You often read and hear the term “lion mom”. Either because you call yourself that as a mother or because you are given the title. But what does it actually mean to be a “lion mom”?
In my last article I mentioned that I no longer feel a sense of belonging to my nickname "little mouse" because I have truly transformed into a lioness. It was a slow, unobtrusive process that happened in passing. I only noticed it when my teeth came into play.
The Prophecy
I remember it as if it were yesterday. Still reeling from the events of the previous day, I was lying pregnant on my osteopath's treatment bed. A dog owner and her dog were yelling at me in a frighteningly nasty way. I was standing in line to pick up a piece of furniture when her waist-high, unleashed dog started jumping at me. Without a muzzle. In the furniture store. Pregnant. It was too much for me. The lady showed no understanding, but started to swear and get very close to me. I was actually a little scared at that moment. I couldn't manage to tell her what I was feeling, I just stood there. Maybe it was the increased sensitivity of pregnancy, or just the "shock".
When I told my osteopath about it, she said things to me that I often think about today: As a mother, you will face many situations in which you have to stand up for yourself and your child! Don't worry, the strength and security will come naturally! You really become a "lion mother".
She was right.
"The lion mother has a good balance between defending and letting go. This is how the little ones can become the kings of the animal kingdom."
National Geographic – a look into nature
In a nature documentary or on an African safari, you can watch lions in their natural habitat. The lion mother not only keeps a close eye on her babies, but also constantly monitors the surroundings. Her babies often romp around wildly, bite her ear or encourage her to play. She remains calm in the hustle and bustle and patiently lets them trample on her. When the babies are thirsty, they can always have their teats. If a baby behaves too roughly, it will definitely be put in its place in a loving way.
The lion mother is a multi-talented animal, an all-round provider and generally quite relaxed. Except when there is danger. Then you don't want to be near her. She protects her babies and family. Those who disturb the peace feel her roar or her teeth. She not only protects her family, but also keeps them healthy and together.
In an emergency, a lioness will defend her children with her own life and will stand up to the father or pack leader if he wants to harm the young ones. But she is also calm in her dealings with the young ones if she notices that other lionesses are good for her children.
She has found a good balance between defending and letting go. And so the little ones can become the kings of the animal kingdom.
The Transformation
I have to say, when I read this, I could just replace the term "lioness" with my name. So it's true, that is indeed ME! A lioness mom.
I never thought I could have so much strength and calm at the same time. When I wasn't yet a mother myself and saw other mothers, I often thought to myself, "Wow, how exhausting." How can she keep calm while her child is "behaving" like that? Where does she get this strength from despite the lack of sleep and constant work?
Now I know that my osteopath was right: it happens all by itself! Nature is simply wonderful. The way it has arranged everything. A perfect interplay of hormones and primal instinct. I never thought I would be so calm when my little one is running around all the shops and making a mess. Yes, I even enjoy it! There is no better feeling than sitting in chaos and knowing that there is a wonderful reason for this mess: my daughter.
I never thought I would be able to achieve so much, even though I already felt like I was really busy without a child. I still have to smile about it now. It brings out the strength of a lion in you that you didn't even know you had!
"There are clear rules in our pack for the safety and harmony of all. Anyone who doesn't follow them unfortunately can't play."
The lion mother in the family jungle
I also notice the change in a social context. The protective instinct is in constant mode. There are clear rules in our "pack" for the safety and harmony of everyone. Anyone who cannot or does not want to stick to them unfortunately cannot play along. What is healthy boundary setting and defining values sounds really harsh to outsiders. I know. Some things may often be incomprehensible, especially for the extended family. I think everyone who has children knows this issue.
Here I sometimes have to remind the lioness in me to communicate things particularly gently so as not to scare anyone away. The roar often sounds more dangerous than it is, if you know what I mean.
The Lioness in Each of Us
While we're on the subject of setting boundaries, I'd like to tell you something else. Something that's very close to my heart.
This lioness or lion mother that I was able to discover and live within myself is in all women. Regardless of whether they are mothers or childless. We women are all allowed to live it. Yes, let them live it!
There is incredible power and wisdom in a woman's intuition and inner strength. If we allow ourselves to not only live this but to celebrate it, then we can achieve great things collectively! We can be role models for little girls who will later become lionesses. Convey to them that being a woman is a privilege and something wonderful!
When a woman is in tune with her inner voice and her soul, she is completely present in the here and now. And that radiates incredible peace and rubs off on everyone else.
We women can activate our inner strength and at the same time live a relaxed and playful lifestyle. We can set boundaries confidently and respectfully and we don't have to apologize for it.
My Little Lion Cub
I have my daughter, who is a Leo, to thank for discovering the lion mother in me.
She is the one I want to be a role model for. I want to show her that I stand up for her, no matter what. That I stand behind her and defend her. I want to encourage her to be brave and self-confident and to discover life with fun and joy. To be a little crazy and wild. To create a pack that stands behind her, but above all to always stand behind herself! That she never forgets her spirit of discovery and her courage and takes what life has to offer without apology!
So that she too will become a strong lion mother.
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