Dear people,
this is my first time writing to the list, so hello to all. It's a bit scary
the first time.
I have been reading and enjoying for just a little time. I'm a midwife
academic from Ballarat. Midwifery is the love of my life but I can't get enough
of it.
I have especially enjoyed the discussion about spirituality. It's funny how
things happen (maybe that statement is significant here! ) but recently I have
been thinking about writing a paper about how the spirituality has gone out of
birthing. Then a colleague asked me to present at a conference re this topic. So
are these mere coincidences or was it meant to be? I agree with several on this
list who said they think they feel a research project coming on...I feel a
'paper' coming on. One midwife said to me recently that the spirituality in
birth has been 'stomped on' or was it 'stamped out'. In any case I am enclined
to agree with her. It is something to do with women's wisdom being lost...is it
not? Is it also something to do with our western idea of the linear notion of
time? ie do we need to nuture experiences as equally as we look to the future?
Anyway I would like to share with you the words of Peggy Chinn who has lots to
say about peace and power, which to me seems the same as spirituality: what
follws is part of a list of suggestions:
"...plant and nuture something that grows, practice the fine art of yeilding -
in your car, in conversation, etc, become active in a group that works on
principles of co-operation... do at least one thing to simplify your life and
reduce your consumption of natural resources...." Peggy has more to say in
Peace & Power: Building communities for the future published 1999. She is a
feminist of course.
I have also been reading the work of Thomas Groome an educator. He says that
spirituality is "...one's way of life". I can't really argue with that, but I
havn't sorted the whole topic out yet...so if others have something to say I'd
like to hear it.
Regards Betty
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