By Sam Sheppard
It’s the 4th May: International Star Wars Day. May the Fourth be with you.
Have you ever thought how the links between the hope, positivity, and community of the Star Wars films overlap with those within the birth world? The Force is like our instincts – we can all be guided by our own needs if we stop and listen to what our bodies are actually telling us and not to unwanted advice. Our patience and just ‘being’ is enough – in fact it’s more than enough.
In ‘The Force Awakens, Rey tells us that she knows ‘all about waiting’. As do doulas. Being able to wait and be guided by the people we support is one of our greatest gifts. Being able to truly listen, the other. How many people often feel truly heard? When you are, how positive do you feel after?
Rey also said, ”I need someone to show me my place in all of this”. Do you though, Rey? We often look to people for support and expect a fix, for someone to have answers, for someone to tell us what decision is right… but we know that given the right support you will come to these conclusions yourself. You may think you need someone, and you do. You may actually just need someone to listen, to reflect back to you and acknowledge where you’re at. To give you the space and time to tap in and feel what you need to feel, then process it and move forward. Most importantly, moving forward along the path YOU have chosen.
It’s why I love the mentoring system with Nurturing Birth. We are all continually mentored – we give ourselves the gift of time and a safe space to explore where we’re at (maybe actual Space if you’re a Jedi!). A safe space to unpack ‘stuff’ that is coming up, no matter what it looks like.
The brilliant Emma A (fellow Star Wars enthusiast) mentioned about the rise of Rey, Rey Skywalker. How she chose her path, how she chose who she wanted to be, who she needed around her and how she come into her power once it felt right to choose her name and embrace it. It makes me goose bumpy just typing it. For years I’ve seen so many women/birthing people come alive, shine, stand stronger and taller once they know who they want/need to be. It’s powerful. Truly powerful. I’m guessing that any doula reading this will have goosebumps too.
“You will remove these restraints and leave with the cell door open” . Talk about owning who she is and claiming her power!
“I am one with the Force, the Force is with me”. Wow, with affirmations like this it’s no wonder that they all trust in their communal, and individual, strength! Knowing you’ve got your community and support around you, your instincts and power in force. What an epic combination.
I’ve often (probably too often) wondered if I’d have been in the Resistance, the Rebels. I know now that the answer is a resounding yes. May the Force be with you doulas, on this special day, May 4th, for Star Wars fans, and always.
Sam is one of the Nurturing Birth doula training facilitators.
