EPISODE 47 | BACH FLOWER REMEDIES FOR THE EMOTIONS THAT COME WITH FERTILITY CHALLENGES | Erin Gray, LMT, LMHT

Bach Flower Remedies for the Emotions that Come with Fertility Challenges with Erin Gray.

Description:

Hillary’s esteemed colleague and friend Erin Gray, LCMHC, returns to dive deep into fertility challenges and the emotions that come with them. Erin has used and studied Bach Flower remedies for some time now, and she shares her experience with these super-safe homeopathic beneficial supplements. They also talk about the highlights of the 38 different remedies, the way Bach Remedies bring emotional balance into the situation, specific remedies as they play into detailed emotions, and Erin’s recommendation for bringing them into your life.

 

Takeaways:

[2:10] Bach Flower Remedies work on specific issues, and are unique in the way that they can support emotional balance. This makes them great for most cases of someone going through IVF.

[3:27] Every medical system has its own way of categorizing supplements. In traditional Chinese medicine, we have the Eight Pillars or the Five Elements. Ayurvedic medicine has it’s Dosha’s and the Bach Flowers have their own two categories. One is by the personality type and ongoing characteristics and the other is a certain mood that relates to the moment and the fleeting marker of the experience.

[4:40] There are 38 different tinctured remedies, categorized into 7 different families. They have a subtle taste and usually go in water or under the tongue.

[8:12] Rescue Remedy won’t take away your personality or fix a life situation but it will help to bring a sense of balance and coping into the situation.

[9:21] One of the biggest things Erin sees when working with fertility clients is fear and anxiety. When you have general anxiety or anxiety of an unknown, she suggests using Aspen. If you experiencing a specific fear and are clear about what it’s about, Mimulus is a good one. If you are overly worried about a loved one, Red Chestnut can come to the rescue.

[11:45] Beech can help us open up our minds, and bring in more patience and peace. Rock Water is useful to go easier on yourself and is one of Erin’s most used remedies. The overly controlling personality type could benefit from Vine. When you are having trouble making decisions or confused about your own judgment, go with Cerato. If you are faced with multiple choices and not sure which one you want to choose, Scleranthus can help you figure out which path to go down. Gorse is also a big one for women in the IVF process, as it can help to connect with the true intention, and in turn, restore a sense of hope.

[16:06] Although the remedies are gentle, if not used properly they can neutralize and do nothing or do the complete opposite and cause the emotion to appear even stronger.

[21:03] Of all the Bach Remedies, the one recommended for difficulty in life transition and conceiving is Walnut. Impatiens is a good one to help manage impatience, loneliness, and frustration. This can be very beneficial during the waiting time in IVF and can be cycled in and out to be taken when you are in the throes of the intense emotions.

[26:03] If you find yourself struggling with being present, or in a dissociative state, Clematis is very helpful in getting grounded and back into reality. Honeysuckle is a good one for past regrets, living too much in the past or a sense of nostalgia that interferes with your present moment. White Chestnut can help in getting your mind to settle down and relax, rather than replaying situations over and over and trying to predict every move in the future.

[29:21] Pine is a good one for forgiveness, and letting go of any guilt or shame you may be holding on for yourself. Star of Bethlehem is a beautiful remedy to help with grief, loss, and trauma and Crab Apple can help shift from body shame or a sense of betrayal in your body into a sense of acceptance and peace.

[33:19] If you can’t forgive someone else, and hold resentment and anger towards them, try bringing in some Willow. When you have a burning hatred (think Mean Girl), feel jealousy and mistrust, use Holly.

[35:29] You can look up Bach practitioners in your area that can do assessments and custom blends for you. Oftentimes people need more than one remedy, but just be sure not to mix them all at once.

EPISODE 46 | MINI MINDFUL MOMENT | What Are YOU Grateful For?

What Are YOU Grateful For?

At my house we do the cliche thanksgiving thing of what are we all grateful for. and that what we are going to do today in our meditation, only we are going to explore gratitude in the 5 realms of our life as it relates to our fertility picture, because sometimes those answers are a little contrived, or a little PC, because your parents neighbors who you’ve never met are joining in the celebration and that’s just awkward sauce to say out loud to anyone but your partner. 

According to davidji, The 5 Realms of Our Life are

  1. Spiritual

  2. Physical

  3. Emotional

  4. Relationship

  5. Material

You might want a  pen and piece of paper to jot things down after so you can keep them close or put them in your calendar as a reminder before important appointments.


EPISODE 44 | MINI MINDFUL MOMENT | Have You Been "Noceboed" ?

