Dear Friends,

      Recently our two grandsons were visiting our home.  Little Sam is two months old, still so very fresh from heaven!  He is pure sweetness - honestly!  Benjamin is two-and-a-half, delightfully old enough to do things like plant flowers, work in the kitchen, share stories, and walk to the creek for a turtle safari. 

        When Benjamin is tired or needs comforting he likes to scrunch his fingers gently into my hair.  [Mind you, the preferred hair is mommy's, but grandma's comes in second.]   Anyway, those little fingers in your hair feel even better than going to the beauty parlor and having your hair shampooed.  So, while he is feeling comforted, I am going into a somnambulant state that stops just short of drooling on myself!

        At the airport, once he realized that all his lobbying for me to get on the plane with them was not going to work, he cast the line that hooked my heart when he reached his hand out and said, "Then can I touch your hair?"  One more hug, his little hand claiming a last caress, and I noticed that he kept his hand curled shut as they departed.  It reminded me of when a mommy or daddy puts a kiss in a child's hand to sustain them while they are apart.

        Lump in my throat, eyes starting to pool, I returned to our car. Love tucked away in a little one's fist and  sweet memories tucked into a grandma's heart.  Once again I remembered, "It's the little things that count."

        As our newsletter is featuring self-care and nurturing, I hope you will be reminded of simple things that fill you, things that strengthen your body and fatten your soul.  So often in our

 trainings, students speak of how experiences in nature create soul solace.   I am convinced it is a major player in what sustains me through the vast amount of traveling I do.

        People often recommend to me exotic places I should visit when they hear of where I am going.  Indeed, they can be lovely and intriguing.  However, what truly stirs me is the feel and smell of the air, the sunsets and the trees.  Even when driving, I am drawn to the landscape around me.  And because I have sat under a tree, indeed I have hugged a tree, because I have felt a breeze, been warmed or chilled by the air, and heard birdsong wafting, I can imagine those things happening in the landscape that is speeding past.  In fact, it is happening right now.  I just saw swans on a pond just south of the Arbuckle Mountains as my husband is driving me to the Austin training.  There are swans on "my" pond in the neighborhood I bike to when I am home, so I can relate.  I see the sweetest calves with their mothers on pasture lands as we speed by, and I remember the newborn calf that sucked my thumb on the farm in Wisconsin where my son milked cows when he was a  youth.  I see the gathering clouds and remember how energized I feel by a wild and wooly storm. 

        A curative eurythmist taught me the importance of drinking deep at the well of "the moment" - the moment of the red and purple sunset, the moment of seeing the father cardinal bird feeding his offspring, the moment of getting drenched in a sudden cloudburst.  Drink deep, for in so doing you are creating your own deep well from which to draw sustenance when you most need it.

        People.   The encounter.  The conversation.  Barbra Streisand sang us, "People who need people are the luckiest people in the world."  Friends and colleagues get excited for me when they hear I am going to the Virgin Islands or Australia, Hawaii or Ireland.  I know it is a blessing, but you know what first appears in my mind's eye when I recall such trips - the people.  The hysterically funny Australian kindie teachers, the endearing sincerity of the island caregivers, the robust vitality of the Irish, the life-polished beauty of my dear Hawaiian colleagues.  Drink in your people, and let them also live in your deep well.

                       Pause....................................................................

You already know how I feel about pausing . . . can't fill your well without it.  We don't measure a pause by clock time.  It can be 3 seconds or it can be an hour, a glance or a stare, a giggle or a belly laugh, a solitary tear or a full sobbing cry, silence or song. It might be a footbath or morning meditation, a monthly massage or dancing with your true love, walking barefoot on the grass or slowly sipping your 

favorite drink.  It might be reading a Rudolf Steiner lecture or watching a bird build its nest.  A good pause will always help you breathe.

