"We clasp the hands of those that go before us,
And the hands of those who come after us.
We enter the little circle of each other's arms
And the larger circle of lovers,
Whose hands are joined in a dance . . ."

This is the poem by Wendell Berry which inspired me to choose this blog's name. I've been meaning to post about it for a while, and I thought I deserved a little break after spending about 3 hours trying to figure out which health insurance options make the most sense for me at this point (!).

So I love the image in this poem of little circles (families) within the larger circle (community). Connecting people and families to community has been a huge part of my life's work so far, and I see birth work as a continuation of that theme. We need to be together to learn and grow. Birth happens best when it is well prepared for and well supported (that can mean different things for different people - the support of friends and family who encourage a couple seeking an unassisted birth all the way through compassionate care for a high-risk pregnancy by excellent perinatology teams).

And someday, I'd like to be able to provide parenting education and support for home/unschooling families, as well. But I'm starting with birth!

I admit, though, that "Larger Circle" also seems like a kind of neat name for a birth work blog because of cervical dilation! You want the largest circle possible when that baby's coming out!

It's Official

Well, I've signed up. I'm a officially enrolled as a Birthing From Within Mentor and Doula. I'm so excited! (Hey, do I get smilies on this thing? I want a really really exuberant one.)

I have been listening and listening to my heart and the universe for a long time, and I know that this is the time to follow this path. I need to learn what I will learn through this process. My prayer is that I will also be of some use to the women and families that I will (hopefully) have the honor to serve as a Mentor or a Doula (or both) as I complete the certification process.

Okay, universe - I'm ready. Bring on the birthwork!

Yikes. Did I just say that? But I'm not done my filing and I haven't made that dentist's appointment . . ..

Just kidding. A calling is when you have to do something, even if it would be easier not to. Being on call 24/7, leaving my toddler in the middle of the night, putting together a viable business . . . these would all be easier not to do. But I have to go there. And I will do it joyfully.