Can Motherhood Be Your Greatest Spiritual Teacher?
Motherhood isn’t just about diaper changes and midnight feedings—it’s one of the most profound transformations a person can experience. Science even backs this up: studies show that pregnancy and motherhood can literally rewire a mother’s brain, enhancing emotional regulation, empathy, and even memory (yes, “mom brain” is real, but it’s not all fog!). But here’s the thing: in our fast-paced, hyper-connected world, we’ve lost touch with the sacred side of this journey. Instead of leaning into our intuition, we’re often bombarded with advice that pulls us in a million directions.
To help us reconnect with the raw, transformative beauty of motherhood, we turned to Alexa Oliveri, founder of Abundant Moms and a life coach who guides mothers through this powerful journey. Alexa’s wisdom and experience remind us that motherhood isn’t just a role—it’s a spiritual passageway, a teacher, and a catalyst for profound growth. Here’s how you can embrace motherhood not just as a responsibility, but as a sacred opportunity for personal and spiritual evolution.
The Longing Begins Before Motherhood Even Starts
For many women, the journey of motherhood starts long before they hold their child—it begins with the first spark of longing, even before conception. “It begins before conception—when the longing is there to become a mother. The daydreaming of the baby.” This desire can be traced back to childhood for many women, nurtured through the simple act of caring for baby dolls and imagining a future filled with nurturing. This innate longing is part of our emotional blueprint, but society often pushes us to suppress or overlook it.
Tip: Honor that longing by journaling your feelings and dreams about motherhood, even before it begins. This can help ground your journey in intention and mindfulness.
Knowing vs. Living Motherhood: The Unexpected Transformation
While we may understand the physical duties of motherhood before becoming a parent, Alexa reminds us that nothing can prepare us for the emotional and spiritual transformation it brings. “We understand the physical duties of being a mother before we become one, but nothing can prepare us for actually living it—except becoming one.” In a world saturated with parenting apps and endless advice, it’s easy to lose sight of our own wisdom.
Science Says: Research shows that maternal brains adapt significantly after childbirth, with increased activity in areas linked to empathy and emotional processing. This isn’t just “mom instinct”—it’s a biological upgrade that equips mothers to connect deeply with their children.
Tip: Instead of constantly comparing yourself to others or seeking validation from outside sources, take moments to tune into your own intuition. Trust that you know what’s best for your child and yourself.
Why Modern Motherhood Feels Overwhelming
Alexa highlights how societal expectations have robbed mothers of their space, wisdom, and confidence. “We are spread thin, taking care of children while working schedules that are made for men. We are the holders of all the holiday events, birthday party invites, weather-appropriate attire, doctor appointments, friends’ names, and all else.” We’re juggling childcare, careers designed around outdated systems, and the mental load of managing family life—all while feeling pressure to “bounce back” physically and emotionally.
Science Says: Studies link the unrealistic expectations placed on mothers to higher rates of postpartum depression and anxiety. The constant pressure to perform and compare can trigger chronic stress responses in the body.
Tip: Create boundaries around social media and external advice. Dedicate time to self-care practices that nourish your mind and body, even if it’s just five minutes of mindful breathing.
Reclaiming Your Motherly Wisdom
Alexa emphasizes that “It’s up to us to take motherly wisdom back.” That means setting boundaries, speaking your truth, and letting motherhood crack you open in ways that transform you. “The only way we can do it is to have conversations like this. To speak your truth. To set your boundaries and to allow this role to crack you open so beautifully and rawly that we can never go back to any way it was ‘before.’”
Tip: Surround yourself with supportive communities, whether it’s other mothers, healers, or spiritual guides. Sharing your experiences and hearing others’ stories can help you feel less alone and more empowered.
Motherhood as a Spiritual Practice
Alexa beautifully reframes the mundane tasks of motherhood—like packing a school lunch or brushing your child’s hair—as sacred acts. “When we lean into what this is and truly see it for what it is, you will come to find that making a school lunch is a work of art, worthy of being in an exhibit. The brushing of hair and teeth is caring for the Earth.” Each moment offers an opportunity to connect deeply with your child and yourself.
Science Says: Mindfulness practices can reduce stress and increase emotional resilience. Viewing daily parenting tasks through a mindful lens can help transform stress into moments of gratitude and connection.
Tip: Next time you find yourself overwhelmed by daily chores, pause and breathe. Remind yourself that these small moments are building blocks of love, care, and spiritual growth.
“You know best, you always have, and you always will,” Alexa reminds us. Motherhood is a journey back to ourselves—to our intuition, our strength, and our sacred wisdom.
If you’re ready to reclaim your power and rediscover the beauty of motherhood, Alexa’s Abundant Moms community offers support, guidance, and sisterhood for mothers on this path.