Episode 113: Single Parents Building Community with Shoshana Alexander

As a single parent, have you ever felt like you're seen as a reject, or as if you're wearing a scarlet letter?  Shoshana Alexandra is here today to help reframe that outdated stigma that I have felt as a single parent, and maybe you have, too.
Shoshana Alexandra wrote a book called "In Praise of Single Parents: Mothers and Fathers Embracing the Challenge." It's become a place of refuge for me as I learn how to feel connected in a society that still professes the need for the nuclear family model (which is actually very unnatural according to anthropological research!) What we do need is to "expand the family!" Shoshana created a rich community surrounding her son, who had 13 Godparents that helped raise him! They are still in his life to support and guide him when he needs it.
Shoshana and I discuss the dysfunction in our relationships that led to us becoming single parents, the idea of "double parenting," how to vet and find a supportive community, and how to embrace the joy that is already present in your parenting- albeit alone or with many supportive friends and chosen family. Shoshana truly reframes what it means to be a single parents. Aren't we so lucky to have these wonderful beings in our lives? I know I am. 
http://shoshanaalexander.com
Shoshana's "Answer the Call" workshop: https://www.shoshanaalexander.com/answer-the-call/

Shoshana Alexander, MA, is an author, teacher, developmental editor, playwright, actor, and mother, and has in all these ways tried to make a positive difference for the Earth. She lives on the unceded territory of the Takelma, Latgawa, and Shasta people. She is the author of several books, including In Praise of Single Parents and Women’s Ventures/Women’s Visions, and is co-author of Awakening Joy with James Baraz. Shoshana has guided numerous books into print in the areas of Buddhism, psychology, and spirituality, includingThe Findhorn Garden, Radical Acceptance (Tara Brach), Faith and LovingKindness (Sharon Salzberg), and Bouncing Back (Linda Graham). She has a master’s degree in psychology and theatre, and has taught high school and university courses in the humanities. She has led support groups for those grieving loss and facilitated longterm writing groups for those developing the craft of writing books. Her creative endeavors in live performance include spoken-word poetry with music, and writing and acting in a full-length play, “Taking Our Life,” exploring suicide, ecocide and humanity’s imperative to choose life. She stood with Earth Protectors at Standing Rock, and her many decades of participation in self-development and spiritual disciplines have included extensive mindfulness meditation practices, and she has been authorized as a dharma teacher. Her work arises from a passion to understand life, honor the Earth, and engage the magic and power of wisdom, words and music to heal and transform.  shoshanaalexander.com

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