         As you read the offerings in this newsletter, I wish you the gift of a deep breath. Whether it is the delightful routine of a family grocery shopping, the wonderful offerings found in  Faith's Joyful Toddlers blog, the joyful sharing of our various training groups, or one of the lovely descriptions of self-care, enter into the descriptions with your own imagination.    Enjoy!

 By Wonshe 

One of the most nurturing, and yet profoundly healing ways to care for myself was learning how to honor my menstrual cycle. When I was a young mother and midwife caring for my own family, as well as many other mothers and children in my community, I was gifted powerful teachings about 'Moontime'. I learned then about women's mysteries from first nation elders here in the United States. While there are many cultural perspectives on a woman's menstrual cycle their teachings resonated for me in a soulful way, and I readily integrated them into my life.

I was taught that during the time a woman bleeds, she has more clarity. It is as though the filters from daily life are removed and she is opened to a different vision, to an ability to see more clearly and recognize what is true. She experiences a clearly different state of mind and consciousness apparent to the senses, along with acertain vulnerability. I think it is similar to giving birth, when a woman is drawn from the outer world into an inward yet expanded consciousness. Indeed, when a woman menstruates, her uterus contracts and her cervix dilates. In essence, a labour if you will, giving birth to some form of her creativity. Much can be said about this perceptual change, and each woman has her own unique experience. Yet, there seems to be a common experience in which women find themselves feeling irritable, drained and emotional when they attempt to carry on with normal activities and demands while experiencing this expanded consciousness. These are 'symptoms' expressed when we do not practice self-care and honor ourselves during Moontime.

I find striking parallels with the Moontime teachings from many years passed and those I have recently received during my LifeWays training. Utilizing my thirty-five years of experience in menstrual self-care, I have identified what I call the 'Three R's for Moontime'. The following are some of the ways I have practiced self-care, as well as suggestions I offer. There are many ways to give special attention to this part of our fertility cycle. I hope you will be inspired to create your own nurturing ways.

For many years, I was a self-employed midwife and made my own schedule (with the exception of when a baby would be born!). Because of this, I was able to make Moontime self-care a priority in my life. I essentially created my yearly calendar around my menstrual cycle, acknowledging Moontime self-care as critically important as my diet, nutrition, or healing practices for my overall health and well-being. Primary was to retreat from the demands of the world, taking care of no one but myself; rest, nurture and nourish myself. It too was important to honor my bloods in a symbolic way as well, which I learned over time was a deeply nourishing act. I was also in a circle of women that supported one another during our Moontime. I called on them to take my children for a while, bring me a meal - especially if my children were with me, run errands for me, do my dishes or maybe rub my back or feet. The important part was to ask for support and know that someone was there to give it. Creating your own circle of support is an important first step in self-care. When you gather a few women willing to support one another in Moontime self-care whole families are enriched.

Most often I was able to take at least the first 24 hours of my Moontime to retreat completely. To eat and sleep whenever I needed. To bathe, get a massage or some other relaxing practice.  Keeping warm was important. During cool seasons I took hot baths and drank nourishing herbal teas; nettle, oatstraw and red raspberry. During warm seasons, I was in Nature as much as possible lying in the sun. Because I lived rurally and spent time in the wilderness I was able to sit on moss that grew on the ground, and bleed directly onto the Earth. This was a way to give back to the Mother and be Nature. [ Note from Cynthia:  It is my understanding that offering human blood or excrement to nature spaces like forests and wilderness can be of service to the earth; however, it is not recommended for food gardens according to agricultural practices inspired by Rudolf Steiner.]

There are many ways to care for our menstrualblood besides well-known commercial tampons and pads. Sea sponges and handmade napkins are lovely alternatives that call us into a more intimate relationship with our menses to cultivate self-honoring. I know some women now use a menstrual cup but I have not. During the time I did not bleed directly onto the ground, I wore

 handmade sanitary napkins; wild animal prints, floral prints and bright red with a red satin covered belt - I loved being creative. I kept water in a large ceramic jar where I soaked the pads until I was ready to launder them.

