In particular, I loved introducing my students to the scholarship of Joseph Campbell. Together we applied his three-tiered description of the classic hero’s journey to the process of birth. In Campbell’s description, a hero departs from the known world; experiences various trials, revelations, and fulfillment; and finally returns to the community

Doulas offer a counterbalance to a medical system that places an inordinate amount of value on gadgets, medicine, and machines. Helpful and often lifesaving equipment need not eclipse the power of compassion.

But my beloved Myth and Ritual class provided ample opportunity to connect various theories about rites of passage to the remarkable stories of birth.

Her words fell into the fertile soil of soon-to-be-manifested dreams.

The power to give birth originates in the creative life spirit birthing all, the seen and the unseen.

The energy in the room shifted with celebratory grace and tearful smiles. We welcomed this precious one to the earthly realm of gravity, air, and land.

Painful and powerful birth energy moved through her body.

My college professors served as wise academic mentors, but I needed spiritual support.

skilled comfort