“Some days I am more wolf than woman and I am still learning how to stop apologizing for my wild”
— Nikita Gill

For the women who have decided not to have children, for the women who ache for a child but life has not allowed, for all of us who have not yet embarked on that journey—it is possible, and worthwhile, to nurture our sacred intuitions and maternal instincts. 

As we continue to fight for independence in creating our own paths of existence, we can simultaneously nurture our most instinctual perspectives and our soul’s purpose. Below are a few ways to help find balance in developing our own independence, while strengthening these beautiful parts of ourselves to care for a world that deeply needs the fierce love and strength of maternal devotion.

Strengthen Your Intuition
Through Meditation & Mindfulness

“Even if we are not a mother we can hone into this superpower of being able to instinctively feel things through a deep-rooted evolutionary perspective that some call a motherly instinct.”

Intuition is such a beautiful, innate feeling that all people have the ability to experience if we take time to listen closely to the feelings and energies around us. Even if we are not a mother, we can hone into this superpower of being able to instinctively feel things through a deep-rooted evolutionary perspective that some call a “motherly instinct”.

Scientifically, it is believed that intuition is the ability to tap into our subconscious and the more empathetic part of the brain, which often becomes heightened when we are a mother caring for our child. However, we can absolutely tap into that part of the brain and strengthen it without being a mother. Meditation is a wonderful tool for tapping into this subconscious—by experiencing stillness, we can feel things more deeply. Not ignoring our gut instinct is another important rule to tapping into our intuition. Instead of ignoring certain thoughts, emotions or signs, we can allow ourselves to live in a more present and aware state.

 

Connect With Your Inner Child
Through Play & Changing Perspective

Children remind adults of the tiny magical details in life that we stop seeing as we get older—they help get us out of our comfort zone and see a whole different perspective. Honoring the youthful energy inside of ourselves can help us to step out of our adult comfort zone and remember what it felt like to be a kid. Go spin in the middle of a field, grab some old markers and draw a picture that is not perfect. Watch animated movies and ask questions, remain curious about life and be okay with imperfections

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Nurture Your Maternal Instinct
By Adopting Or Fostering An Animal  

“Caring for an animal can truly honor that ultimate feminine gift of nurture and can feed the instinct to love and be loved.”

I recently had an experience of fostering five very young kittens. I was shocked at how powerful my maternal instinct was with these babies. Being that I was their lifeline, I felt this truly beautiful yearning to want to care for them as though I birthed them myself. The experience made me think of mothers and how intense it must feel when you do have your own child. However, caring for an animal can truly honor that ultimate feminine gift of nurture and can feed the instinct to love and be loved.

Strengthen Your Community
Through Time With Friends & Family

Taking time with friends and family is always a delicate balance, but truly showing up for our loved ones can strengthen our community. Our souls yearn for relationships—when we connect to both friends and family we learn more about ourselves and we help one another grow, which harnesses that maternal, motherly instinct of support.

 

Cultivate Mindful Living
Through Practicing Patience

“When we practice patience we allow ourselves to move slower and with a little more heart.”

Patience and letting go are huge themes I hear discussed amongst my friends who are mothers. They explain that without patience, there is frustration and unwanted tension. Challenging ourselves to practice patience can not only offer a more calm and guided approach to life but can help us to strengthen our ability to hear and be heard. When we practice patience, we allow ourselves to move slower and with a little more heart.

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Courtney Jay Higgins is the Content Strategist at The Good Trade. She is also a Yoga Instructor, vegetarian, wellness and fashion enthusiast. Originally from Colorado, her soul found California when she came to get her degree in Visual Communications at the Fashion Institute Of Design & Merchandising. She has a background in telling a story through writing, creative direction and content creation. Her online blog hosts her unique perspective on the mergence of fashion and spirituality.