When I did leave my home, I often wore menstrual sponges. Sponges (most natural foods stores sell them) are placed in the vagina just like a tampon. But every few hours or so, depending on one's flow, it is taken out rinsed and put back in, rather than discarded in the trash.

I included moontime teachings in my midwifery school curriculum and had occasion to build moon lodges for women at a few community gatherings. These were temporary structures built for the very purpose of giving women a special place to retreat from community into sacred space for Moontime visions. You don't have to live in the wilderness to do this. Pick a room in your house, half of a room or even a huge walk-in closet. Use silks and soft things to create an adult version of a cozy corner. , and use it every month. The energy of the space will build and give you inspiration to deepen in your practice. Invite a bleeding friend to join you! I once had a friend who ran a women's center. She created a 'Moon Room' in it that was filled with fabric, cushions, beautiful art and lots of red. I also knew a woman who opened a 'Moon Hut' in the city. It was a building open to the public where women came during their Moontime to sleep, rest, get a massage, acupuncture or just hang out and visit with other bleeding women. The possibilities of community support and sharing are limitless.

The Three R's of Our Menstrual Cycle

 Rest

Allow yourself to rest, sleep and be dreamy like a young child. It is in this relaxed and dreamy state that you will have your visions. Resting and sleeping are also critical in strengthening and rejuvenating you before 'going back' into the world. Providing oneself with wholesome and healthy food is in some ways a form of resting as well. especially when we put ourselves first even for a short duration.

Rhythm

Just as establishing rhythm supports the Sense of Well Being in young children so does following the innate and natural rhythm of our menstrual cycle support us as women. Our menstrual cycle is our natural clock, our seasonal calendar and guide to what is true. When we give a very clear "no I cannot give at this time", those who love us can trust and feel secure in our "yes I have it to give'. Responding in truth to our internal rhythm strengthens us emotionally and thereby ultimately supports our families in a healthier way.

Ritual

Ritual practices lift us out of the ordinary and enliven our senses. Many times simple practices engage us equally as well as more elaborate ones, especially during Moontime. The flicker of candle light, the scent of an essential oil or the sound of a singing bowl each can announce that we have arrived at a different time and place. Moontime rituals done repeatedly also live in the body. When we recreate the same rituals one's body remembers 'it is time to relax, to be nourished and honored', and responds accordingly. Creating a special space for moontime rituals can be done simply and easily too. Silks, fresh flowers, shells and stones transform an ordinary place into a Moon Lodge. What's important is a sense of privacy and retreating into ourselves away from the demands of the outer world. With time and practice bleeding itself becomes the ritual.

 COMFORT SUGGESTIONS

·Rest as much as you need. Period.

·Keep your abdomen warm. Cotton and wool 'belly bands' are great to use yet even a cozy under shirt works well.

·Wear loose comfortable clothes. Let the down and out nature of menstrual bleeding reveal itself, and try alternatives to commercial tampons. Just once.

·Drink lots of water. Drinking nettle and oatstraw herbal infusions are particularly nourishing during this time of your cycle. Red raspberry infusion and ginger root tea are good for uterine cramping.

·Eat lots of fresh foods. Deep leafy greens and other chlorophyll rich foods, miso broth and grated raw beets are all excellent for you.

·Avoid sugar, caffeine, processed and other depleting foods.

·Lavender or rose water full body baths are so relaxing, but just not too hot.

·Journaling is a wonderful way to empty your thoughts and be in a more feeling place.

·Treat yourself to a massage, even if it just your feet. If you can't pay for one ask a loved one to gift you,

 or to give you one their self.

·Spend time in Nature even if it is a city park. Find a spot somewhere you can be undisturbed to feel, touch, see and hear the natural world. Lie on your belly on the ground.

RITUAL SUGGESTIONS

·Create a 'cave' and retreat space for an hour, six hours or a full day and night. Begin with what is realistic and gift yourself the opportunity to ask for a little more each cycle.

