Are You Allowing Abundance? (Pt 1)

Do you have an Abundance Mindset or a Lack Mentality?

This blog post has been calling me to write it for so many months now, but I couldn't channel the perfect words to explain what was coming through. I think, also, there were a few last blocks of my own to clear in relation to this - because it triggered me every time I tried!

But I think I got it now...

And I write this with deep gratitude for all the beautiful souls, clients, friends, family, strangers, neighbours, mentors (and haters!) that have allowed me so many opportunities to grow and expand on this topic - as a result from our interactions, conversations and energy exchanges. (You may find a few familiarities as you read along, so yes - my words have been inspired by you beautiful one. And thank you.)

Abundance, abundance, abundance.

I am a magnet for abundance.

I welcome abundance and prosperity into my life.

Abundance flows into my life with ease and grace.

I know all of these, because I've used them as affirmations myself. But even if these are written on our bathroom mirror, stuck next to our bed or up in our Sacred Space - we may not have made room for this Abundance to flow in. These affirmations truly are beautiful, but if we want to speed things up a little, we need to bust through some blocks. Clear the way! Allow it in! I can see abundance flowing to you, it's all around you! But can you?

What even is Abundance to you?!

Can you feel it when you say it?

And are you feeling the right thing when you do?

Is it resistance or allowing?

Is Abundance in relation to copious amounts of money?

Plentifulness in regards to Health?

Time? Freedom? Friends? Possessions? Love?

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noun: abundance;

1. a very large quantity of something, the state or condition of having a copious quantity of something; plentifulness

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Abundance is...

That you can have and want whatever you'd like in life, without guilt attached

That there is more than enough to go around for everybody

That you are not taking from anybody when you receive

That you can, and will, expand beyond any pre-conceived limitations you may have

That you can achieve all of your dreams and goals and desires, and then some - without having to compromise or sacrifice anything

That there is no cap, or limit in any area of your life

That the more you receive, the more you create 'out there' for others

That the more you receive, the more you can give.

(And isn't giving what we all want to do, deep down at our core?!)

Images by Feather and Sage Portrait

So where do you sit?

Do you truly believe that there is enough to go around for everybody?

Or do you have fear, deep down, that when somebody else is succeeding, or doing well, or earning a lot of money - that they're taking away from you? From something you're trying to attain? Or receive? Or have?

There is no limit to abundance.

Again. There is no limit to abundance.

Abundance is the opposite to limitations. There's no imaginary pool of wealth and prosperity that others are dipping into, that lessens the quantity for you. Or that reduces the amount of Abundance that is rightfully yours. (And it is.) There is no bucket of money that you're taking from, that leaves nothing left for others. Actually, it's quite the opposite. It's forever being topped up. It's ever-expanding. Continually growing. Limitless. Infinite.

Ah ha.

Did you feel that shift?

That is block clearing.

That is old patterns breaking.

That, is an Abundance Mindset.

An Abundance Mindset frees you. It is, authentically selfless. It allows you to truly want everybody to have everything they desire in life, and knowing you can too - plentifully! Another part we get stuck on, is believing we can have anything we truly want - because we can't see it with our physical eyes yet.

Why don't we believe?

This stems from our personal life experiences - and what we have seen in front of us. We set up belief systems from viewing what those around us are doing. From our 'reality'. But not everything you see with your physical eyes is truth.

"Many around you want to point out 'reality' to you. They say, 'face the facts. Look at what is.' And we say to you, if you are able to see only what IS - then, by Law of Attraction, you will create only more of what IS. You must be able to put your thoughts beyond what IS, in order to attract something different or something more. - Abraham Hicks

'See' with your Third Eye. Your Imagination Centre. The space where you visualise everything. This is the space where you create your dreams. This is the space where everything manifests from. This is the space from which you do the work. This is the space where Abundance resides.

Lack Mentality: Is this you?

Images by Feather and Sage Portrait

Do you wish you could win the lottery? Or receive some large inheritance? I love Louise Hay's explanation on this. Fantasising about having this amount of prosperity in your life is fine, in fact it might be what you need to allow yourself to feel abundance, or believe it can be possible for you.

But hanging onto this idea far too strongly sets up a belief system within yourself that you could only ever have this much prosperity in your life, if it was through luck. You are much much more deserving of receiving prosperity, through many other platforms. This is not the only way you deserve to have an abundant life!

