Keshona
How do you define “mothering” in your own life—and has that definition changed over time?
Mothering calls me higher and centers me as the anchor in soul evolution. It requires me to reflect, pause, push, listen and flow. It calls me to live in the highest alignment with my destiny to ensure that the character required for such alignment will be the guide for my son's life.
What has mothering revealed to you about who you are, beyond the roles you play?
Mothering revealed to me that I am magical and powerful beyond what I knew before. Magical enough to create life and powerful enough to be a source of rebirth for my lineage.
What parts of your journey feel unseen, misunderstood, or unspoken—and deserve to be named out loud?
The journey of motherhood pushed me to no longer accept the status quo, surface level or misaligned energy. The journey has so many peaks and valleys mentally, spiritually, physically and emotionally that you don’t have time for anything else in your life to be halfass.
What was your postpartum experience like—emotionally, physically, and spiritually? What kind of support (or lack of it) did you receive during that time?
Birthing during the pandemic meant I spent most of my postpartum experience with my husband and baby in solitude. It was beautiful to navigate the ebbs and flows of parenthood in peace without influence — but there were so many gaps that could only be filled by the presence of feminine energy. I longed for my mother or my many sisters to sit with me, cook for me and do what only women know how to do.
If you could design the ideal postpartum care system, what would it look and feel like?
Postpartum doulas/nurses are not a luxury in the world I dream of. Black Women deserve villages not strained by the burden of capitalism. Where their village of women can show up for them without the worry of survival and the restrictions of financial barriers.
Can you share a moment of deep joy in your mothering journey—one that lives in your body?
Me and my baby connect through music. I’ve internally planned this music curriculum that exposes him to every genre of music and decade of Black culture intentionally. When he requests Bill Withers and Jon Batiste then Soulja Boy and Kendrick Lamar all at once, I smile. Dance parties are lit when we’re together. It’s a series of moments that bring me deep joy to be learning and living life alongside him.
What grief, loss, or transformation has shaped the way you show up as a mother?
The dark cloud of endometriosis, miscarriages and the infertility speeches from doctors made me grieve the idea of motherhood before I could desire it. So when I was chosen to be Zahir’s vessel for rebirth, I moved into a permanent state of gratitude and honor. It shaped my perspective and mentality to see it for exactly what it is, bigger than me!
