IN CELEBRATION OF MOTHERS
It is the time of Navratri — nine nights of venerating the Divine Feminine, nine nights when the Mother Divine manifests herself in nine different forms. However, while Navratri is all about venerating the Mother Goddess, how about we celebrate the women or mothers who through their exceptional achievements, are worthy of veneration and glory each and every day? One such woman is US Olympic sprinter Allyson Felix, who broke Usain Bolt's record on September 29 after winning her 12th gold medal at the World Championships in the mixed-gender relay team. With her latest victory, Allyson has won 12 gold medals at the World Championships and broken the tie she held with Olympic medalist Usain Bolt, who is considered the fastest man in history.
Felix is already a celebrated sprinter, however, this victory is even more momentous as it came less than a year after she gave birth to her daughter Camryn. It has not been an easy road to success, as during her pregnancy, Felix was experiencing severe preeclampsia. Her condition was quite serious and she had to undergo an emergency Csection at 32 weeks. It was her spirit of motherhood that gave her the strength to recuperate and get back to the track soon after to dedicate her time to running. In fact, it's not only Felix, but the spirit and compassion of each and every mother that needs to be celebrated. Mothers have often shaped the future of the world by rocking, nurturing and guiding children who grow up to make life-changing and historical decisions and accomplishments.
My dear readers, I wish that this Navratri, when you worship the nine manifestations of Maa Durga, you should also celebrate the mothers around you who have worked hard to achieve big or small glories. Celebrate this festival not only as a celebration of Divine Mothers but as a celebration of mothers around the world.
SOMETIMES THE STRENGTH OF MOTHERHOOD IS GREATER THAN NATURAL LAWS — BARBARA KINGSOLVER