The Birth Story of Claiming Each Other

CEO was born into being in a tiny, off-grid caravan in the woods of northern Portugal near the banks of the Mondego River. It took 14 days of active labor after 3 to 4 years of internal gestation. I was by myself but not alone and it wouldn't be true to say it was an unassisted birth although no human was visibly present. 

During the labor period I cooked simple foods for myself and took time every other day to run a few miles by the river and be baptized again and again in the wide waters. Boulders, trees, ants, hawks, Flys, moths and birds were my primary companions for those 14 days, although my husband came to visit for two glorious nights during my ovulation time. We spent those two days together making love, swimming, talking and resting. We performed love rituals in the river and inside a nearby prehistoric ceremonial megalith. We blessed each other with our admiration, gratitude and well wishes and he left me there, to finish my work in peaceful solitude for 8 more days. 

The labor was mostly easeful. I needed only to notice when I was trying a little too hard and was then able to pause, walk, lean back, eat, breathe and return to ease... to a state where it could just slide out of me. I spoke to several dear people on the phone... Amanda, Liz, Bas and of course Emily. Kaylee was doula and she supported beautifully. Thank you for that, Kaylee. My mom checked in with me daily and she and Skeets took care of our Phoenix while I was away. They are of primary importance in my capacity to do anything meaningful at all. Thank you. The three of you. 

All unseen beings are too many to name, but you know who you are. Thanking you for loving me, protecting me, assisting me. I love you. 

The final moment of birth arrived at 4:11pm. We just sat together in the quiet of the space, soaking in all to temporary afterbirth... that sacred space before anyone else's hands, ideas or needs shape a thing. When it is just as it is. Exactly five minutes later, the candle I had lit throughout the labor process self extinguished for good.

I will hold onto what I have created for just a bit of time before turning it over to the world. I will protect it, and cherish it and appreciate its beauty as I restore in myself what was needed to bring it into being. Soon, when we are together strong enough to face the world, I will accompany it into its next iteration... to guide it and support it into whatever it is meant to become, no matter what. 

For today we rest. Here again on the banks of the Mondego... alone together for the sacred now.