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Ep. 41 - Matrescence: Understanding the Transformation of Motherhood with Emily Gold
Motherhood changes us - not only physically, but emotionally, mentally, relationally and in the way we understand who we are.
In this episode of the Lean on Ayurveda Podcast, I’m joined by Emily Gold, a yoga therapist and motherhood coach, to talk about matrescence: the developmental stage of becoming a mother.
Just as adolescence marks a profound transition from childhood into adulthood, matrescence describes the many changes that happen as we become mothers. Yet unlike adolescence, we rarely have the language or cultural space to understand and honour this transformation.
Emily and I explore what happens when our identity shifts through motherhood, why surrendering control can actually make us more resourceful, and how nervous system regulation can support us when motherhood feels overwhelming.
We also talk about the difficulty many mothers experience around self-care and guilt, and why caring for ourselves isn't an indulgence but an important part of being able to show up for our families.
And finally, Emily introduces us to Jungian archetypal work and the maiden, mother and wise woman archetypes, inviting us to consider how we can hold multiple aspects of our identity as women rather than feeling that we have to leave one behind as we enter another stage of life.
In this episode, we talk about:
- What matrescence is and why becoming a mother is a developmental transition
- The identity shifts that can happen through motherhood
- Why matrescence shouldn't be confused with postpartum depression or anxiety
- Giving ourselves grace during the early stages of motherhood
- Letting go of the pressure to “get your old self back”
- Surrendering control and learning to work with what motherhood brings
- How nervous system regulation can help us become more resourceful
- Yoga, mindfulness and mind-body practices for mothers
- The “rage to guilt” spiral
- Why mothers can find it so difficult to prioritise their own care
- Taking time for ourselves without guilt
- The maiden, mother and wise woman archetypal triad
- How archetypal work can help us explore identity and what is asking to be brought to the surface
- Motherhood as a kind of hero's journey
- How matrescence continues as our children grow and our relationship with them changes
- Why presence may be one of the greatest gifts we can offer ourselves and our children
Join us in Brussels on 3 October
I'm very excited to be joining Emily and two other mothers and practitioners for an in-person half-day workshop in Brussels:
Restoring Vitality in Motherhood Through Ancient Practices
On 3 October, we'll bring together Yoga, Ayurveda, Chinese Medicine and Qi Gong to explore how we can support ourselves and build vitality throughout matrescence.
We'll be putting the mother and her care at the forefront, creating a space for ancient practices, practical support and community.
Learn more & join the workshop HERE
Early bird places are currently available.
Resources mentioned in the episode:
Book mentioned by Emily:
Motherhood: Facing and Finding Yourself by Lisa Marchiano
Work with Emily:
Emily Gold is a yoga therapist and motherhood coach. She offers one-to-one motherhood coaching, combining nervous system work, identity exploration, practical tools and mind-body practices to support mothers through the challenges and changes of motherhood.
Emily's website: https://www.emilygoldyoga.com/ and https://embodiedmotherhoodspace.com/
If you enjoyed this episode, please consider subscribing to the Lean on Ayurveda Podcast, leave a review and share it with a mother who might benefit from this conversation.
And if you're in Brussels, I hope to see you on 3 October:)
Thank you for listening,
Vytautė
Learn more about my work: https://leanonayurveda.com/
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