CROWN

Crowning. "The ring of fire" as it's commonly known. For me, this stage of labor was the most powerful physical sensation of my life. Squatting at the end of my bed, I felt my son's head emerge, and in that moment, it felt as though the whole universe was rushing through me. More than the pain, I remember the feeling of awe. The pressure was intense-- but I didn't feel like I was splitting open or pushing through fire (the stitches that I needed afterwards are a different story....) Instead, it seemed as though time stopped and my baby and I were suspended in a moment between two worlds.

Recalling that moment of birth, I began thinking-- what if we replace fear with curiosity? Rather than fearing "the ring of fire" (or any part of birth), we can choose to be open to the new experience. It might be painful, but it might also be the most powerful, beautiful experience of your life.

<< TEN MOONS >>

My newest creation-- <<TEN MOONS~ a meditation journal for pregnancy, birth, and postpartum>> has been birthed and is now available for preorder through our Etsy shop! It's so exciting to finally hold this journal in my hand, after many months of dreaming and creating it. 

This journal is a collaboration with Sandra Maurer from Whole Beginnings and was created from our desire to provide inspiration and soulful guidance to women during their motherhood journey. While carrying my boys in my belly, I felt more in tune with my inner self and spirit than at any other point in my life. I found myself journaling and drawing frequently- recording my thoughts and the changes my body was experiencing. Shortly after Koa was born, I began dreaming about creating a journal for other women-- space and inspiration to dive into the journey of pregnancy on a deeper level. And so, Ten Moons was born!!

This softcover journal features 100 pages of inspiration. Inside you will find:

-writing prompts to encourage your exploration 

-powerful mantras to connect you to your inner strength

-blank pages to record all of your thoughts and feelings

-coloring pages to release your creativity

-guided meditations to help you journey within

-and inspiring images to fill you with joy

The journal features three guided meditations to help cultivate peace during your pregnancy. 

There are three coloring pages throughout the journal, for fun, creative meditation,

I've included some of my favorite paintings throughout the journal, to reflect the beauty of the pregnant and birthing form-- and remind you that you are a beautiful goddess!

Each page features a powerful mantra to connect you with your inner strength. 

Special pages throughout the journal help you create a birth plan, make preparations for the postpartum period, release fears/stories you have around birth, and record your birth story.

<< GUIDED MEDITATION FOR BIRTH >>

 After a long, wild day of final tweaks and editing (with a baby on my lap and an energetic four year old running circles around the dining room table), I finally sent the pregnancy journal off to the printer! I'm so excited to have a hard copy in my hand, and to be able to share it with the world.

In celebration of finally finishing this project, I wanted to share one of the guided meditations included in the journal--- and, another coloring page that you can print out!

Enjoy beautiful mamas!

                                                                      ~ Birth Meditation~

Find a quiet space and take a moment to get comfortable. Calm your mind and concentrate on taking deep, slow breaths. Place your hands over your belly and feel the energy of you baby inside.

As you inhale, feel your body filling with strength. Each breath centers you and connects you with the power at the core of your being. As you exhale, imagine your baby moving forward towards a bright, gentle light. The energy of your body is bringing your little one into the world. With each breath  in, you grow stronger and more centered. Letting go of your breaths, you release your fears and call your baby forward. Focus on the sensations in your body-- imagine any tension dissolving and flowing from your body as you breath out. Visualize your baby coming into the world surrounded by love.

<< BIRTH ALTER >>

I'm so excited to launch a few new products in our shop, including birth prayer flags (above) and birth affirmation cards (below.) During my own labors, I focused on a painting that a friend had given me of a mother lifting up her child.  Having a visual focal point to concentrate on (when my eyes were open) helped me feel centered-- it grounded me in the present. I was inspired to create something that would help other women through their labors in the same way-- and birth flags came to mind. 

NEW PIECES// SEPTEMBER

NEW PIECES// AUGUST

As August comes to an end (how did that happen!?) I thought I'd share some of my favorite pieces created this month. I'm still riding the birth waves-- dreaming of that powerful, sacred energy and the gorgeous goddess mamas that embody it. 

37 WEEKS

37 weeks. 3 to go until my due date. The final stretch.

These last few months of pregnancy are bittersweet for me. I'm so excited and anxious to meet our new babe-- to feel soft baby hair against my cheek and to finally snuggle the little being inside me. But I know I'll also miss being pregnant. I'll miss the way I feel so grounded-- connected to the earth and a greater life force. I'll miss the rolling waves in my belly-- the security of holding my child safe within my womb. I'm doing my best to stay present for these next few weeks-- to soak up the sensations and feelings of pregnancy that I treasure so much while also preparing myself for the transition ahead. 

BIRTH MEDITATION

<<We hold the ancient knowledge in our bones, in our wombs, in the deepest fibers of our beings. Our bodies know the way through birth-- sacred wisdom we carry within us from our own entrances into the world. Our minds must give way to our bodies. We must trust our power and surrender to the strength that flows through us. We are divine gateways for new life. We are mothers.>>

BIRTH ART/ FEBRUARY

 

As I mentioned in my last post, I've been consumed by pregnancy and birth art lately. It seems to be my way of processing this experience-- of connecting with the changes that are taking place in my body and spirit. I've always been captivated by the pregnant female form, but now more than ever, I feel drawn to this symbol of fertility, femininity, and power.

 

 

Gaia pregnant goddess art print

23 WEEKS

Celebrating 23 weeks of pregnancy today. The constant sickness and desperation of the first few months are finally beginning to fade in my memory and the sweet little kicks and wiggles from my belly keep me smiling throughout the day.

I've been working on a lot of pregnancy and birth paintings lately. It's all I can seem to focus on and it feels good to be able to channel that creative energy out onto paper. Pregnancy fills every corner of my body and mind. This period of growth, transition, and anticipation is one of my favorite times. In carrying a child within me, I can't help but feel connected to the world in a greater way-- connected to every mother, past, present, and future.

I feel so connected to the soul within me and yet, full of curiosity about who my child will be. It's a beautiful paradox-- sharing a body, knowing, on a deep level, the life created from my cells, and at the same time, not knowing at all what this little person will be like.

~in love and light~