How to Recognize and Reverse a Nocebo

Most of us are familiar with a placebo, however, do you know what a nocebo is? A nocebo is a detrimental effect on health produced by psychological or psychosomatic factors such as negative expectations of treatment or prognosis by a health care provider. It happens in the fertility and birth worlds more than you think. Today we will go into detail of signs that it is happening, how to be more aware in the moment during healthcare appointments, and how to undo it if it has happened to you. Cheers to happy beliefs, less stress, and being one breath closer to that baby you are dreaming of! 

[12:39] Visualization Begins

Links Mentioned

Pregnancy Brain

It’s Conceivable

The Three Keys to Conception

http://www.hypnofertility.com/

Parents On Demand Network

We are super excited to now be a part of the POD network, available in any app store for free. You’ll find Fertile Minds Radio as well as other qualified podcasts guaranteed to help you on the road to parenting success.

EPISODE 42 | MINI MINDFUL MOMENT | 16 Seconds to Bliss

Mini Mindful Moments

16 Seconds to Bliss

This relaxation response technique is so easy you might forget how to do it.

This episode is brought to you by the online course- How to thrive with Your Newborn presented by the talented doula Adriana Lozada

Getting pregnant can be difficult, staying pregnant can be day to day for some, and bringing your baby home and getting to know what YOUR baby needs can be super trying, but  it doesn’t have to be. If you want to feel confident about your postpartum experience this course is definitely for you and it is super affordable. With over a decade of experience, Adriana teaches you how to understand the baby you were blessed with in a 5 week self paced online experience. You can find it at birthfulcourses.com or in today’s show notes. 

EPISODE 40 | HOW TO USE MALAS AND CRYSTALS AS PART OF YOUR FERTILITY MEDITATIONS

How to Use Malas and Crystals as Part of Your Fertility Meditations

 

Today's mini mindful moment answers the questions...

Why would someone use a crystal?

What is a mala?

How to do japa meditation?

How do you infuse an intention into a stone or piece of jewelry? 

How would this possibly help my fertility?

Visit @ Rejuled on IG and use the code FERTILE18 to claim your 20% discount on one of these mala bracelets. 

EPISODE 36 | MINI MINDFUL MOMENT | Progressive Muscle Relaxation

Mini Mindful Moments- Progressive Muscle Relaxation

Have you ever had the experience where you go to get a massage or acupuncture or maybe even a pedicure, and you have no idea that you are holding stress in your body until the practitioner starts working on you, and it hurts sooo good and you are suddenly aware of 

A. how stressed you are

B. that something hurts that you didn’t even realize 

C. how disconnected you are from your body

I have, guilty as charged. It happens, I get caught up in my to do lists or the occasional over extension of myself and I show up at one of my bi- monthly scheduled self care appointments and I’m suddenly aware that I am way more stressed than I thought. I see this happen all the time in my clinic with my fertility patients. I ask them if they have any pain or discomfort and they reply, I’m fine. Often times I will start with a technique of cupping to help relieve tension in the neck and back and as soon as I lay my hands on them, I can feel the knots. Sometimes I can see the tension in their necks, just by how they are holding themselves. So if this sounds like you, today’s exercise is going to help you get out of your head and into your body. It’s call PMR or progressive muscle relaxation. It’s great for people that live in their heads. It distracts them just long enough to reconnect with their precious body. Now if you have an acute or chronic pain you may want to skip that body or go lightly with it when we get there, as this technique involves tensing the muscle first and then relaxation. It’s kind of like tricking your muscles into relaxing, especially when you feel like you no longer know how to. So even if you’ve done this one before, do it with me. Sometimes its super nice to just let someone else guide you and really get you out of your head. 



EPISODE 34 | MINI MINDFUL MOMENT | Mindfulness 101

How do you set the tone for mindfulness & actually practice it?

Whether you are doing something prolific like making love, or something mundane like the dishes get in the habit of asking yourself these questions and then observing the answer you come up with, without judgment. 

What do I hear?

What do I feel?

What do I smell?

What do I see?

What do I taste?

Try it with me, wherever you are, whatever you are doing ask yourself these simple questions. Drop into the present moment and quit entertaining your past or your worries about the future. 

By taking the time to ask yourself these questions and thoughtfully responding, you allow yourself to me more fully engaged in the activity and deepen your experience.

Even though it is a practice that is seemingly more mental than following the breath because we are entertaining your mind, it really allows you to drop out of your head and into your body. 

It allows you take a break from what’s going on in your head, which chances are is the same conversation with yourself on repeat, and I’m willing to bet it’s probably not saying anything you would repeat to someone outloud. 

So if you want to change the way you feel, you have to start paying attention to what is really happening in the moment and not what your repetitious thoughts would like you to believe. 

