SAHM but movement and nature as lifestyle

April, for many, feels like the literal new year, and I must say, it holds a special significance for me. Firstly, we’re at the beginning of the astrological new year, Aries season, and Spring. Spring symbolizes nature’s fresh beginnings, and it coincides with spring cleaning and clearing energy. On a personal note, this month also marks my birthday, my son’s birthday, and a month from now, my daughter’s. Thus, on multiple layers, this time feels like a significant release and a fresh start. It’s an opportunity for reflection, goal and intention setting, and checking in on my progress towards the larger vision and how I’m becoming my highest and best self.

To commemorate my 35th trip around the sun, my husband took me to a beautiful local spa where I got to soak in this amazing natural mineral bath. While soaking, my thoughts turned to a gratitude practice. Later, I jotted down a list of 35 gratitudes in my journal. I am filled with profound gratitude for the relationships I have cultivated and the choices I have made over the years, which have collectively led me to the life I am currently living.

I’ve made loads of dumb choices too, had my share of setbacks, or things I wished looked different by now. But overall, I’m living the dream. And if I’m honest, I also have deep appreciation for these more sticky areas because of the growth and alchemy that’s come, or I trust is still coming on the other side.

Among this gratitude list, the common thread I noticed is related to how I’m spending my most valuable resource, time.

My family and I spend several days a week in community with other homeschool families, usually exploring local natural areas. I’m grateful to be connected to other mamas who prioritize this in their weekly routine; and for the fellowship we share while our children play and learn about the natural world together. I’m grateful that my husband has made the necessary career adjustments to provide me with the time and space to nurture my life in this way and our children’s. We both honor that Mother Earth is the ultimate teacher. Additionally, I’m grateful that we made the joint decision to start a farm that continues to develop and is expanding to provide an added layer for our community.

But what about the days you don’t see? Well, I’ve made movement and time outside a lifestyle, so this isn’t just part of our lives in community, it’s also what we do when it’s just us.

My kids know if we have nothing on the schedule and a day at home, we’re at the very least going for a walk with the wagon. It’s typically built into our morning.

It makes for a beautiful moment of connection, to chat and set the tone for the day, and for the week really because we’ll talk about what else we have going on, or whatever is on my daughter's heart.

My daughter purely finds this shared moment something fun to break up the day; it’s never a chore. We check in on our favorite trees around our neighborhood and we’ll stop and chat with some of our neighbors. Sometimes we bring Kona along and my daughter gets some added heavy work by holding her leash. Sometimes we have short races (sprints), or play and move in different ways (lunges, etc). Sometimes we bring along a book and sit and stretch and read for a bit.

But I also know I’m setting both my kids up with a foundation of movement as a lifestyle. To know and feel inside themselves the value of movement, beyond body composition. Because it really lends to so much more.

Movement has been an invaluable tool in my life for shifting my energy and mood and cognitive function. For over a decade I held on to a structured exercise routine, and while that desire has transformed within my current season, my appreciation for the power of moving my body has not. In this season of caring for my littles at home, I’m leaning more into moving when and where I can sprinkle it in throughout my day. Katy Bowman is such a great leader and resource around this.

Side note: I read somewhere and wholeheartedly agree moving our physical body is an especially significant tool for regulating amidst all the current astrological movement happening in Aries, and all the different aspects of our chaotic world we are currently facing.

So if you want to send my family a birthday wish, or if you’re reading this and find yourself feeling a bit wired out at some point this weekend, or your kiddos aren’t quite themselves, I encourage you to stop what you’re doing and get outside and get moving 🌞  I’d love if you’d tag me when you do!

I mean, can we all just admire this kids pure joy of playing with leaves under this beautiful shady tree?

Like me, you may find yourself making excuses or coming up with other more serious tasks that need to be completed first. But I encourage you to consider this: after spending time outdoors, notice if you feel more refreshed and focused and better able to tackle the things; notice if your kiddos play a bit more peacefully and independently; notice later effects perhaps you find you sleep a bit more deeply.

Photo credit: Sierra Jones

Take it a step further and explore the long-term benefits of incorporating outdoor physical activity into your daily routine. Consider the stability and grounding effect that this consistent practice can provide for your family. Think about the positive impact it has on our nervous system, boosting resilience in our immune function and allergies by exposing us to the elements. Engaging in diverse movements and terrains can enhance our confidence in our musculoskeletal system, proprioception enhancement, and heart rate, blood flow, and improved bone density. Additionally, exposure to sunlight plays a crucial role in regulating hormones, contributing to overall well-being. The list of benefits is extensive.

I’d love to hear what this reveals for you if it’s been a minute and you give it a try! Go outside with intention, leave your phone at home or tuck it in a stroller pocket if you must, connect with your family, notice the trees, notice your breath, notice what shifts.

And in case you were wondering if I’d share it; here’s my full list of 35 gratitudes:

1. Sunshine

2. Love

3. Seeing the smiles on my kids faces

4. The embrace of my husbands arms around me when my body feels tired at the end of the day

5. Sound of birds chirping in the morning

6. Homeschooling / unschooling

7. Long walks

8. Aligned values with my husband to live counter culturally

9. Regenerative farming

10. Our land

11. Creative energy

12. Trees

13. Deeply nourishing foods

14. Breastfeeding / both the physical nourishment AND relationship bonding

15. Cosleeping / our family bed

16. My connection to intuition and curiosity to try new things and ways of being

17. Relationship with Spirit

18. Flowers

19. Bees

20. Home baked goodies

21. Community

22. Deep juicy meaningful conversations

23. Yolky coffee

24. Aligning with the moon cycle

25. Stargazing

26. Powerful questions

27. Books

28. The alchemy of motherhood - who I’ve become by leaning into the role of nurturer

29. Juicy body stretches and openers

30. Witnessing the blossoming friendship between my baby’s

31. Learning from my older kids and growing into deeper relationships with them as they become adults

32. Saltwater

33. Full belly breaths

34. Dirty feet

35. Laying on the earth