renew sanity and energy: n Take one minute to run comfortably hot water over your hands and relax into the stream. Hot water helps the body release dopamine, a neurotransmitter responsible for inducing joyful feelings, lessening pain and lifting anxiety. n Instead of scrolling through social media, take 10 or 15 minutes to do nothing. Lie down on the floor, close your eyes and just breathe. Surrender completely to letting go; begin by relaxing facial muscles and work your way down to your toes. n Play a favorite song and dance with your kids. n Avoid overscheduling and “shoulds”.

Marlaina Donato is an author, painter and composer. Connect at WildflowerLady.com.

Calendar Of Events

The events described in this section were scheduled to take place at the time we went to press. Please check ahead to confirm their status.

SUNDAY, MAY 7

Intro to Ashtanga – 1pm. With Tatiana Tholt. Free. Love Yoga Center, 4949 Tamiami Tr N, Ste 204, Naples. 239-692-9747. LoveYogaCenter. com. See ad, page 17.

Sound Bath – 4:45-6pm. With Natalie Batty. Relax and recharge yourself through the healing vibrations of 7 crystal singing bowls, Native American flute, drumming, Koshi chimes, singing, toning and more. $35. Love Yoga Center, 4949 Tamiami Tr N, Ste 204, Naples. 239-692-9747. LoveYogaCenter.com. See ad, page 17.

WEDNESDAY, MAY 10

All About Tea – 3-4pm. Cathy’s Herbs presents the origin of tea, including regional and process differences. Class includes an electronic handout. Different teas are available for observation. Health benefits and recipes discussed. $15. Goddess I AM 600 Goodlette Rd N, Naples. 239-228-6949. GoddessIAM.com. See ad, page 37.

FRIDAY, MAY 12

Psychic Fair – 5-8pm. Mini-readings with experienced psychics and healers. Services include mediumship, tarot, reiki, angel, past-life, chakra balancing, intuitive, body scanning, oracle and more. $30/20 mins. Goddess I AM 600 Goodlette Rd N, Naples. 239-228-6949. GoddessIAM.com.

Kirtan Bliss – 7-9pm. Mantra music and heart song experience with Gina and Gershone. Love Yoga Center, 4949 Tamiami Tr N, Ste 204, Naples. 239-692-9747. LoveYogaCenter.com. See ad, page 17.

SUNDAY, MAY 14

Light Code Activations – 9am-10:30am, Join an hour-plus of channeled energy, activations and messages. These activations can be shortcuts to ease and grace, healing and prosperity. $33. Goddess I AM 600 Goodlette Rd N, Naples. 239228-6949. GoddessIAM.com. See ad, page 37.

FRIDAY, MAY 19

I Can Do It! – May 19-21. Hay House Live Event at the Tampa Convention Center. Be inspired, uplifted, and empowered by your favorite Hay House self-help teachers, spiritual guides, and healing experts. More than 30 authors offering workshops for 3 days. Attend one workshop or all of them. $75-$399. HayHouse.com.

SATURDAY, MAY 20

Walking Meditation in the Park – 9-9:30am. With Valarie Olsen. Free. Meet by pavilion near Six Mile Parkway. John Yarbrough Linear Park, 14608 Six Mile Cypress Pkwy. 941-888-0116. CaloosahatcheeMindfulness.org.

COMING IN THE JUNE ISSUE MEN'S HEALTH

Introduction to Spiritual Friends – 10am-1pm. With Maggie Stevens and Ken Laszczych. Free with donation suggested. Six Mile Cypress Slough, 7751 Penzance Blvd, Ft Myers. 941-888-0116. Register: CaloosahatcheeMindfulness.org.

Psychic Fair – 11am-4pm. Mini-readings with experienced psychics and healers. Services include mediumship, tarot, reiki, angel, past-life, chakra balancing, intuitive, body scanning, oracle and more. $30/20 min. Goddess I AM 600 Goodlette Rd N, Naples. 239-228-6949. GoddessIAM.com.

Great Bones Book Club & Food Sampling –1:30-3pm. Are you looking for answers to help with osteopenia or osteoporosis? Dr. R. Keith McCormick’s new book, Great Bones, will be our guide to understanding the bone growth and resorption process, breakdown and updated testing methods. $10. Lotus Blossom Clinic, 6710 Winkler Rd, Ste 2, Ft Myers. Register, Deb Martín: 303-929-4972. LotusBlossomClinic.com. See ad on page 45 and news brief on page 8.