It's so simple. 

You just have to commit to doing it! 

Let's get mindful together. 

Join me in the 29 Day Fertility Meditation Challenge- Begins August 26th


EPISODE 32 | MINI MINDFUL MOMENT | Ocean Breath

Mini Mindful Moments- Fertility Exercises For Every Day Use

Meditation is great, but what happens when you need to reset your nervous system during the day from Fight & Flight to Breed & Feed? Mini Mindful Moments are techniques for you to try out throughout your day to help you not only be more mindful and present, they will affect your nervous, immune, and endocrine systems biochemically in a positive way when practiced regularly. Enjoy! 

I suggest setting an alarm on your phone during your work day or after what you anticipate to be stressful events to help you get in the habit of creating a calmer you! Try it and see for yourself and remember what calm, cool, and confident you feels like. 



EPISODE 29 | MINDFUL MOMENTS | Honoring Our Lineage

Mindful Moments- Honoring Our Lineage

Today’s mindful moment gives you a little taste of our 29-day meditation challenge, of which we are currently getting phenomenal feedback and results. In keeping with the theme of working with our feminine and masculine energy, we will engage in a meditation to help and honor those who came before us and unblock any blockages that we have with our family. This meditation may have you feeling lighter, more open, and a sense of gratitude and respect for those that made us who we are.

To share your own fertility story, please email me at hillary@ladypotions.com. I look forward to connecting with you, as you are what this podcast is all about.

Takeaway:

[:51] The results have been astounding so far for our 29-day meditation challenge. The feedback has been great, that we wanted to share a meditation where you will be connecting with your ancestors and clearing up any familial blockages.

[2:25] This meditation honors those that came before us, and removes any blockages that we have with our family. It does not matter how close you are or aren’t with your family, as you will be connecting with the energy in your familial line.

[3:29] Meditation begins.

Disclaimer *

You must not rely on the information in this podcast as an alternative to medical advice from your doctor or other professional healthcare provider. If you have any specific questions about any medical matter you should consult your doctor or other professional healthcare provider. If you think you may be suffering from any medical condition you should seek immediate medical attention. You should never delay seeking medical advice, disregard medical advice, or discontinue medical treatment because of information on this website or in this podcast.


EPISODE 26 | THE THREE KEYS TO CONCEPTION | Lynsi Eastburn HypnoFertility Method

Board-certified hypnotherapist and award-winning author Lynsi Eastburn joins us today to share her experience from over 25 years in the mind-body healing arts. Lynsi is a true pioneer of bringing hypnosis to the treatment of infertility, and we had such a fabulous talk about how belief systems can become a block when trying to fall pregnant, how she was led to her calling, the creation of HypnoFertility®, and how hypnosis can help us switch from fear and doubt into observation and peace.

Takeaway:

[0:32] Our guest today is Lynsi Eastburn. Lynsi is a board-certified hypnotherapist and certified hypnotherapy instructor through the National Guild of Hypnotists, along with running the Eastburn Hypnotherapy Center and Eastburn Institute of Hypnosis with her husband Drake. Lynsi is an award-winning author, with one more book in the works entitled Waiting in the Wings, the Pink Starlights.

[8:03] Lynsi said yes to the whispers that were stirring in her at a young age of having an interest in helping women have babies and bringing sensitivity and compassion to those having fertility issues.

[13:54] Lynsi’s book, It’s Conceivable is the art and science of hypnotherapy — how it deeply affects the nervous system and our mental and emotional blocks.

[16:02] Hypnosis impacts the neural pathway, rewires our conditioning, and helps bring in shifts from the subconscious mind to the present moment to manifest our reality.

Lynsi graciously created a bonus hypnofertility session just for you that wasn't part of our interview. Have a listen or download for later. 


[28:20] We talk about the spiritual side of fertility and a good exercise in how we experience the spiritual realm. 

[30:22] Whether it’s an Indigo, Rainbow, or Crystal child, they all need structure and parental involvement. We are both inspired by the work of Carolyn Myss in the world of spiritual upbringing on a physical plane.

[39:45] Lynsi’s three keys to conception: meditate, listen, and trust.

[50:42] As a parent herself, Lynsi establishes a strong parental role but also isn’t afraid to own her mistakes and apologize when something is her fault. There is an exchange of energy and lessons to be learned but they must have an environment of structure.

[56:42] We explore hysteria, the uterus, and how it was treated in the past, vs. our present-day tendency to “sshhh” women into not expressing their emotions and trauma.