·Take prayerful time to ask for clarity and insight about specific issues (and be specific). Listen carefully to what you hear.

·Bring out special bed linens, pillows and such that you use only when you are bleeding. I had fiery red Ralph Lauren Egyptian cotton sheets!

·Make or purchase some special jewelry that you wear only when you are bleeding. I wore a long beautiful garnet bead necklace.

·Create sacred art. Draw, paint or sculpt. I found working with wet, muddy clay particularly inspiring. I made many miniature wombs, which I kept as ritual objects or gave to cherished friends. I also used my menstrual blood to paint pictures. Yes I did.

In 2004, the Vancouver Waldorf School built a new early childhood centre which included room for the first infant and toddler childcare program connected to a Waldorf school. Since then, many schools have tried to include care of the younger children, with varying success. After 2 years at VWS, more space was needed in order to offer full day, full year for 3-5 year olds as well. A new organization was created and a new location found.  To open the childcare at the school, MargoRunning was brought in from Arizona where she had been operating a childcare for 4 years. She was one of the first graduates of the LifeWays training.  Margo now administrates the current location, is looking for new locations for expanding and is starting up LifeWays Training in the fall. The training will be one weekend a month for a year, in order to serve local students and build community.

       The current location is in Margo's large home, with 2 programs on the first floor; 8 children under 3 and 8 children ages 3-5 years. There are 5 staff and usually volunteers and practicum students helping out as well.   Monthly staff meetings are held, starting with a meal together right after work. 

       Margo also gives many talks in the early childhood community. Anyone interested in the list of workshops/talks that the mainstream community has welcomed, please ask at lifeways@gmail.com

 Submitted by Margo Running

If we can pause a moment before we respond to what we think is needed, we can observe and see if this is really the best action. In order to care for ourselves, for another, we first must understand what is needed. We use our senses to get a feeling for what might be received. Do I need rest, food, time in nature, meditation, a friend to talk to....? Does a child need to be held, to be given space, words of comfort...? We can discern needs by observation. In order to observe, we must be separate from what we are viewing. Listening to our thinking and our body's senses is a form of separating from our self and seeing what is needed next. Much of this we do by habit. A goal is to make our responses truly that, not just a reaction created by unconscious habits.

When we react to a situation, we are not really awake to what is being asked for; we have an assumption and a response based on the past. When we truly respond to a situation, meeting what is coming towards us, there is a possibility of a true connection with others. A difference between a reaction and a response can be made by pausing before acting. A child falls and is crying. A reaction might be to rush over and scoop them up and tell them he/she will be okay. Whereas a response might be to move close, pause, reach out a hand, see if the child reaches out or not, pause, affirm the tears, pause, and then see what the child is asking for.

The same pause can help us working with each other as adults and ourselves. We get in such habit patterns of how we speak with each other, how we judge each other. The more space we give, the more we pause to see what is really being asked for or offered, the deeper and more real our conversations have potential of becoming.

The staff of LifeWays in North Vancouver daily is working on how to respond to children's' and each other needs. We have found it takes more pauses than conversation. If we just pay more attention to what is before us, amazing solutions happen.  Science tells us there is more space than matter in the universe. Life energy, the etheric lives in the spaces; the meditation exercises help us deepen our etheric forces; Christ lives in the etheric.

Working daily with young children and with colleagues dedicated to deepen self awareness has been the best work I can think of as the opportunities for self education are limitless. Yes, understanding child development and strategies for transitions and plans for rhythms of the day all are vital; but it is the pauses of reflection and listening for guidance within and without that I believe builds my forces and energy each day. On the days that I am tired, I look back and see I didn't pause enough, give space between my actions and thoughts, and give time for prayer and communion.  I invite you to try more pauses in you day and see if when the sun goes down, you feel more rested and your relationships with others felt more true to what was needed.