Hello! I trust all is well with you and your loved ones.
What does it mean to hold space for another woman? Recently, I had the privilege of witnessing my friend Jo scatter her mother's ashes at Brighton Beach. I put out a call to our swimming group to see if anyone wanted to join me for a Mother's Day morning swim. Jo replied with: "I'm a definite, in memory of my darling Mumma, who pushed the boundaries always." When I saw Jo at an event the day before, she mentioned she would be scattering her mother's ashes at Brighton Beach the following morning, while we swam together. I felt a shiver run up my spine and found myself getting emotional at the thought of being asked to be there with her. I knew it was going to be a special moment. And it was.
The morning arrived. Jo had her mother's ashes tucked safely under her bathers. We swam out to the first pole, then the second, where the ashes would be scattered. I stayed quiet as I watched Jo say a few words and gently release her mum into the ocean. It was so peaceful. And then we both just cried, and I held her. I realised at that moment that swimming to the second pole would never quite be the same again. The emotion of it, and the privilege of holding space for another woman, gave our friendship a whole new meaning. And, it had me wondering afterwards: what does it mean for women to hold space for one another through the many different moments of our lives? Well, it means a lot.
I hope you enjoy reading This June in our Village and have a wonderful month ahead.
With love and best wishes, Silvia xx