[62:02] She is also generously giving away 10 copies of her book to the first 10 people that visit our show notes! Click the enter button and winners will be announced on my Instagram page: @LadyPotions4u on April 29, the last day of National Infertility Week. #flipthescript #NIAW

References:

Fertile Minds on LibSyn

Fertile Minds on iTunes

American Board of Oriental Reproductive Medicine

Lynsi Eastburn 

It’s Conceivable: Hypnosis for Fertility, by Lynsi Eastburn, BCH

The 3 Keys to Conception, by Lynsi Eastburn

Carolyn Myss

 

Continue Your Journey:

www.spiritbabywhisperer.com

www.hypnodenver.com

Take the Fertile Minds Meditation challenge and see what a fertile mind feels like. Each day you’ll receive access to a 15 minute guided meditation designed to yield more clarity and calm no matter wher you are on your path to building a family.

If you are feeling frustrated and wish you could experience feeling more patient this challenge is for you.

If you are finding yourself resentful and want to feel empowered instead this challenge is for you.

If you are feeling lost and overwhelmed with all things fertility and long to be more centered during the process of striving for a family this challenge is for you.

If you’ve wanted to add meditation to your self care routine but had no idea where to start this challenge is for you.

You'll learn how to shift your attention from the future to the present moment helping you to feel more fulfilled and patient with the process, your life, your partner and maybe even God.

You won't know though until you commit to the challenge. I'll be there with you every step of the way, one complete menstrual cycle, until it becomes your new favorite habit. Meditate, Listen, Trust, Repeat

@ladypotions4u on Twitter

*Disclaimer-You must not rely on the information in this podcast as an alternative to medical advice from your doctor or other professional healthcare provider.If you have any specific questions about any medical matter you should consult your doctor or other professional healthcare provider. If you think you may be suffering from any medical condition you should seek immediate medical attention. You should never delay seeking medical advice, disregard medical advice, or discontinue medical treatment because of information on this website or in this podcast.

EPISODE 24 | MINDFUL MOMENTS | Guided Visualization for Relaxation

Today’s Mindful Moment session invites you to float away from the everyday stresses and move towards what makes you feel good. Our guided meditation doesn’t use a mantra or breath, just our imagination to teleport you to a place that we associate with comfort and relaxation. This is perfect for yourself and possibly your partner as well, and a great way to start your morning practice or before going to a doctor’s appointment.

To share your own fertility story, please email me at hillary@ladypotions.com. I look forward to connecting with you, as you are what this podcast is all about.

Takeaway:

[0:33] Today’s episode is brought to you by my 29-Day Meditation Challenge, starting April 29, 2018.

[1:17] Managing and lowering stress is extremely important in everyday life, especially in cases of fertility and conception. For example, a study in 1993 by Domar pointed out that distress scores of depression and anxiety were similar to those engaged in cancer treatment and MORE than those recovering from a heart attack.

[2:15] I suggest the images rather than give them to you because what we all find relaxing is subjective and it is up to you to feel in control and calm. The more you practice this guided meditation, the more you access this during stressful or trying times.

[4:14] The guided relaxation begins. Please find a comfortable place to lie down or sit where you are away from distractions.

[16:43] Guided relaxation comes to an end. Know that this is an exercise you can come back to time and time again when you need some relaxation and clarity in your life.

EPISODE 22 | MINDFUL MOMENTS- Quiet Continuous Breathing

Today’s mindful moments episode is all about setting your morning right with a quiet continuous breathing meditation. Whether you have 30 seconds or 30 minutes a morning, this will help get you clued into your own body every morning, and set you throughout your day with more positive self-talk and intention. I recommend this meditation both before and after you take your basal body temperature. Nothing fancy, just quiet continuous breathing and some visualization to start your day out with a connection to yourself and your calmest potential. To share your own fertility story, please email me at hillary@ladypotions.com. I look forward to connecting with you, as you are what this podcast is all about.

TIP: Do this BEFORE you take your BBT in the morning for optimal mindset throughout your day

Takeaway:

[1:11] Today's Mindful Moments Meditation focuses on the quiet and continuous breath.

[2:31] Watching bad news early in the day had long-lasting effects and set the tone for a negative day. Shawn Achor and his wife Michelle Gielan, as originally reported in Harvard Business Review, found when you’re exposed to just three minutes of negative news first thing in the morning, you have a 27 percent higher likelihood of reporting that you had a bad day six to eight hours later, compared to a group exposed to positive, solutions-focused news.

[4:18] If you like these meditations and want to sign up for my free 29-day meditation challenge I’ll be offering in April, go to the show notes click here and click the link to sign up so you’ll know as soon as it is live. If you are listening to this past April 2018 you can still click the link and you'll be able to purchase the challenge to do on your own.

