What an intense past couple of weeks!
I don’t know about you, but I’ve experienced a whirlwind of emotions lately. I feel sad about my kids’ futures and am grieving over the state of our democracy.
At the same time, I feel empowered, knowing that I have self-agency and can choose how I feel each day. By paying attention to when I’m in fight or flight versus rest and digest, I recognize that I can’t help others if I’m constantly in a state of fear, hate, or anger.
So, I’ve made a pact with myself: to feel all my feelings, but also embrace what is, and move forward from a place of love and light, guided by what I call the *mother archetype*—an image of a nurturing, protective mother that resides in the collective unconscious of all humans. This archetype is associated with qualities of love, compassion, protection, fertility, creativity, and abundance.
Having both Mary Pipher and Elizabeth Lesser on the Cracking Open podcast this week felt like divine timing. Over the last month, I re-released the episodes that they had previously and individually done, to remind the listeners who they are and the vast amounts of wisdom they each have to offer. Having them back in my first-ever dual interview for this podcast was an even greater treat!
This special conversation reminds us that life can be simpler if we focus on giving and receiving warmth, spending time in nature, and being present in every moment—whether it’s the comfortable or the uncomfortable parts of life. Both of these women encourage us to ask ourselves each day: “What am I walking away from today, and what am I walking toward?”
Their wisdom reminds us that life is not easy, and Elizabeth encourages us to be curious about what it means to be a hero: “Let’s make the heroes be the ones who stay behind and tend and befriend. Who love. Let’s make love be the sign of a hero.”
Or, as Mary says, “Mr. Rogers was wonderful because he opened up children’s eyes to the diversity of people, and also the importance of understanding and kindness toward people.”
Both women embody the *mother archetype*, and they will undoubtedly give you hope for the future, remind you to love your neighbors, and inspire you to never give up on your passion to help others while also finding your own path.
Elizabeth Lesser has touched millions through her bestselling books, co-founded the Omega Institute in Rhinebeck, NY, helped Oprah Winfrey produce a 10-week online seminar based on Eckhart Tolle’s A New Earth, is a frequent Oprah’s Soul Series host and has appeared on Super Soul Sunday.
Mary Pipher is a community organizer and activist for many causes and has authored 11 books including 4 New York Times bestsellers. Her latest book is A Life in Light, a luminous new memoir that taps into a cultural moment to offer wisdom, hope, and insight into loss and change.
After finishing their interview, I sat in my chair with my hand on my heart and took some deep breaths. I felt immense gratitude for the opportunity to have conversations and connections with such incredible and courageous women like Elizabeth and Mary. Our time together reminded me that when I am scared or in a place of fear, I am going to pause and redirect my energy. I’m going to make Love my hero and my north star.
Love,
Molly
Learn more about Elizabeth Lesser and her work here
Learn more about Mary Pipher and her work here
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