My mother is 87, and I have moved back near her to be able to spend more time with her. It is so precious to have these moments together, and I enjoy helping her in this stage of her life. It is the least I can do in appreciation for everything she gave me materially and spiritually, as well as for all the wise advice she has imparted to me over the years.

My mother has always been there for me. Having her support in the decisions I have made in my life has given me tremendous strength and freedom to pursue my dreams.

The role of mother can never be underestimated. It is not an easy task for a mother to meet the continual demands of her children and family. However, a child properly nourished by mother from the point of conception, through birth and childhood, and guided through the delicate and often challenging teenage years until leaving home is almost certain to become a well-adjusted, happy, and successful person. This kind of love and support provides a strong foundation for the continued growth of enlightenment.

We want to raise our children to become independent, able to make wise decisions in whatever path they choose in life and to be happy. Offering children a technique to develop themselves, grow in creativity, and reduce stress, such as by incorporating Transcendental Meditation into the child’s routine at school or at home, is a powerful tool for a mother to help create a more enlightened life for her children.

In addition, having children meditate regularly will help make the mother’s life easier. Research shows that students who meditate are more focused on their schoolwork, less anxious, have greater self-esteem, and increased moral reasoning. There are over 350 peer-reviewed studies documenting the benefits of Transcendental Meditation, not only for students, but also for people from all walks of life.

If a mother also learns to meditate, it will help her deal with all the demands of motherhood—allowing her to give more nourishment to her children. It is the inherent nature of a mother to give. Every mother has the potential to be an ocean of giving to her whole family, balancing all the diverse incoming streams. For this, a mother needs her own well of nourishment first, that she can draw upon from within. That pool of nourishment exists in the silent transcendental level of her being, which can be easily accessed and enjoyed through Transcendental Meditation. This experience of inner silence benefits the children and the mother as well, increasing her capacity to give.

I was happy to see that Huffington Post now has a page called Global Motherhood, which brings awareness to the importance of the role of mother everywhere.

I also love the fact that we have a day of the year—Mother’s Day—dedicated to honoring and showing appreciation for our mothers. Happy Mother’s Day to my mother and to all the mothers of the world.

Health and Happiness,

Ann Purcell