Rockflower was founded on the premise that we need a new economic paradigm, one based on the logic of mothering. You do not need to be a woman or a mother to practice the art of mothering, but you must understand and carry out it’s basic tenets: tolerance, compassion, empathy, and a nuanced approach to risk and reward. A mother recognizes what qualities and talents already exist in her children and works to build on these and elevate their potential.
On this Mother’s Day, we are honored to share some thoughts from a long time friend and believer in Rockflower, India Hicks, on how her mothering has taken on a renewed focus in light of this global pandemic. In asking India to share the rhythms of her family at this moment, we felt strong correlations with the nurturing work of Rockflower. You don't necessarily need to have the answers, you don't even need to know what the questions are, but you have to continue to look ahead "to fertilize their potential". We continue to listen, to learn, and to ask what is needed right now from all those we work with who are hoping to get through another day against unprecedented odds.
“Nurturing their creative side, fertilizing their potential. ”
“I have never taken my role as a mother more seriously than I am now. Although admittedly I have been living rather like a fuzzy teenager for a while, eating Doritos out of the packet, dressed in yesterday’s tee-shirt, whilst watching the ninety seventh episode of Community. But my mothering antenna is on high alert. Unprecedented times bring with it unprecedented emotions. I am watching carefully as each kid adjusts. They have responded to this global pandemic differently. Understandably, as they are very different people. Some jog on through their daily lives, others have stumbled a little along the way, some are exhausted by anxiety. It sounds like I have an army of children, and in this moment, I feel like I do. Many questions are asked but few are answered because we don’t have any answers. We try to focus on firm ambitions rather than hard plans. Nurturing their creative side, fertilizing their potential.
With my youngest, I have been sure not to miss a bedtime, every night as she settles, we hold each other tightly, skin to skin, and I whisper, “I love you”. And this perhaps, is all they need to hear right now.”
India Hicks
Rockflower continues to work on a big vision, one of radical idealism, practically realized, but this Mother’s Day, and every day, we appreciate the basic requirements needed by those we serve. Whether it’s the connection found in the words, “I love you”, that India whispers to her daughter every night, or the fundamentals of food and medicine that can be given through the practical assistance of our Emergency Fund, every single act matters.
Please say “I love you” this Mother’s Day by contributing to our Emergency Fund.