[6:09] The key is to pay attention and observe the breath. This meditation does 4 x 4 breaths, with observing on the inhale and exhale. This is a technique that I just practiced with my teacher davidji and I absolutely love. I have a hard time following my breath, but this practice had me in a trance in a matter of minutes.

[9:02] It is recommended to do this meditation, take your basal body temperature and then practice the meditation again. Even as little as 5 minutes can be key to setting the tone for the day.

[10:45] You will hear a bell at the 5, 10, 15 and 20-minute mark. This will remind us to gently move our focus back on the breath.

[11:21] Meditation begins and offers a sweet spot of quiet and quickness.

[35:59] Meditation ends and we focus on our physical surroundings and the peacefulness we cultivated.

LINKS MENTIONED:

Link to sign up for free 29-day meditation challenge

Manifest Your Dream Life Retreat with davidji -affiliate link- coupon code for $150 discount- dreamlife2018 

@ladypotions4u on Twitter

@ladypotions4u on Instagram

Special Thanks to Christopher Lloyd Clarke for music

EPISODE 20 | MINDFUL MOMENT | A Meditation to Help with Implantation While #TTC

A meditation to provide more peace and joy along your fertility road trip.

Description: Feelings of loneliness, fear, and doubt are universal to a woman during her fertility road trip. It is common to feel hopeful and confident one moment and then isolated and frazzled the next. Today’s mindful moment episode will be all about restoring more peace and joy into your space, and to remind you that we are all connected and can send healing energy and love to one another, especially during a time such as implantation.

We will dive deep in a meditation that came out organically as I was working with a lovely woman on her our experience. Today’s meditation will help you connect to your heart, let go of attachment, and breathe in faith and gratitude. To share your own fertility story, please email me at hillary@ladypotions.com. I look forward to connecting with you, as you are what this podcast is all about.

Takeaways

[1:53] The difference between a positive and negative stress experience is the beholder’s perception of time.

[2:35] This episode is dedicated to Lindsey, who inspired Hillary as she is brave and inspiring along her fertility road trip. This meditation that came out organically as they were working together and Hillary recommends this as a useful tool for relaxation during the implantation process.

[8:02] Meditation begins.

 

References:

Fertile Minds on LibSyn

Fertile Minds on iTunes

American Board of Oriental Reproductive Medicine

Continue Your Journey:

@ladypotions4u on Twitter

@ladypotions4u on Instagram

Special Thanks to Christopher Lloyd Clarke for music


EPISODE 16 | MINDFUL MOMENT | Chakra Clearing for Manifestation

Mindful Moments  

Using Chakra Clearing Meditation for Manifestation

 

Description: When I thought about creating this episode, I wanted to keep the intro short and sweet. We already spend so much time thinking, processing, and worrying. Sometimes we just need to “do it” and this comes to manifesting our dreams. Today’s episode features a meditation to help clear clutter internally to manifest the life of your dreams. After today’s episode, we encourage you to lighten your load from the inside out and to remember that you have access to your center anytime, at anyplace.

Takeaways

[3:06] As you go through this meditation, observe what areas are easier to open and close. There is no right or wrong way to do this, just listen and observe.

[4:04] To download this meditation, text “chakra clearing” to 44222.

[4:24] Meditation begins. Today’s journey will take us through the chakras within our body, to help cleanse and purify.

[50:01] Meditation ends.

 

References:

Fertile Minds on LibSyn

Fertile Minds on iTunes

 

Continue Your Journey:

To download this meditation, text “chakra clearing” to 44222.

 

Special Thanks to Christopher Lloyd Clarke for music

EPISODE 15 | SACRED POWERS OF TRANSFORMATION | davidji

Description: Davidji is the voice that woke me up many years ago, and I am forever grateful for finding his work, as it changed my life and path and this podcast would not be here today without him. Today I am honored to have him on as our guest. He graciously gives us tips on how to manifest true transformation in any area of your life from within, and answering the question “How Do I Stop Being Attached to The Outcome of Something I Want So Badly?” It’s a talk of rejuvenation, renewal, and rebirth.

Takeaways

[1:02] Our guest today is my meditation teach and mentor, davidji. He is an internationally recognized stress management expert, corporate trainer, meditation teacher and author of the critically acclaimed Amazon #1 Best Seller Destressifying

[3:06] Davidji guides us through a gentle meditation to center us and get us in the same place energetically.

[8:33] Shedding our old stories and outdated paradigms are necessary for rebirth and renewal. It’s easy to get stuck in the same way of thinking and mindset, and we have to be able to give ourselves permission to empty what is full to make space for the new.