Do you want more?

...but stop yourself because you feel guilt, fear, shame, embarrassment, disbelief, remorse. Because you think 'I'm doing OK, I could be worse off - I've got more than some others'. Do you feel selfish? Do you frequently say, think, or write these things - in conversation, in Facebook statuses, in emails, texts...

I have no money

I'm broke

That'd just be my luck

I'll never be rich

I just wasn't born that way

I can't afford it

That'll never be my life

It could be worse.

Is it because you're describing your 'reality'? Because that's how it's always been for you? Because you've seen this as your 'reality' - now and growing up? Or has this just become your story?

Say it like it is, keep it like it is.

Say it how you'd like it to be. It could be worse - but it could be better! Or say nothing at all! Especially if you're not believing yet that you're deserving. If it's a story you've been telling for a while, it's going to take some time. But it's SO crucially important to change your story - especially if it's not what you want!

So what do you want?

There are no limitations, you haven't run out of time in your life, you can have and achieve and receive anything you'd like, whatever age, whatever background...let yourself go there.

Is it to spend your days how you choose?

Get paid a significant amount of money to do something that you love to do?

Give as much money to charity as you'd like?

Chase Summer around the globe and travel whenever you chose to?

Buy a house for your parents?

Spend your time helping those in need, whilst having all you need yourself?

Spend everyday with your family?

Wake up when you choose - and not to an alarm?

I have my own little story of busting through blocks to create my Abundance Mindset, so I'm going to share it with you. But be warned - it will push up against against some of your belief systems. It will challenge you. I predict you will try to click off the page! But if you want change and think you're ready - then hang in there with me. It'll be worth it. I promise. Read it here > > >

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Mercury Retrograde: 10 steps to Survive and Thrive

Mercury is retrograde.

Ahhh, how severe is it going to be?

How will this Astrological Event shake up our lives!?

But seriously, it's not that bad. Not if you're aware. Not if you're living consciously and in sync with the energies that are being offered to you. It's the perfect time to reconnect to yourself. And the perfect time to practice making things work in your favour - by flowing and not fighting back.

Here are my top 10 suggestions to survive and thrive during this Mercury Retrograde.

1. Reflect, revise, renegotiate, revamp, renew, revisit.

Everything! All the 're' words.

Implement anything that will aid your concentration and help engage your mind. This is a time to be mentally present by focusing on one thing at a time. We want to be dispelling confusion, encouraging clarity, counterbalancing mental fatigue and supporting disengagement.

2. Back up everything!

Computers, phones, hard drives, USB sticks - anything electrical. Don't have so many damn tabs open when you're working on something important (guilty!) on the computer! Try and do one thing at a time instead. Otherwise you're just asking for Mercury Retrograde to swing in and ruffle your feathers! (PS I've saved this blog post twice already!)

Whilst we need focus, we also need to quiet and ground our mind, especially if we have a short attention span. Remaining present and completing one task at a time will help bring us back from distraction when we become lost in thought or we jump from one task to another.

3. Double check all travel plans and itineraries.

Are your flight times AM or PM? Are you at Terminal 1 or 4? Did you get a confirmation email about your tent site or hotel room? Were transfers included, or did you just make the assumption they were?

Practice being in your power. I would encourage you to work through any feelings of powerlessness at this time, when we sometimes believe circumstances are out of our control. It helps us take responsibility for our lives, instead of blaming external influences or other people. It encourages accountability, and removes any blame in the case of misfortune.

4. If there's clone situations coming back around, or people from the past that you thought you had disconnected from - ask yourself what is left to be done?

If it triggers emotions within you, then you may need to clear some related blocks or resolve some things within yourself. What is it that you need to learn in order to let go? How can you think about this situation from a different perspective, to cut the energetic ties/chords you still have connected?

Do you need to forgive yourself or somebody else?

Do you need to truly let it go?

What is it that you're feeling?

It’s time to set yourself free - especially if we are leaning into feeling resentful, blaming or bitter, this is the time to foster forgiveness and recognise us that everyone is learning and growing together. Gently invite yourself to free yourself through viewing situations and others with compassion and understanding - including ourselves.

