The essence of your quote you shared on Instagram on freedom for motherhood reminds me of JPII’s quote ‘Freedom consists not in doing what we like, but in having the right to do what we ought.’ Love Perry’s work and have been following her conversation for a while. Look forward to having it here.
This quote is the essence of my whole thought process on this entire, expansive topic. Women and men alike are scrambling for that freedom to do what we ought in so many ways in today’s societal environment but when it comes to mothering and raising our own children, I think that it truly is the ultimate example.
This is So So good ! Becoming a mom really solidified for me how not family friendly most people and the world are. We have an obsession with showing up for moms to give them freedom FROM motherhood and not freedom FOR motherhood. And you’re the odd ball out if you orient and seek support to give you freedom For motherhood.
It’s so true-and it is because the assumption is that we, as mothers, are sick of our babies and children and actually want to be separated from them when in fact I think for the most part, any stress we have in reference to mothering is the result of having to be split between so many different obligations that already take us away from them. The children get blamed when so many other factors are the actual problem. Children are never the problem!
This is exactly it and has been my Experience of others so far. The stress i agree comes from being pulled in So Many directions and what i always also say is i and my baby struggle when we they to force our ancient physiology in a mldern day schedule. Significant change i believe can really only come from committing to a very different way of life.
I feel the same! The guests she chooses are always interesting if not people I am always in line with as well-but the thought-provoking aspect is what I enjoy most!
I've listened to the podcast about half way through. Personally I do not see the value in various sexual encounters. What value is derived or talents developed through pornography? What is being learned from these sexual situations? I think people are very confused. Just all seems very meaningless.
Those questions are good ones and worth examining considering where culture sits right now, which is why I appreciated the debate. I think there are always exceptions to certain things, there are no true absolutes, but by and large sleeping around a lot as a woman tends to be of more harm than good. I’m pretty strictly anti-pornography as it falls into a category which reduces women to goods. I don’t think it is all meaningless though, I think the sum of all of these things is pretty purposeful, in that these social expectations and practices and media all work to dehumanize us and further integrate us with technology and what is not tangible.
I think this is why I chose this book for the first title, I have read it already obviously but I think I need to discuss and unpack with others-women especially.
Super excited about this, although I’m not sure I’ll be able to keep up with the reading every week! Is the goal that discussions will be standalone, or is the expectation that reading has been already completed? Either way, I’m in!
Oh I have no set and clear expectations! I think whether the entire chapter or section has been read or not will not matter too much, I think the content and concepts and my thoughts, as well as any discussion in the comments should be rich enough to make it valuable either way. I also very (very) much understand, so no pressure at all!
I’m looking forward to the book club and your podcast- thanks for taking the time to do this! I couldn’t wait to read this book after hearing you talk about it before, so I’m over halfway done already 😆. But, I’ve been highlighting lots of sections and having interesting discussions with my husband about it, so I’m sure I’ll have some things to add to this discussion. I’m interested to see what other books you’re considering as well.
Oh wonderful! Sorry to be started so late after initially bringing it up, but I’m so glad you are enjoying it and those conversations will surely provide some good insight with the discussions! As far as other titles, I am interested in doing Erika Bachiochi’s “The Rights of Women”, “The End of Woman” by Carrie Gress, “Women’s Work” by Elizabeth Wayland Barber, Mary Harrington’s book, “Who Cooked the Last Supper” by Rosalind Miles, “Mother Tongue: The Surprising History of Women's Words” by Jenni Nuttall,
“A Brief History of the Female Body: An Evolutionary Look at How and Why the Female Form Came to Be” by Dr. Deena Emera, among other ideas! Totally open to more suggestions as well! I’m very interested in the dialogue around feminism, sexual politics, women’s history and motherhood, as well as the work we have traditionally done-care work, preparation of food, animal husbandry, the schooling of children, art and craft and textile making, etc, especially.
Those all look really interesting (especially “The End of Woman”). “Domestic Extremist: A Practical Guide to Winning the Culture War” by Peachy Keenan came up when I was looking for similar books and seems intriguing (and potentially funny).
The essence of your quote you shared on Instagram on freedom for motherhood reminds me of JPII’s quote ‘Freedom consists not in doing what we like, but in having the right to do what we ought.’ Love Perry’s work and have been following her conversation for a while. Look forward to having it here.
This quote is the essence of my whole thought process on this entire, expansive topic. Women and men alike are scrambling for that freedom to do what we ought in so many ways in today’s societal environment but when it comes to mothering and raising our own children, I think that it truly is the ultimate example.
This is So So good ! Becoming a mom really solidified for me how not family friendly most people and the world are. We have an obsession with showing up for moms to give them freedom FROM motherhood and not freedom FOR motherhood. And you’re the odd ball out if you orient and seek support to give you freedom For motherhood.
