CREATIVE JUICES ON OUR ROAD TO MOTHERHOOD
Exploring the benefits of creative expression during conception, pregnancy and birth
“ Pregnancy and art transcend class and culture and can change lives as well as change childbirth” Alex Florshutz
Bringing a child into the world is the all time creative expression. As well as the incredible job of creating a little human, the motherhood journey is a potent time to access our creative juices and open to our intuitive feminine power.
During pregnancy our theta brain waves are activated (our deep relaxed and meditative state).We often deem this state as ‘baby brain’, but in the positive light we are becoming more creative and intuitive, so we are prepared to birth and mother.
Our subconscious realm speaks to us during pregnancy. This is seen in how pregnant women often have more vivid dreams that they remember. These dreams, images or creative expressions may be bringing to light things we need to heal or address during pregnancy, so we can be a more present parent.
The more we can move from a masculine driven life and into a more flowing feminine creative state the more fertile ground for conceiving, pregnancy, birth and mothering.
“The womb is round, receptive and feminine. It embodies the power of the feminine, which lies in being, or holding space rather than doing. I encourage women to intentionally soften themselves to prepare for conception. The more soft, feminine, dreamy and non- time-based they become, the better for cultivating the feminine aspects of their energy.” Tami Lynn Kent
When a women surrenders to the feminine aspect of herself in conception and pregnancy, she opens to the great mystery and learns to trust the unknown. By flexing this muscle, we can be better prepared to let go during labour and move with the natural birth process as oppose to fighting it. Birth and motherhood often push us to surrender our egoic thinking mind and open to something greater which is out of our control, just like creative expression!
Image of Hannah Johnson
In my workshops I often encourage the messy, child like, soul filled part to create, rather then the mind. Letting go of the need to make something ‘pretty’ can be tricky, but when someone can jump into the subconscious realm and create from this place they will likely be pleasantly surprised by how the soul speaks when we don’t come from the mind.
Creative processes opens the door to our intuitive wisdom, so things we may of been confused about i.e. whether to have a hospital or home birth may become clear once we express our internal world, externally.
“Art has the power to access unconscious processes which can find an outlet for healing or venting by making them conscious. The very nature of creativity complements the creative process of pregnancy and is therefore the most compatible form of self exploration” Alex Florshutz- The Art of birth
Many women during pregnancy benefit from externally expressing their fears particularly of birth, by addressing these concerns there is potential to let go of them and create the birth you desire as opposed to letting it unconsciously impact us.
It can also be a way of envisioning the birth or postpartum period you desire to have.
Pam England from ‘Birthing from within’ describes her childbirth preparation classes that use creative expression: “Even for the timid and inexperienced, the art-making process is fun and relaxing. It’s time for parents to reflect on what they know, need, want, fear and remember. Talking about their art prompts important questions and initiates lively discussions. Thus, in a reversal of the usual class structure become “active” and offers inspiration and direction to the teacher. "
Expressing through the arts can also be a beneficial tool for pregnancy loss, as seen in Frida Kahlo’s paintings, where she processed her miscarriage in her powerfully symbolic self portraits.
Image by @hadas amor
Creative expression comes in an array of forms and we may be drawn to particular mediums such as dance, poetry, painting, music drawing, collage, craft, scuplture or clay. the list goes on…..
The benefits of accessing creativity during conception, pregnancy and birth:
Visualising and connecting with the baby forming a stronger bond
Access inner fears, concerns or feelings around pregnancy, birth or becoming a mother
Processing your own birth into the world and childhood
Processing past births or traumas such as miscarriage or abortion
Integrate the changes within the body
Visualise the birth or postpartum you desire
Accessing inner knowing and wisdom
Strengthening the ability to let go and trust which is key to birthing
How we tackle creative expression can also be very revealing of our psychology. For instance taking note if we have a need to do something perfectly or say to ourselves “ I can’t do it, I am not creative”. Our unique approaches to creative processes can be keys to how we do life, birth or mothering.
Creativity is like digging and finding treasures you never new existed, these treasures have been birthed and forever yours to keep. When we continue on this self discovery we integrate forgotten parts that we may of suppressed or shamed, making us more whole.
Not only is it a beautiful way to access our sensual self, but also a way of shining a torch on all the rooms in us that may be in the dark, daring to be seen and heard.
Creative expression can become a powerful tool on our journey to be a conscious parent, to grow and heal for our children.
If you wanting to dive further into your creative self during pregnancy I am currently offering online workshops and one on one sessions to ignite your creative feminine and empower you on your motherhood journey.