[10:14] Meditated and Liberated in January with Libby Cartensen will be held in San Diego! For more information or tickets visit: here. Many programs promise the experience but don’t set you up for success when the workshop ends and real life begins. This is what sets MEDITATED & LIBERATED apart from other programs; you’ll have the experience and receive the tools to thrive when you return home.

[14:13] His third book, Sacred Powers: The Five Secrets to Awakening Transformation, just came out, and helps people to make the best decisions in the most important moments of their life with clarity and intention.

[19:08] Being detached from the outcome doesn’t mean you don’t care, it means you are open to controlling what you can and letting the rest come up spontaneously with grace and gratitude.

[22:37] A perspective shift of opening up our hearts for whatever may come is important to feel close to our own joy and our partner’s. Whatever pushes us apart from our partner is the same thing that has the ability to align us and get us even closer.

[30:31] Medical technology and adoption going global has opened up the opportunity for anyone to have children. This can be a beautiful thing but also can bring a lot of blame and pressure to couples or singles trying for a child. This is why we need the tools and ability to help us during the stressful times.

[34:12] Connecting to stillness and silence is a big lifestyle shift that can help ease stress during the fertility and pregnancy process. Davidji shares some personal experiences with past frustration and lessons learned in his own fertility process.

[47:51] Ask yourself, “What is distracting and what is nourishment?” A way to break it down into what is working vs. what needs some space can be found in the 5 teachings:

  1. Path of One — Awakens powers of presence, ripple, and spirit 

  2. Path of Awareness — Attention, Intention, and Action

  3. Path of Rebirth — Acceptance, Release, and New Beginnings 

  4. Path of Infinite Flow — Trust and Abundance

  5. Path of Inner Fire — Passion and Purpose

[52:09] Davidji gives us a gift of a free download type in the code: SacredGifts

 

References:

Fertile Minds on LibSyn

Fertile Minds on iTunes

Continue Your Journey:

Davidji 

Sacred Powers

40 Days of Transformation

Three Sacred Gifts Audio Lesson

EPISODE 12 | MINDFUL MOMENT | Gratitude Meditation w/ Hillary Talbott

Practicing the habit of developing an attitude of gratitude.

Description: I am very thankful for the ability to share today’s episode with you. Creation of life is INTERNAL and it needs a relaxed state to begin, which is exactly why a gratitude practice can help. I invite you to see what unfolds when you commit to an attitude of gratitude. We talk about why it is a matter of health to call on positive emotions, how to start the process of being grateful, and why it’s important to stop waiting until things “are better.” I guide you through a meditation for gratitude to take with you on your day and ongoing journey with fertility.

Takeaways

[1:30] Oftentimes I’m asked, “What is the quickest way to get healthy or get pregnant?” My answer is simple. “Start focusing on the good things in your life. Take stock of what is benefiting you (people, behaviors, habits, environments) and lean into those areas of your life. Place less emphasis on what you don’t have or what is irritating you, especially if it is a physical symptom or the lack of a child.

[2:02] When the body is in a state of homeostasis or balance it wants to create life.

[5:06] It’s actually a matter of health to learn to call on positive emotions like gratitude when we are feeling challenged, fearful, or untrusting. Creation of life is INTERNAL and it needs a relaxed state to begin which is exactly why a gratitude practice can help.

[7:30] The idea here is just like our meditations; there is no right or wrong way to do it. Make it your way so it will stick and you’ll want to do it and before you know it it will become part of you!

[8:11] In order to start believing or recognizing miracles it begins with the process of being grateful for what is right in front of us, especially the little things AND the things we might think of at first blush as not so great.

[11:07] The meditation for gratitude begins.

If you need to come back to this meditation, text TURKEY DAY to 44222. A digital copy of the meditation portion of this series will be emailed to you so you can play it anytime, anyplace, when you’re ready.

EPISODE 10 | 5 STEPS TO CLEARING UNFINISHED BUSINESS | Erin Gray, LCMHC

Unfinished Business & How it is Wrecking Your Fertility

Our topic today on Unfinished Business may feel really uncomfortable but it can be a game changer. It’s worth every ounce of your energy to shine a light on it so you don’t have to spend an eternity’s worth of energy repressing it. I am joined by the great Erin Gray and together we cover our definition of unfinished business, give specific details on how they could affect fertility, share some exercises to release repressed emotion, and help you decide when you may need to seek professional help on this topic.

Today's sponsor is Organic Conceptions, the online program designed to help you work through the emotions of an infertility journey with your partner yielding a better understanding of yourself, each other, and your relationship, all from the comfort of your own home.

