In this episode, I chat with my friend, Madison King about how motherhood has liberated her to show up authentically as her whole self. She shares how her meditation practice has evolved from a sitting practice to involve painting, cooking and a nourishing bath time ritual. Her practice is a wonderful example of non-performative meditation and embodiment that supports her in her roles as a stay at home parent, wife and multifaceted woman. Highlights include: Meditation as a tool for managing anxiety in pregnancy Navigating the world as a Black stay at home mother How motherhood has made her more conscious of the way she shows up in the world, particularly as she is raising a daughter The balancing act of showing up as best self for child vs. losing self in motherhood Meditation in managing unmet expectations - “I didn’t expect my life to look the way it does right now” Carving out time and space for herself and how her partner supports her in that The journey to confidently calling herself an artist Healing from perfectionism Motherhood as continuing education - growing her thinking in parenting philosophy; and The challenges of parenting differently from how we were parented Creating a community (virtual and in person) from scratch while crawling out of postpartum in the pandemic Ritualizing self care practices The episode ends with a couple of journal prompts or themes for your next meditation session - Who am I when I strip myself of the roles I play in my life? What titles am I afraid to take on and what is holding me back? Where to find Madison: Instagram: @mad_hattr (personal), @nature_guh (holistic outdoor adventures) and @vintag3mami (art and painting) Resources: How To Keep House While Drowning - https://www.strugglecare.com/book Myleik and Mommas Community - https://myleikandmommas.com/ Join the #PLVsquad Best Way: Instagram: @peacefullovingvibrant Email me: [email protected] Facebook: fb.me/PLVpodcast