We had the pleasure of speaking with the beautiful Camilla, founder and creator behind the Peaceful Mama Project. ‘A hub created to support, connect and inspire women as they journey through the early days of Motherhood and beyond.
Who is the Peaceful Mama Project
What I have learnt on my Motherhood journey (and in my life generally), is the more awareness and presence I can bring to my everyday – the happier not only I am, but the happier those who are within my sacred circle are – and I want to share this knowledge with other women. The practice of virtues is a ritual that has been part of my life for as long as I remember. I have come to realise that Motherhood brings with it a myriad of complex and challenging experiences, which calls for us to practice certain virtues pertinent to Motherhood (in a capacity we have never known before). It is from here that we can learn some of the most profound lessons for growth.
I created Peaceful Mama Project to support, connect, and inspire women as they make their journey from Maiden to Mother, and beyond. Our purpose is to empower women to curate and live a mindful, nourished, and conscious life, as they embrace the ebb and flow that is motherhood, and discover opportunities for self-care and personal growth.
What is the goal and mission behind Peaceful Mama Project?
I see the transformation from Maiden to Mother as a metamorphosis; a profound phase of development in a woman’s life. We have this notion in the western world; this pressure that tells us that once we’ve given birth, we must return to whence we came; to who we were before – both physically, mentally, and emotionally. The truth is, this mentality is absurd, and can even be detrimental to a woman’s well-being. Unfortunately, our society and this belief system sets us up to fail. I’m committed to changing the dialogue around this transformation, to honouring and valuing this pivotal time for the season it is; and the opportunities for growth that it brings.
When a baby is born, so too is a mother. Both mother and baby are fledged into the unknown, a new world whereby together they need to navigate the experience. We expect the baby to grow at a profound rate, as they open their curious eyes to life – but we don’t tell women enough, that their eyes too will open to life at the same rate their hearts expand to fit new profound love inside.
This is an astonishingly intense journey of growth. There needs to be more dialogue around this notion of a ‘re-birth’ for women, in this new season. We must allow women to ‘lean into’ becoming a mother, rather than ‘bouncing back’ to maiden. It is my mission to bring more Mindfulness to Motherhood. I truly believe the repercussions of this will be positively felt not only in the family unit, but in society at large.
What sustainable practices do you currently use and how do you implement them within your products?
It was imperative for me from the start to find the delicate balance between purpose, aesthetics and sustainability whilst designing my products. I’m proud that I managed to create that. My Peaceful Mama Cards are Australian designed, made and printed on sustainably sourced card, using soy-based inks. For the card carry bag I chose Linen as it’s naturally biodegradable and recyclable. The flax plant does not require much energy or water resources to produce and the entire plant is used to make linen, leaving a no waste footprint. Lastly, I designed my gift drawer box, so that customers could easily repurpose by simply removing and recycling the card insert.
Go within – you already have what it takes.
Peaceful Mama Project
What has been the biggest personal struggle you have had to overcome with becoming a mother and how what has your healing journey been like?
When I first became a new Mother, I vividly remember thinking this is the unravelling of me; I suddenly felt very overwhelmed at the change and the loss of independence. I’ve always been entrepreneurial and creative; and have needed space in my little world within, to find inspiration and to create. Suddenly I had no space. Instead, I had a new baby who was screaming for hours daily due to silent reflux, he wouldn’t sleep (unless he was on me), and on top of that no support network around me. Becoming a Mother was astonishingly rewarding, but I wasn’t quite prepared for how much I would be challenged, and how long my quest to find balance would take. What I’ve learnt since those early days, was that my strength wasn’t unravelling at all. After losing myself completely, I finally picked up the pieces that were seemingly shattered only to find that
there had never been a more accurate reflection of my depth, my resilience, and strength of character. I’m still trying to find balance most days, but now I embrace the ebb and flow of the journey.
Tell us about your Peaceful Mama Cards
The idea behind Peaceful Mama Cards was born in the early hours of one morning – the sleepless plains of existence I had found myself in as a new mother. I wanted to connect like-minded women on their motherhood journeys; and create for them (and myself) a practical mindfulness tool – to ensure that Motherhood could be the most wholesome and rewarding experience possible.
Peaceful Mama Cards serve as a daily mindfulness tool to empower Mamas to create a daily ritual around self-care, intention setting, and positive affirmations. Each card beckons you to travel inward. This journey of discovering presence gives way to the unstitching of layers that once defined who you are. New mindfulness enables you to realign with your intuition, integrating your body and your mind. Peaceful Mama Cards offer perspective and include inspiring quotes, poetry, and affirmations to encourage you to embrace the ebb and flow that is Motherhood.
Parting words/tips for a new mother
Oh, I have so many different tips that I’d love to share with every new mama, but something important is this:
Go within – you already have what it takes.
The more present you can be in each moment, the easier it is to invite intuition to guide you. Your intuition is a dossier of knowledge – trust yourself.
Follow and explore the Peaceful Mama Project hub, created to support, connect, and inspire women as they journey through the early days of Motherhood and beyond.
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