5. Be very conscious of your communication.

Double check who you're texting. Re-read emails and texts that are sent to you, before becoming reactive in your response. Triple check your newsletter, blog posts or mass marketing before sending it out. In fact, get someone else to go over it too! Think before you speak.

Try and calm your mind before verbally expressing yourself. Use gentle words to unblock any blocked communication channels, between people. Slows down racing thoughts. Releases tension from spoken words so that you have an opportunity to feel seen and heard.

6. Don't take things personally and don't attach emotion to everything.

If the garage remote stops working, it's going to be OK. If you're locked out of your house, it's going to be OK. If you ran out of toilet paper, it's going to be OK. If you can't find your left shoe but have your right, it's going to be OK! The world is not against you. Everything is actually working on your behalf, energetically. Use these opportunities to slow right down, and come back to the present.

Breathe. Open up your airways, through deep breathing, and therefore reducing stress. Deep breathing will support you when you’re overwhelmed, constricted, closed. Coming back to the breath encourages us to open up, embrace life, let go of any heaviness, come back to the present and gain perspective.

7. 'If you think adventure is dangerous, try routine - it's lethal.' Practice flexibility.

Controlling routines in your life may feel safe, but they can often make you rigid and stuck. Try and go with the flow. Use this period of time to try and say 'yes' as much as you can - and notice the difference. You are always being looked after - trust a little more. Spontaneously ask someone to go for coffee. Agree to go away for the weekend with friends. Mix it up. Don't be careless, but loosen up a little! Retrogrades can show us which areas we're holding on too tightly in our lives. (Hint: the magic happens outside of your comfort zone!)

Motion and Flow is your friend right now. This will help us when we are stuck in rigidity, feel the need to control, are stuck in perfectionism. Creating energetic flow to create flexibility helps you to cast aside any worries and lets you enjoy the spontaneity of life because you trust it.

8. Think before you speak and listen before you respond.

Throat Chakras are going to be overactive wherever you go! Keep your head on if there's any misunderstandings and try to remember everyone is in the same boat with all of these high flying energies affecting communications. Avoid arguments, debates and being right - sometimes it's better to be kind, than to be right. Words cut deep and can create wounds that last forever.

Wearing blue, and Throat Chakra exercises (singing/humming), will encourage confidence and courage in expressing yourself - allowing you to be articulate in speech.

9. Don't start new projects.

Wait until this energy has settled - things will be a lot more in flow after this retrograde and your new ventures will run more smoothly.

Lean into Surrender. If you’re usually strong willed ( and sometimes stubborn) you will especially need to let go of the action, to allows yourself to flow with a higher power - for things to unfold in their natural timing and space.

10. Take the time to be reflective and to do some real self-evaluation around your priorities - especially around where your 'energy' is spent in relation to these.

What are your top 5 priorities in life, in relation to your values?

Physical, Emotional, Mental Health? Adventure? Wealth? Freedom? Career? Consciousness? Spirituality? Environmentalism? Connection to Nature? Friendship? Family? Personal Development/Growth? Ethical Living? Knowledge/Wisdom? Being in Service?

And now - where are you spending your energy (time, money, resources, attention, love) - on a weekly basis?

• Is it time for a shuffle around?

• Time to start living on purpose?

• Start living consciously?

• Choosing what you do and what you do it for?

Spend some time in meditation, focusing on your Crown or Third Eye between your brows. Focusing on these energy centres assists us in clearing self deceptions and invites us to create a much more positive and productive perspective. It will help you gain clarity around what is bringing the most light into your life, and what is keeping you feeling disconnected.

Mercury Retrograde is gifting you the time and energy to do all of these things - for your highest good.

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Minimalism and Project 333

I'm 5 days out from starting my second Project 333 Challenge! And you know what that means?

1. I haven't worn my 'Mum Outfit' once since January, except for when I actually was doing Yoga

and

2. I get to change up my wardrobe with 33 new pieces of clothing for the next 3 months! My creativity and excitement and inspiration is off the richter!

So why on Earth would you limit your wardrobe to 33 pieces?

For 3 months!?

Sounds like a nightmare for any woman who loves her clothes, accessories, shoes, handbags... Yeah, all the prettiness that we fill our lives with, that we think makes us happy. Yes, we can have healthy attachments to clothes and presentation - that make us feel sexy and confident and feminine and sensual, and that embody our highest selves. But it's when we need these things to make us feel safe. Or loved. Or needed. Or fulfilled. Or whatever it is we're longing and searching for...then we need to take a few moments for some self evaluation.

