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A Soul Care Meditation: Ruach, Mothering Breath, A Spring Blessing - Autism Acceptance Edition (Part Two)
- Andrea Angie (GA)
- Apr 27
- 5 min read
Updated: May 2
Today, we contemplate the mothering aspect of ruach (roo-AHK) in the second part of our four-part series.
Listen to the transcribed audio version (13:20 runtime):
To delight my pattern-seeking brain, I continue to devote my scriptural search to discovering the mothering aspect of God's ruach "roo-AHK" (breath, wind, spirit) throughout scripture. These connections are sacred revelations offering the gift of seeing God's maternal side.
The rich feminine noun, ruach (roo-AHK), we explored yesterday, now leads us to lean into the mothering presence + movement of breath, wind, life of God:
When God breathes ruach (roo-AHK) into creation, life + energy come forth; its absence means lifelessness. This feminine breath moves through all living things, awakening + sustaining, nurturing + renewing with each cycle of breath.
Ruach is central to scriptural imagery, especially when describing the Holy Spirit (Ruach HaKodesh (roo-AHK hah-KOH-desh)—God's intimate maternal involvement with creation + humanity.
In Genesis 2:7
We witness this tender moment:
"And the LORD God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life (neshama, neh-SHAH-mah); and man became a living soul (nefesh, neh-fesh). This divine breath connects intimately with ruach (roo-AHK), revealing that heaven + earth dance in our lungs through the mothering nature of God's creative power.
Notice how scripture connects the physical 'dust' and the spiritual 'breath of life' and the integrativeness of both—‘living soul’.
In this ruach-union, God's Ruach (roo-AHK) joins with our ruach (roo-AHK)—the human spirit with the divine God. With the Holy Spirit/Ruach HaKodesh (Ruach HaKodesh, roo-AHK hah-KOH-desh) breathed into humanity, we receive the gift of image-bearers with access to the Creator's creative life + nature.
In Genesis 3:8
The verse describes God walking in another tender moment in the garden "at the wind/breath of the day" (leruach hayom, leh-roo-AHK ha-YOM). Most English translations render this as "cool of the day" or "evening breeze," but the Hebrew is more nuanced. Ruach could mean wind, breath, or divine presence moving like a gentle gust.
This mothering presence of the Creator—an aspect often overlooked in a patriarchal focus— dares to approach us with care + compassion. However, within a restrictive patriarchal framework, the feminine qualities of God are often downplayed + overlooked. In this, there's an invitation to wrestle. There's a blessing in the wrestle—dare I say, a gift.
The Womb of God
I encourage you to study the Hebrew word for compassion, racham (rah-KHAMam). The noun, verb, and adjective forms of this word are all related to the Hebrew word for "womb."
This image, in context, draws out the nurturing nature of God, which evokes the nurturing, protective affection a mother has for her child. Scripture repeatedly portrays God’s womb-love:
God compared to a nursing mother: “Can a mother forget the baby at her breast? Though she may forget, I will not forget you!” (Isaiah 49:15)
God compared to a comforting mother: “As a mother comforts her child, so I will comfort you.” (Isaiah 66:13)
God's character baseline: “A God compassionate and gracious, slow to anger and abundant in loyal love and faithfulness...” (Exodus 34:6). It's important to note that compassionate is the first word used to define God's character. And don't let it be lost on you that this term is most often used in scripture to illustrate God's womb of compassion—embodying both mother + father qualities.
Breathe that in, SOULjourner.
Breath of God
When God breathes, life inevitably emerges—the scriptures themselves are "God-breathed" (2 Timothy 3:16). In 2 Peter 1:21, it is noted that the scribes were “carried by the Holy Spirit” as they wrote. The Greek word imagery here evokes the blowing of wind.
Wind + breath are relatives, revealing a divine inspiration that flows from the initial act of breathing into nostrils to the breath that birthed the sacred text—God's nurturing breath brings to life humanity + holy script.
Breath + Inspiration Across Other Languages
In Swahili, pumzi (POOM-zee) means breath, connecting to the essence of life itself.
In Yoruba, èmí (eh-MEE) encompasses breath, spirit, and soul—the essence of existence.
While in Latin, inspirare (in-spee-RAH-ray) means to breathe into.
Ruach is the intersection of breath + inspiration, resulting in a love that creates, supports, and never abandons.
A Blessing - Mothering Breath
May you feel the mothering presence of the womb of Ruach in moments of delight or discouragement.
May you recognize God walking with you in the garden of your life, "at the wind/breath of the day" (leruach hayom).
May the maternal wisdom of the Ruach guide you through sensory storms into enclaves of embodied peace.
May each breath remind you of the original divine inspiration—God's life-giving Ruach, continuously sustaining + renewing you.
Reflection for Your Journey
Have you ever felt mothered by God's presence? How did that experience manifest in your senses, emotions, and your body?
What practices might help you connect with the mothering breath of God when you need comfort?
How might recognizing your breath as divine inspiration transform ordinary moments of inhaling + exhaling into sacred communion?
For April's National Autism Acceptance Month, affirm: "In this inclusive collective, I am seen, heard, and valued. Autism is not a limitation but a source of empowerment + self-expression. I will celebrate my so-not-typical self."
A Special Free Gift for You
To deepen your journey into sensory awareness + sensing pleasure, I invite you to download my complimentary PDF guide, Savoring Sensuality with Soul.
This pastoral guide explores the importance of presence, surrender, and gratitude in experiencing life's replete pleasures more fully. It offers pastoral care on how to engage your senses and celebrate your neurology.
Download Your Free PDF Here:
As you explore this resource, remember that your unique journey is a celebration of soulful living. May you find daring shalom + sensual pleasure in every moment.
With soul,
Pastor Angie
SOULjourner, go Deeper on my Autism+ page for more resources.
A Gift Set SOULution
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Until next time,
Gift from your soul.
✧
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Disclaimer: This blog post is for informational purposes only as I share my pastoral care, my journey, and bring to you valuable research. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you are experiencing any medical concerns or symptoms, please seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare professional.
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