Maintaining gratitude

This month as I drew the Creation Fertility cards I was delighted to pull the gratitude card.  Something so easy to forget – especially  during a fertility journey.  I am well aware how the fertility journey presents challenges,  from moments of  ecstasy and trust to sadness, despair, jealousy and plain frustration.  Daily life ensures that you hear  announcements of other peoples successes, pregnancies and births.  Work colleagues, radio and TV, films, reading,  phone calls, social media, and celebrities  all provide news of pregnancies and  births.  Then there is the practical but disappointing  news of an unsuccessful  assisted conception procedure, blood test,  negative ovulation or pregnancy test and the cyclic arrival of your blood flow to screw your day up.  So, this morning,  as I drew number 17  “GRATITUDE” from the creation fertility guidance cards   an idea of introducing this powerful mandala  to help you maintain a positive mind set came to mind.

 

Maintain gratitude with this super simple  mandala  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Maintaining Gratitude exercise

First of all  get prepared!

Simply find a piece of  paper, some coloured pens or  pencils or;  if you are into your  i-pad, phone or tablet then start work  with your stylo/stylos pen.

Take a moment to settle and connect with the  phrase “TODAY I AM GRATEFUL FOR”.  and write it in the centre of the page. You can even make a pattern around it or include a photo or illustration of you!

Breathe.  Relax and and allow positive  memories and thoughts to bring heartfelt gratitude to the fore.  Doodle away as the illustration suggests.  Use colours if you wish, patterns or anything else which helps you mindfully enjoy the exercise.

Every day will be different  so create your own folder or buy yourself a notebook journal so you can store your creations and please share them with me on social media!

Here are some  GRATITUDE  ideas to get you started!

LOVE, CUDDLES AND KISSES, FUN, FRIENDS, LAUGHTER, LOVING PARENTS, HOME, NATURE, FINANCES, ANIMALS/PETS, TRAVEL AND HOLIDAYS, CLOTHES, HEALING, SUPPORT, MEMORIES, NATURAL OR FUNCTIONAL MEDICINE, HERBS AND ADAPTOGENS. OPPORTUNITIES, CLEAN WATER, FOOD, COOKING, HEATING, YOGA, SPORTS, EMPLOYMENT, MEDITATION, HAPPINESS, CREATIVITY, COMMUNITY, CARS/TRAINS/AEROPLANES/CYCLING/WALKING ETC , ELECTRICITY,  HEATING AND WARMTH,  SILENCE, MUSIC , ARTS,  THEATRE, DANCE AND MOVEMENT, YOUR  PHYSICAL BODY, MIND, HEALTH, BEAUTY, SOUL CONNECTION, BODY PARTS, (HANDS, UTERUS, HEART, LUNGS, FALLOPIAN TUBES, EGGS, FACE, YOUR SMILE, TEETH, HAIR, FEET), REFLEXOLOGY, NUTRITION, THE SUN, RAIN, AIR/OXYGEN, OVULATION, EGGS, YOUR MOON BLEED, SEX, YOUR WOMB, SYNCHRONICITY, YOUR RELATIONSHIP WITH YOUR HUSBAND/PARTNER

5 additional ideas to help you maintain gratitude

Initially you may want to keep this GRATITUDE mandala really simple.  Perhaps begin just writing headings but as you get used to maintaining gratitude using this exercise daily try deepening  the practice.  Here are 5 ideas

a) Include deeper heart felt gratitude.  For instance – nature could be “smelling freshly cut grass”,  body parts “being a woman” ” having a uterus to support carrying a baby”, “recognising my ovulation symptoms”, “sex today was fabulous”, ” the patience of (partner )”  synchronicity – amazing that I  was led to meet (whoever) today, TODAY I feel grateful.

b) Do this with your partner.  Both of you will need their own piece of paper.  Write TODAY I AM GRATEFUL FOR (THEN NAME YOUR PARTNER).  Now, allow your positive gratitude and love towards them flow!  Write these down.  When you have each completed it exchange your mandala with your partner.   It’s such a romantic and beautiful gesture.

c) You can also  draw a GRATITUDE mandala  to help you positively connect with your uterus/blood flow/fertility team.  At ovulation or your womb bleed find gratitude to these body parts or your support team.  Remember, a bleed offers the opportunity for another chance of a pregnancy and demonstrates that your uterus is working!

d) If you are a worrier/anxious/bad sleeper or simply that your default mechanism is negativity then I suggest you do this exercise before bed each night.  Honestly, it helps!

e) Book an appointment with me for a Fertility MOT or  Baby Creating Programme . Or, if you prefer  self-care fertility lifestyle then  let me introduce you to the Creation Fertility Toolkit

If you have enjoyed this article then please sign up for  my ZOOM monthly #fertilityinspiration (just email me asking to join) or sign up for my weekly #fertilityinspiration or explore my website for additional support.

Creation Fertility Toolkit

Nourish yourself this moon cycle

Heart opening yoga

Date nights and heart meditation;

Remaining womb positive;

How to make fertility intentions;

Caring for yourself during the TWW

SHARE YOUR CREATIONS ON SOCIAL MEDIA WITH ME! 

 

To make an appointment with Justine Evans  ND  Hormone Alchemist and Fertility Expert/Doula call 07747 133170 or contact@justineevans.co.uk

Justine Evans ND, BSc Nut Med  is the founder of Creation Fertility. In tune with mother nature, western medicine, the seasons and Eastern philosophy she offers a multi dimensional approach to your fertility and pregnancy health.