Bunky Team : Bri

Hearing about Bri, from numerous people in my life and from all different angles. I knew I had to meet this woman! And boy did she meet all expectations. Her personality is warm, bubbly, and felt hugely. She can light up a room with her laugh, smile and energy and we are so grateful she cares for our Bunky families during their postpartum and birthing journeys. 

Here are some words from the woman herself : 

​How did I come to Doula work? Honestly I've always been curious, I got some BIG cat energy, I am a Leo Lady. I know that my intrigue of all things life affirming is what lead me to searching. I felt as though I wandered for most of my life, in-search of my raw-naked-stripped down self. As I started to uncover myself, literally excavating and disabling points of view and ways of thinking that didn't belong to me, I became able to hear my souls song. 

In searching for MY genuine likes I found tight-knit community to be like a petri dish of sorts; catalyzing-supporting-protecting my growth. In my deep love of community I recognize and respect its important power. My day dreaming still tells me that, I crave to be in loving community. Community is the first of three ingredients I discovered essential for my souls song to play properly. 

At first, when I only had the one ingredient my song was elegant, yes, feminine, absolutely but also, haunting. I learned how to turn up the volume of my unique tune so I could listen while I searched. I noted when the tempo switched and the timbre shifted, and when the elements were just right to my liking vs. when they were not. 

Through recognizing the feminine aspect of my song, I pursued work along side women. I choose to work with women who were and still are involved in the sex trade. I learned the second essential ingredient was, feminine energy, and LOTS of it. I was raised by the hands of many strong-capable, self-identified women. And, I can honestly say that I've grown plump off the nourishment from all the Mothers-Aunties-Sisters I've come to know in my life and that the light from their beings have afforded me strength and anything else I've ever needed to maintain my courage and remain persistent on my path. These humans have breathed life into my soul time and time again, I need feminine, like fire needs air.

My searching wasn't always rose-y or even fun, it felt like work I didn't want to do but needed to do. Sometimes my search led me to some very dark places, in some deep holes which were extremely isolating. People who loved me would encourage me to pick something, commit to it and fall-in line sort of deal. But, the haunting echo of my tune wouldn't leave me alone or allow me to convince myself that I ought to be, (fill in the blank). I tried so many careers, akin to trying on clothes, I'd wear a new look and just when I thought I was comfortable I'd catch a glimpse of myself and recognize it wasn't me, being reflected. 

The third essential ingredient for creating the perfect conditions for my souls song is, learning. I have a mother who worked very hard to attain her undergraduate degree and master's of counselling while my sister and I watched. She taught me the pursuit of knowledge is a window to empathy and graceful power. I was jaded after going to university myself and discovering there was nothing truly noble about my time there. I always knew I loved to learn but for sometime after university I disassociated myself from higher learning. Years later, in the same summer my grandmother passed I found out my sister was pregnant, expecting her first girl. I felt ready to pursue knowledge again, on my own terms. I wanted to empathize with my sister and learn to wield a graceful power.

My searching lead me to Pacific Rim College. I applied to their Holistic Doula Program and was awarded acceptance on my birthday, August 22. The day I stepped into that school and attended the introduction class with my fellow peers was the day I came home, set my soul at peace and quit my searching. I then started on the mountain of self work, formal education and practical experience needed to transform myself into the professional working doula I am today. 

I have a beloved Auntie who likes to tell me often that, "these are your preparation days, Bri!". One of my favourite poets, Nipsey Hussle has a line that says, "only a matter of time before opportunity meets preparation". Every experience I have shapes me, humbles me and helps me to grow bigger than the limiting beliefs I once held about myself. I am so blessed that in my searching I discovered three key ingredients that afforded me the courage to seek and seek some more. I am ten fold fortunate for having found what I have been prepared, all my life, to do. The preparation continues, everyday a new lesson. 

Because this work gives me so much I always aim to give back as much. I know sometimes who we give to, isn't who we get from. None-the-less my goal is for every single one of my clients to see and feel the value of my service. To feel that they have what they need,  and in turn to continue to be courageous in hearing their own soul songs. My wish is that we walk together for as little or as long as is helpful to YOU!