In this episode, I’m speaking with matrescence educator Nikki McCahon about her work, journey into motherhood, and framework for understanding and navigating matrescence. Nikki shares about her postpartum and her experience of an ‘identity death’, and how she made sense of her transformation through the framework of the four seasons.

As part of our conversation, Nikki speaks to how a seasonal and cyclical lens can provide a framework for navigating times of transition and challenge in our mothering journeys, helping to orient us. This approach can provide us with more space for self-compassion and identity expansion when we are able to name and challenge the limitations in place when life experiences - and the journey through mothering - are framed as linear processes.

We explore the importance of leaning on others to provide support and how to fully be in the seasons of receiving as a mother. We discuss the disjuncture that exists between this desire and an honouring of our matrescence journeys while living within a society that glorifies bounce-back culture. The ‘endless summer’ that is placed on a pedestal of constant growth minimises the complexity and the gifts that can be within sitting in the truth of whatever season we’re currently navigating.

Nikki uses some beautiful analogies from the natural world to make sense of life’s big moments, see ourselves beyond what we can do for others, and to value the opportunity to meet ourselves in deeper ways as we journey through motherhood.