A Mother’s Day Reflection from a Bali Women’s Retreat

This Mother’s Day, I’ve been reflecting on what it really means to “mother.”

Because for many women, this day can stir up a mix of emotions. It’s beautiful — yet also complex.

Especially if you’ve lost a mother, longed to become one, never had the relationship you needed, or felt unseen in all the ways you do mother without ever being called “mum.”

Redefining What It Really Means To Mother

To me, Mother’s Day isn’t just for those who have birthed a child.

It’s for the many, many ways we mother.

It’s for the way we hold space for others to grow.

For the dreams we’ve nurtured. The ideas we’ve brought to life.

For the businesses we’ve birthed. The love we give.

The way we care, even when no one’s watching.

It’s for every quiet sacrifice, every brave decision, every ounce of strength  that holds families, communities, and hearts together.

For the Woman Who Feels Soul Tired

It’s also for the woman who feels tired. Not just physically tired — but soul tired.

The kind of tired that comes from always being the strong one. The dependable one.

The one who keeps showing up, day after day, even when her own needs are quietly gathering dust at the bottom of the list.

So if you’re reading this and thinking, “Yes. That’s me.” I want you to know: 

You are seen.

You are valued.

And you are so deeply worthy of the love, care, and support you so effortlessly give to others.

A Reminder That You Deserve to Receive

Mother’s Day, to me, is a reminder that we are also worthy of receiving.

Of rest.

Of care.

Of nourishment. 

And it’s also a time to remember that we are never mothering alone.

Because our greatest mother, beautiful Mother Earth is holding us through it all.

Honouring the Earth and Balinese Wisdom 

Since moving to Bali, I’ve been deeply touched by the way the Balinese people honour and live in relationship with the Earth.

Here, nature isn’t separate from us,  it’s at the heart of everything.

There are daily offerings made to the land, the rivers, the mountains — to honour the spirit that lives in all things.

Ceremonies take place not just on special occasions, but as part of daily life — a reminder to stay connected to the divine, to each other, and to the Earth that gives us everything.

It’s a relationship of reverence, reciprocity, and deep listening.

And it’s softened something in me.

That’s Why They Call Her Mama Bali

She is the Earth in her most maternal form, not just gentle and nourishing, but also fiercely wise.

Mama Bali will hold you. She’ll soothe the ache you didn’t know you were carrying. She’ll invite you to slow down, breathe deeper, and come home to yourself.

But she’ll also wake you up. She’ll stir something deep inside you. Bring forward what you’re ready to see. Call you back to your truth — even if it means pushing you to your edge.

Because just like any powerful mother, she wants you to evolve and grow into the greatest expression of yourself.

The Bali Women’s Retreat Experience

That’s why I created the Bali Soul Retreat — to bring this sacred essence into every part of the experience.

To create a space where women are held by more than just beautiful surroundings — but by Mama Bali herself.

A space to be witnessed.

To rest.

To reconnect with your own rhythm.

On retreat, we connect deeply with her, because she’s our mirror and our greatest teacher.

The Earth knows she must tend to herself first— to rest, replenish and receive—so she can continue to nourish everything around her.

And when she doesn’t? Everything feels the impact.

Just like us.

When we’re depleted, it ripples out.

And when we feel full and whole, the people we love and interact with benefit too.

During the retreat, we connect with Mama Bali through powerful ancient rituals, like water purification and fire release ceremonies.

And that’s why the Bali Soul Retreat exists, to help you refill, re-centre, and remember who you are beneath the exhaustion, the roles and the responsibilities.

Women often describe this retreat as a turning point in their life. 

Life before Bali and life after.

The shifts can be transformational and life changing. 

This Mother’s Day, Honour Yourself

So wherever you find yourself — whether surrounded by love, sitting with grief, or somewhere in between — I invite you to take a moment to honour you.

Place your feet on the Earth.

Breathe deeply.

And remember: you are held. Always.

By Mother Earth and all the love she gives you.