SUNDAY, MAY 21

Sound Bath – 4:45-6pm. With Natalie Batty. Relax and recharge yourself through the healing vibrations of 7 crystal singing bowls, Native American flute, drumming, Koshi chimes, singing, toning and more. $35. Love Yoga Center, 4949 Tamiami Tr N, Ste 204, Naples. 239-692-9747. LoveYogaCenter.com. See ad, page 17.

Reiki Healing Circle – 5-6pm. Join our amazing facilitators for a reiki healing circle every 3rd Sun. Experience an atmosphere of healing while using reiki energy to remove blockages by balancing the many chakra energy channels. $10. Goddess I AM 600 Goodlette Rd N, Naples. 239-228-6949. GoddessIAM.com. See ad, page 37.

SUNDAY, MAY 28

Period Festival – 1-3pm. Celebrating World Menstrual Health Day with Red Tent and croning ceremonies, chants, and heart-filled discussion. Partnering with Maasika Mahatsov, in India, and the UN. Free. Calusa Nature Center, 3450 Ortiz Ave, Ft Myers. 239-822-7865. FeminaGlobal.com.

Ongoing Events

sunday monday tuesday thursday wednesday friday saturday

Love Basics – 8:30am. In-studio with Chrissie. Love Yoga Center, 4949 Tamiami Tr N, Ste 204, Naples. 239-692-9747. LoveYogaCenter.com.

Chair Massages: Pine Ridge Farmers Market – Thru May. 9am-1pm. With Alvina Quatrano, LMT, owner of Art of Holistic Massage. $1/min. 3370 Pine Ridge Rd, Naples. 732-266-5276. AOHMassage.com. See ad on page 45 and news brief on page 10.

Love Flow – 10am. In-studio with Karen. Love Yoga Center, 4949 Tamiami Tr N, Ste 204, Naples. 239-692-9747. LoveYogaCenter.com.

Sound Bath – 4:45-6pm. 1st & 3rd Sun. Natalie. Love Yoga Center, 4949 Tamiami Tr N, Ste 204, Naples. 239-692-9747. LoveYogaCenter.com.

Yin Yoga – 6:30-7:45pm. In-studio with Tara. Love Yoga Center, 4949 Tamiami Tr N, Ste 204, Naples. 239-692-9747. LoveYogaCenter.com.

Ashtanga Mysore – 5:30-8am. Mon-Fri. Begins May 8. Love Yoga Center, 4949 Tamiami Tr N, Ste 204, Naples. 239-692-9747. LoveYogaCenter.com.

Mixed Level Flow – 9:30am. In-studio and virtual with Tara. Love Yoga Center, 4949 Tamiami Tr N, Ste 204, Naples. 239-692-9747. LoveYogaCenter.com.

Gentle Flow – 7-8:15pm. In-studio and virtual with Chrissie. Love Yoga Center, 4949 Tamiami Tr N, Ste 204, Naples. 239-692-9747. LoveYogaCenter.com.

Love Basics – 9:30am. In-studio and virtual with Karen. Love Yoga Center, 4949 Tamiami Tr N, Ste 204, Naples. 239-692-9747. LoveYogaCenter.com.

Yoga & Meditation – 9:30am. In-studio and virtual with Karen. Love Yoga Center, 4949 Tamiami Tr N, Ste 204, Naples. 239-692-9747. LoveYogaCenter.com.

Kundalini Class – 11am. In-studio with Logan Jones. Love Yoga Center, 4949 Tamiami Tr N, Ste 204, Naples. 239-692-9747. LoveYogaCenter.com.

Tai Chi Beginner/Chair Class – 11am-12pm & 1-2pm. Also held Tues. No class May 9 or 11. With Dee. Experience readily available “qi” (life force) through guided breathing and gentle, graceful movement. All levels welcome. $15. Lotus Blossom Clinic, 6710 Winkler Rd, Ste 2, Ft Myers. Register: 570-417-9823. LotusBlossomClinic.com.

