43: Celebrating Unclassified Women with Seane Corn

Welcome to a very special show! This episode is monumental because this week marks the ONE YEAR ANNIVERSARY of this Unclassified Woman podcast.

It is also International Childfree Day on 1st August. This commenced in the USA in the 70's, to support and educate those who were consciously choosing not to have biological children.

I'm honoured to share with you conversations with many self-empowered women around the world, blazing their own trails and embodying what it means to be a woman living her own truth. This has been a deeply reflective year for me as I have learnt so much from each of these women and been reminded of how there are so many variables in each woman's life. Sweeping generalisations are harmful and limiting to all women - so let's unite in supporting all women, whatever their life choices and circumstances. We have more in common than our differences and we all want to be loved and accepted for who we are.

Today's special show features an impactful woman and internationally celebrated yoga teacher, Seane Corn. I had the pleasure of hearing Seane speak in Sydney last year, and have wanted to have her on the podcast ever since. I was thrilled when she agreed and so today I share Seane's wisdom with you.

Seane is known for her impassioned activism, unique self-expression, and inspirational teaching style. She has been featured in numerous media outlets, through which she brings awareness to global humanitarian issues. Since 2007, she has been training leaders in activism through her co-founded organisation, Off the Mat, Into the World. Seane has travelled across the world, teaching yoga and educating people about critical social issues. Her Global Seva Challenge has raised over $4 million since 2007.

Let's jump right into conversation with this inspiring woman who truly is making a positive difference across the globe.

What you'll hear in this episode:

• It was Seane's personal decision to NOT have a child.
• As a girl, she never especially liked playing with babies or playing house.
• "I was comfortable with my decision, even though others weren't."
• How her decision brought a sense of relief.
• Her family understood that her career interests were her priority.
• Seane knew that her "mothering" instincts would be employed in different way.
• She encountered that age-old judgment: "You'll never really know what love is unless you have a child."
• How society measures and frames love in the context of marriage and motherhood.
• Seane's frustration and irritation with society's stereotypes and myths.
• "It's better to NOT be a mother than to be a miserable mother!"
• Your position on motherhood depends on how you feel within yourself.
• Don't let other people trigger you!
• Some people have NO sense of identity outside of parenthood.
• Seane knows that she can reach MANY children and make a LARGER impact with the life she has chosen.
• "I had to go and play in that field in order to know that I DON'T want this!"
• Attempting to get pregnant (one time) and not succeeding was her "line in the sand."
• Seane's total life and energy would be devoted to serving that soul if she had a child.
• Women have options and can be fulfilled in other ways.
• "Not having a child doesn't make me 'better than' or 'less than'."
• The power of creativity comes in so many ways besides motherhood.
• How a non-biological parent has great value in the life of a stepchild.
• Seane's partner had custody of his children, so she is in a parenting role.
• Seane facilitates environments that shift energy through yoga.
• How Seane holds space for people in their emotional struggles.
• How Seane bridges the gap between yoga, social justice, and activation in social environments.
• The Nurturing Instinct
• How Seane can serve others more fully because she doesn't have children.
• Why Seane is active in combating sex trafficking and exploitation of children
• Dialogue can create conversation and awareness.
• Why Seane doesn't like the "childless" and "child-free" terminology.
• "Check in with yourself and DO the inner work. Meet others who walk the same path. There are many GOOD reasons NOT to have children."

Resources:

www.seanecorn.com (Check out Seane's website for DVD's, programs, and other resources. Look for her book, coming out in Fall, 2017.)

Thank you so much for listening to this episode. If you enjoyed then please share with another woman who would find beneficial. For more episodes check out michellemariemcgrath.com