Takeaways

[2:35] Disclaimer: This is a messy yet powerful topic. It only seems overwhelming because it may be something that’s been hidden away for a long long time, what we like to call a sleeping dragon. It’s really rather simple to address though and we’ve seen it be the difference maker in some really tough cases.

[3:03] Erin’s definition of unfinished business is anything that could be getting between you and an unsuccessful pregnancy or anything that doesn’t seem complete.

[5:45] Long before something hits your physical system, it has first run through your energetic, emotional and mental system. This is important to understand for treating and supporting all aspects and being sure not to blame yourself.

[9:35] We give some examples and more detail about sleeping dragons that need to be set free to open up your fertility. Some of these may include miscarriage, abortion, divorce, ‘ex’ relationships, kids from another relationship, fear of change or losing identity, inculturation, affairs, losing your body, remorse over past medical decisions, family relationships.

[27:37] We share some exercises for you to do on a separate piece of paper to just yourself.

 

[29:36] If you experience feelings of shame, crying, big emotions like anger or resistance, shutting down, or disassociation, physical feelings like those are the sleeping dragons and it’s very healthy and OK to get professional help.

[31:14] What are the steps to cleaning up our unfinished business?

  • Realize it may not be as big of a mess as you think it is.

  • Own your mess. No blame allowed here, only righteous ownership.

  • Decide if you need help, and what type of help works best for you.

  • Forgiveness of self or those that are involved.

  • Realize that just because you had unfinished business, it isn't a prognosis suggesting infertility. This is about you doing the work that is required to make sure there are no loose ends energetically because this is work only YOU can do.

[35:02] The mind is truly a powerful tool. We’ve witnessed this be a game changer for women that had multiple failed IVFs who went on to conceive naturally, to Advanced Maternal Age cases, to Sperm Donor cases where the pregnancy finally took after unearthing and addressing some unfinished business, so we know this is powerful stuff.

[36:56] We provide a quiz to hear more from you and to give you some of our expert advice on this topic.

 

Continue Your Journey:

Caroline Myss

Christiane Northrup



EPISODE 9 | MINDFUL MOMENTS | Forgiveness Meditations for Your Fertility Journey

A Fertility Meditation -Honing the Skill of Forgiveness

We are in interesting times. Everywhere you turn there seem to be intense emotions and angry accusations flying. From the #metoo to righteous anger over recent violent events, I thought it was a good time to record an antidote to all of this anger. Today we will be focusing on the skill of forgiveness. It's a skill that needs to be practiced in order to make it a permanent part of ourselves & anyone who's been trying to conceive can attest to the myriad of ways the Universe is presenting them with an opportunity to learn to forgive yourself and others. 


Takeaways

[:57] Anger is a powerful emotion and one that can cause great harm or tremendous growth. It's completely up to us how we choose to use it in our lives. And I say use it because it can create great movement in our lives and a fertility journey. Finally letting ourselves off the hook for something we did when we were 20, forgiving our partner if they have some sort of block to having a child whether that’s mental or physical, or forgiving ourselves for something we did or said, especially if when hormonally hijacked on something like Clomid can be key to opening up space within ourselves.

[1:15] Remaining angry with someone is like drinking poison and expecting the other person to die. Imagine what it does when the person you are angry with is you! Refusing to acknowledge our anger with ourselves or someone else can cause great harm on all three levels — physically, emotionally, and mentally. From a TCM perspective, we actually diagnose a type of depression that is the result of anger and frustration being turned inwards and pushed down until it eventually eats up all of a person's joy and turns into a smoldering depression. Sometimes I see this as a major cause of unexplained infertility.

[2:23] So what is the solution? First, identify what you are actually angry about, who you are angry at, and what part you played in the situation. After we identify it, we accept it as something that happened in the past or a past version of ourselves if we are to blame and then we commit to continue to release it as many times as it takes until we reach a state of complete forgiveness for everyone involved. This takes great patience and commitment but it’s the greatest gift we can give ourselves.

[3:20] Forgiveness is never for the other person. It's always for ourselves. It's letting go of something that is causing us great pain and it takes incredible strength and repetition to continue to forgiveness. One must not confuse this with weakness or with letting the other person or ourselves off of the hook.

[3:58] When you find you are having trouble forgiving, remember we are all human. And just as you’re not the culmination of one thing or one action or mistake, neither is someone else.

[4:04] In today's meditation we will be quietly asking ourselves some questions so we can zero in on where we carry the anger or frustration in our body and we will use a mantra to help release the bodily feeling or the obsessive thoughts that sometimes occur with anger. According to Ram Das in Buddhism mantra means “mind protecting.” A mantra protects the mind by preventing it from going into its usual mechanical habits, which often are not our optimal conscious perspective.