Kundalini – 11am. In-studio with DamaDé. Love Yoga Center, 4949 Tamiami Tr N, Ste 204, Naples. 239-692-9747. LoveYogaCenter.com.

Meditative Yoga & Yoga Nidra – 3:30pm. In-studio with Peggy. Love Yoga Center, 4949 Tamiami Tr N, Ste 204, Naples. 239-692-9747. LoveYogaCenter.com.

Vinyasa Flow – 5:45pm. In-studio with Margaret. Love Yoga Center, 4949 Tamiami Tr N, Ste 204, Naples. 239-692-9747. LoveYogaCenter.com.

Restorative – 7-8:15pm. In-studio with Nancy. Love Yoga Center, 4949 Tamiami Tr N, Ste 204, Naples. 239-692-9747. LoveYogaCenter.com.

Gentle Flow – 9:30am. In-studio and virtual with Nancy. Love Yoga Center, 4949 Tamiami Tr N, Ste 204, Naples. 239-692-9747. LoveYogaCenter.com.

Wednesday Morning Book Club – May 3-31. 10-11:30am. With Helen Leddy. Free/members. Zoom. 941-888-0116. Register: CaloosahatcheeMindfulness.org.

Qigong – 11am. In-studio with Sue. Love Yoga Center, 4949 Tamiami Tr N, Ste 204, Naples. 239692-9747. LoveYogaCenter.com.

Sangha Midweek Meditation – 6-7pm. Relax and calm the mind and body, and practice meditation and deep listening together with us. Free. Zoom. 941888-0116. Register: CaloosahatcheeMindfulness.org.

Strength & Stability – 6-7:15pm. In-studio and virtual with Karen. Love Yoga Center, 4949 Tamiami Tr N, Ste 204, Naples. 239-692-9747. LoveYogaCenter.com.

A Search for God Edgar Cayce Study Group – 6-8pm. Weekly study group meeting based on the Edgar Cayce readings. New members welcome. Free. Unity of Fort Myers Sanctuary, 11120 Ranchette Rd, Ft Myers. 850-556-7604. JaneSelman@gmail.com. UnityOfFortMyers.org.

Candlelight Flow – 7-8:15pm. In-studio and virtual with Tara. Love Yoga Center, 4949 Tamiami Tr N, Ste 204, Naples. 239-692-9747. LoveYogaCenter.com.

Love Basics – 9:30am. In-studio and virtual with Nancy. Love Yoga Center, 4949 Tamiami Tr N, Ste 204, Naples. 239-692-9747. LoveYogaCenter.com.

Take a Time Out: Friday Meditations – May 5-26. 10-10:30am. With Maggie Stevens. Free. Zoom. 941-888-0116. Register: CaloosahatcheeMindfulness.org.

Gentle Flow – 11am. In-studio with Beth. Love Yoga Center, 4949 Tamiami Tr N, Ste 204, Naples. 239-692-9747. LoveYogaCenter.com.

Sound Healing – 1-4pm. With Alyssa. nuYou Naples, 3415 Radio Rd, Ste 101, Naples. 239285-0094. nuYouNaples.com.

Live Music – 6-9pm. Rotating list of local artists entertain guests in the courtyard. Free. Food & Thought, 2132 Tamiami Tr N, Naples. 239-2132222. FoodAndThought.com.

Love Basics – 8:30am. In-studio with Margaret. Love Yoga Center, 4949 Tamiami Tr N, Ste 204, Naples. 239-692-9747. LoveYogaCenter.com.

Holistic Harmony Discounted Herbal Consultations – May-July. 9am-1pm, by appt. Discounted herbal consultations. For $105 receive a thorough herbal assessment and 2 follow-ups (70% discount). Cost of herbs not included. Counseling of Southwest Florida, 2345 Stanford Ct, Ste 601, Naples. 239-688-4585. HolisticHarmonyllc.com.

Love Flow – 10-11:15am. In-studio with Tara. Love Yoga Center, 4949 Tamiami Tr N, Ste 204, Naples. 239-692-9747. LoveYogaCenter.com.

Live Music – 6-9pm. Rotating list of local artists entertain guests in the courtyard. Free. Food & Thought, 2132 Tamiami Tr N, Naples. 239-2132222. FoodAndThought.com.