Maintaining gratitude is not always easy during the 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 a negative assisted conception procedure, a 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.
Here it is! A simple, mindful technique to help release the hardships of your fertility journey and maintain heartfelt gratitude.
Maintain gratitude with this super simple mandala
First of all please 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 #fertilityinspiration, or read any of my fertility lifestyle and nutrition blogs – can I suggest 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!