The Book club sounds like such a great idea !
It’s so true-and it is because the assumption is that we, as mothers, are sick of our babies and children and actually want to be separated from them when in fact I think for the most part, any stress we have in reference to mothering is the result of having to be split between so many different obligations that already take us away from them. The children get blamed when so many other factors are the actual problem. Children are never the problem!
This is exactly it and has been my Experience of others so far. The stress i agree comes from being pulled in So Many directions and what i always also say is i and my baby struggle when we they to force our ancient physiology in a mldern day schedule. Significant change i believe can really only come from committing to a very different way of life.
Loved the book and the Maiden Mother Matriarch podcast, don't always agree with her (or her guests) but so thought-provoking and interesting.
I feel the same! The guests she chooses are always interesting if not people I am always in line with as well-but the thought-provoking aspect is what I enjoy most!
I've listened to the podcast about half way through. Personally I do not see the value in various sexual encounters. What value is derived or talents developed through pornography? What is being learned from these sexual situations? I think people are very confused. Just all seems very meaningless.
Those questions are good ones and worth examining considering where culture sits right now, which is why I appreciated the debate. I think there are always exceptions to certain things, there are no true absolutes, but by and large sleeping around a lot as a woman tends to be of more harm than good. I’m pretty strictly anti-pornography as it falls into a category which reduces women to goods. I don’t think it is all meaningless though, I think the sum of all of these things is pretty purposeful, in that these social expectations and practices and media all work to dehumanize us and further integrate us with technology and what is not tangible.
Agree. Dehumanizing pursuits.
so excited 💌
So excited to have you here!
Ah count me in! I’ve been wanting to read this for so long.
Same. I've been wanting to read it but knew I'd have to be emotionally prepared to deal, ya know? A book club seems like the way to go with this one.
I think this is why I chose this book for the first title, I have read it already obviously but I think I need to discuss and unpack with others-women especially.
I’m so glad to have you along Katherine! ♥️
Super excited about this, although I’m not sure I’ll be able to keep up with the reading every week! Is the goal that discussions will be standalone, or is the expectation that reading has been already completed? Either way, I’m in!
Oh I have no set and clear expectations! I think whether the entire chapter or section has been read or not will not matter too much, I think the content and concepts and my thoughts, as well as any discussion in the comments should be rich enough to make it valuable either way. I also very (very) much understand, so no pressure at all!
Oh count me in & count me subscribed. I've been longing for this sort of a connection point!
ALSO: I am looking forward to reading through your Substack archives. I'm thoroughly enjoying what I've read so far.
Wonderful! So glad to have you!
Are you familiar with the concept of Matricentric Feminism?
I am, although my understanding is very surface level and I haven’t done any formal reading on it. Do you have any recs?
I finally found the link I wanted to share with you, apologies for taking so long to reply.
https://journalofmotherhoodinitiative.org/product/matricentric-feminism/
http://journalofmotherhoodinitiative.org/?fbclid=IwAR3gndv_4qvGblpv-gi5X1aAmnykRgYwV8hWaJ8lH9fruVXuw6CQ1thaS_0
I’m looking forward to the book club and your podcast- thanks for taking the time to do this! I couldn’t wait to read this book after hearing you talk about it before, so I’m over halfway done already 😆. But, I’ve been highlighting lots of sections and having interesting discussions with my husband about it, so I’m sure I’ll have some things to add to this discussion. I’m interested to see what other books you’re considering as well.
Oh wonderful! Sorry to be started so late after initially bringing it up, but I’m so glad you are enjoying it and those conversations will surely provide some good insight with the discussions! As far as other titles, I am interested in doing Erika Bachiochi’s “The Rights of Women”, “The End of Woman” by Carrie Gress, “Women’s Work” by Elizabeth Wayland Barber, Mary Harrington’s book, “Who Cooked the Last Supper” by Rosalind Miles, “Mother Tongue: The Surprising History of Women's Words” by Jenni Nuttall,
“A Brief History of the Female Body: An Evolutionary Look at How and Why the Female Form Came to Be” by Dr. Deena Emera, among other ideas! Totally open to more suggestions as well! I’m very interested in the dialogue around feminism, sexual politics, women’s history and motherhood, as well as the work we have traditionally done-care work, preparation of food, animal husbandry, the schooling of children, art and craft and textile making, etc, especially.
Those all look really interesting (especially “The End of Woman”). “Domestic Extremist: A Practical Guide to Winning the Culture War” by Peachy Keenan came up when I was looking for similar books and seems intriguing (and potentially funny).
That one does look good! I forgot about it!
Am interested. Thank you.
Wonderful! Thank you!
I’m excited for this! I already started!
Wonderful! So glad to hear your thoughts!
So excited!
Thank you! So excited to have you participating!