So excited to share with you the conversation I had with artist, illustrator, doula, mama, visionary, Kira Birney. She has an amazing story of self awareness, creativity and service and I think it will help you see how important your time on this planet is. I’ve seen many aspects my work evolve because of our chat. Kira is a gamechanger! She discusses how to make your business a reflection of your authentic self, how to create your website as a tool for reflection and manifestation. She shares aspects of her cultural background and we dive into some shadow work surrounding race, gender and privilege and she has wonderful suggestions for how to support new parents, new doulas and creative spirits- aka you!. And she gives suggestions for collaborating and what it was like illustrating a children’s book. Her understanding of the transition from maiden to mother will fill you with inspiration.
Statement by Kira Birney (at www.kirajoie)
"My role as an artist, mother and doula is fluid. Each influences each other and provides me a creative outlet to be of service.
Creativity is my guide for processing my experiences, environments and identity. Drawing, painting and crafting are my primary methods of expression. Recently I have identified the meditative qualities to my art practice. Art as meditation allows me to support my family and doula clients from a present, intuitive and heart centered space. Creativity is life.
The meaning of mother has been an evolution from daughter, sister, babysitter, counselor, teacher to having my own children. Parenthood has been my ultimate teacher and creative guide. Motherhood is art.
My personal experience of navigating early parenthood guided me toward supporting people and families in their postpartum period. Personally I was shocked of my lack of knowledge surrounding postpartum after the birth of my first child. I had so many questions at a fragile and amazing moment in my life.
I believe new parents and birthing folks deserve to be celebrated and honored by providing them a safe space to rest, heal and bond. As a doula my goal is to provide answers to questions and resources on a wide range of topics, non judgmentally supporting an empowered entry into parenthood."
"I am no longer aligned with carriage house birth due to their harmful treatment of a black employee"-Kira Birney
Thymelights:
https://www.instagram.com/manna_apotheke/?hl=en
https://www.instagram.com/wild_moonflower/?hl=en
https://www.instagram.com/__anweshaco__/?hl=en
Kira Links
https://www.instagram.com/missbirney/?hl=en
https://www.instagram.com/homesweetbabybook/?hl=en
Links Mentioned in the show:
https://www.instagram.com/birdsongbrooklyn/?hl=en
https://www.instagram.com/divinebirthwisdom
https://www.instagram.com/donaintl/?hl=en/?hl=en
https://www.instagram.com/bellhooks_/?hl=en
http://www.bellhooksinstitute.com/
https://www.npr.org/2020/01/27/799925293/code-switch-cross-racial-relationships
https://youtu.be/uBNagGMJA9g
Lets Be Friends! (Thyme in the Studio links)
https://www.patreon.com/thymeinthestudio
https://www.etsy.com/shop/AidaZeaArts
https://www.instagram.com/thymeinthestudiopodcast/
https://www.facebook.com/groups/403582056803336/
https://www.instagram.com/aida.zea.arts/
https://www.aidazea.com
Music by komiku
Topics covered in this chat:
Grew up navigating an intuiting life on a deeper level due to more complex identity and biracial background
Grew up drawing and making art
Postpartum has a broader range of time than normally thought of
Her 1st birth drew her to birth work/doula work.
Realized that there was so much about the birth experience that no one ever discussed with her.
Boundaries around service
Virus feels like postpartum time (Isolated and time is slowed down)
Postpartum support
Doula certifications
Building a business
Expanded definition of being a doula and learning to hold space
Carrriage House birth work
Birdsong mentorship
Building community
Finding mentors
Ask a friend, where could I be working more on my life?
Lacey Philips- Expanded
Racism and friendship
Racism and identity
Checking privilege
Health injustice
Racism and birth experience
Foundations of Herbalism
Herbalism in minority communities
Health care
Equitable healthcare
Licensure and certifications for doulas
Collaborating on writing a book- centered around home birth experience for siblings
Working in a team- collaborating and working with another person- not the only one receiving information and having someone to hold accountability
Wanting to build business and growth potential
Don’t show up empty handed at the goddesses door
How to help the pregnant mama
Transformation from maiden to mother
Clothing as an important gesture of embracing change
Walking through a major threshold
Be your authentic self
Kundalini yoga practice
Daily art practice
Spiritual downloads
Insomnia
Spiritual dialogue
Kundalini prosperity meditation
It will come
Being kind and compassionate with oneself
Self care
Essential oils, rosewater, walking
The First 40 Days book
Fourth Trimester- book
Divine Birth
Bell Hooks-Salvation Quote