[4:50] Mantras can be super helpful when we are feeling consumed by a feeling or replaying someone's word or a situation in our head. Not only can you use this as the mantra during sitting meditation, but you can use it in your waking day when you become aware that your thoughts have drifted back into replay mode. When you become aware this is happening, simply repeat the mantra to yourself several times until you feel some space or peace open up inside of you.

[5:54] Today we will be using a mantra heralding the archetype of the Green Tara. In the Mahayana Buddhist tradition, it is believed that she is a Bodhisatta, or a Buddha, who has chosen to stay accessible to humans to help relieve their suffering. She is said to awaken our wisdom so we see the truth of our reality and to heighten the compassion of the person repeating her mantra or focusing on her figure.

[6:22] Buddhists say her qualities are accessible to anyone regardless of religion or creed, so fear not if aren't Buddhist, it can still be a strong practice. However, If you have a strong Christian background and this makes you uncomfortable I wish to stress that this isn't worshiping false Gods, rather it is asking to have the same qualities the figure was known to embody.

[7:27] The Sanskrit mantra we will be using is a bit of tongue twister, "Om Tare Tu Tare Ture Swaha" but that's okay because it will act as a magnet of concentration. Sanskrit mantras are interesting because they are based on seed syllables or Bija mantras, that set up vibrations fields though sound. They work even when recited silently, reverberating within.

[7:49] Meditation begins.

TEXT FORGIVENESS TO 44222 TO DOWNLOAD MEDITATION

[23:28]  Anytime in your waking day if you sense anger, or frustration, silently to yourself use the mantra to help release it as you remember your commitment to forgive for the sake of yourself.

[24:01] POEM from Prayers of Honoring, by Pixie Lighthorse.

 

Continue Your Journey & References:

EPISODE 6 | MASCULINE & FEMININE ENERGY | Erin Gray

Description: Hello and welcome to a fun and juicy episode, all about male and female energies. Today we will be answering the question: what’s the difference between these energies and why does it matter when it comes to conception? Our guest on today’s show is the lovely Erin Gray, mental health counselor and licensed massage therapist extraordinaire. We also talk about balancing the male / female energies, the cultural background of how we got here in the first place, what not to do, and solid examples you can try out today.

 

 

Takeaways:

[1:15] I invite you to join me in Sweden this summer at my Relax & Recharge Retreat in the Land of the Midnight Sun. Imagine doing daily yoga and meditation surrounded by horses and alpacas, being served farm-to-table organic meals, and hiking or journaling as you practice simply BEING. Of course, partners and friends are welcome, but this meditation retreat is designed to help you get in touch with your male and female energies and the balancing act of giving and receiving. To learn more about that you can visitladypotions.com/retreats for specifics.

[2:23] We welcome our guest, Erin Gray. Erin was featured in Episode 4, as well, where we talk about “Doing vs. Being.”

[3:16] I’m a woman married to a man, why do I need to how to operate from my male or female energy? First, the biological functions. It throws our cortisol levels off, throws us into fight or flight mode, and creates a cascade of hormonal imbalance.

[6:22] In order to optimize your fertility, it’s important to balance the energy of womanly “receiving” and male “doing.”

[9:14] If culture values doing over reflection, how did we get this way? Culturally women want to feel valued, so it is natural that we would align to try and fit in. However, the tides are changing and more women in society are owning their femininity.

[12:39] What happens to men when we compete with them, and how do we correct it when it happens? We each have masculine and feminine energy, and the ideal situation is where there is a polarity between the two.

[15:16] Men want to show up for the feminine. If we emasculate them, they will shut down and not engage with us.

[17:23] What would you tell a listener who just realized she’s been operating from her masculine side? We hear my own personal story about it! One of the best ways to jump quickly into the feminine is to softly ask for what we need and what would make us happy. We also need to soften to our own desire to our feminine place.

[24:19] We give some examples of how to step down from your masculine energy and invite your man to step up from his. It’s like magic!

[28:49] Praising your partner has energetic benefits for both you and your man.

DOWLOAD YOUR CHEAT SHEET HERE

Continue Your Journey:

To learn more about the Relax & Recharge Retreat:ladypotions.com/retreats

To connect with Erin Gray: Erinmgray.abmp.com

About Erin:

Erin M. Gray is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor and a Licensed Massage Therapist. She graduated from Nova Southeastern University with a Master’s degree in Mental Health Counseling and from Bhakti Academe School of Intuitive Massage and Healing with a diploma and certifications in Level V Bhakti Massage and Bhakti Energy Work. She is also certified as a Level I Aromatherapy Practitioner.