Mother’s Day, Breath, and the Women Who Hold Us Together

Mother’s Day can bring up many different emotions.

For some, it’s a day filled with gratitude, love, laughter, and family gatherings.

For others, it can bring grief, longing, reflection, or memories of someone no longer here.

This weekend, I had the opportunity to facilitate two Breathwork sessions for a lung cancer fundraiser in honour of a woman’s mother who passed away from the disease. The entire event was built around breath, healing, remembrance, and connection and on a weekend like this, it carried even deeper meaning.

As I looked around the room during the sessions, I was reminded of something powerful:

So many of us are held together by the women in our lives.

Our mothers.

Grandmothers.

Sisters.

Partners.

Friends.

The women who encourage us, support us, forgive us, challenge us, and continue showing up for us even when life gets messy.

And yet, many of us go through life without ever truly slowing down long enough to appreciate that.

Breathwork has a way of changing that.

When we breathe intentionally, the noise begins to quiet down. The distractions fade. The walls soften. Emotions rise to the surface. Gratitude becomes easier to feel.

Sometimes during Breathwork, people reconnect with memories they haven’t thought about in years. Sometimes they cry. Sometimes they smile. Sometimes they simply feel peace for the first time in a long time.

And often, the people who come to mind first are the ones who loved us deeply.

Today is a reminder that life is fragile.

Breath is fragile.

Time is fragile.

So if you’re fortunate enough to spend time with your mother today, be present with her. Put the phone down. Hug her longer. Listen more carefully. Tell her you love her.

And if your mother is no longer here, take a moment to breathe for her. Honour her. Carry her forward through the way you live, love, and show up in the world.

The breath connects us to the present moment, but it also connects us to memory, emotion, and the people who helped shape who we are.

Today, I’m grateful for all the women who continue holding families, communities, and hearts together.

Happy Mother’s Day.

Vincenzo Caputo

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