Minimalism the Documentary - This documentary led me to the challenge I have been telling everybody about it!

And wow, what a mind blower. If you haven't seen it, I highly recommend it. For someone that doesn't have much attachment to things (I gave almost everything I owned away when I moved across the country to Perth - for free), it even blew my mind!

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I won't go into the plot (because it's an amazing story of transformation and evolvement in itself!), but the 2 major things I took from this documentary were;

1. Priorities

'Freedom from the trappings of the consumer culture we’ve built our lives around. That doesn’t mean there’s anything inherently wrong with owning material possessions. It's just that we tend to give too much meaning to our things, often forsaking our health, our relationships, our passions, our personal growth, and our desire to contribute beyond ourselves.' - The Minimalists (Joshua Fields Millburn & Ryan Nicodemus)

For me, it's the buying the house stuff. The mortgage stuff. The big ring on your finger stuff. The $50,000 one day wedding. The things Tha have so much attached to it. And I don't mean to offend. It's just not for me, if other things have to fall by the wayside.

It's the collection of material objects. But not just because you desire them - because you have other attachments to these things. Old belief systems. Old paradigms.

The idea that the stuff equates to success. That the stuff represents status. Or that you work harder than others. Or that you're winning 'the competition'. That the stuff means you're happy.

It's a projection that some of us feel we need to display. And it's the way I feel we've started to prioritize the things in our lives that scare me the most.

• Is the big house worth it, if we never see our family because we're working all the time? If we never have the time to paint, draw, dance, or pursue our passions - because we've chosen to use our time in other areas. ("Well, playing the guitar just isn't going to pay the bills you know!" Even though it would certainly make you more fulfilled.) If it’s a conscious decision to do both - then, winning!

• Is the flashy expensive car worth it, if we bump our health down the ladder because we think organic fruit and vegetables are too expensive? Yet a $200 a week repayment is acceptable for a vehicle, because it has all the extras - whilst we neglect our health and follow down the path of illness or disease. If you can honour both - go for it!

I feel the people that know me might be snickering right now, so let me divulge. Yes - I have a Thermomix. Yes - I have a Robot Vaccum Cleaner. I have nice things. I like nice things. Again - Minimalism doesn’t mean there’s anything inherently wrong with owning material possessions.) I chose to have these things in my life because I value my health and my time. I'm sure you can figure out how that works by owning these items.

'Minimalism is a tool to rid yourself of life’s excess in favor of focusing on what’s important...'

2. Project 333

THIS got my attention! I love a good challenge. A good project to sink my teeth into! Reading that Project 333 is the minimalist fashion challenge that invites you to dress with 33 items or less for 3 months, got me listening.

33 items including clothing, accessories, jewelry, outerwear and shoes.

I, like everyone I've preached this to, thought 'oh that's easy, I clean out my cupboard all the time and give it to charity'. No, no, no, no. Oh no. This project is far more challenging! Far more rewarding!

How do you start?

Well, you take everything out of your wardrobe. Everything. Shoes, hats, scarves, beanies, handbags, everything folded, everything on hangers, everything up top and everything down below. And you put it on a spare bed, or your bed.

Next, I cleared the energy. Cleared the space. I used Sage, a Lemongrass Essential Oil Liquid Smudge I'd blended especially, sunlight, fresh air and loud music. Vibrational Clearing. I visualised the times I had worn these clothes, where and when. How far some of these clothes have travelled with me - to the United States, Europe, Western Australia from NSW, from house to house in Wollongong. I cleared every emotion I'd felt whilst wearing these items of clothing. Every memory. Every piece of the past. And just left it there, in the past - where it belonged.

And this is where the challenge really begins.

Humans have a hard time letting memories go. They think that if they forget a good time, that it didn't happen! They cling to the good feelings of that good memory, and rely on it to boost them in the present. Not a good habit beautiful ladies. Using the past to do that all the time is what we call attachment. And not being present or 'in the now.' (Eckhart Tolle would back me on that!)

First Rule

Active wear is not included in the 33 items, but can ONLY be used to work out or move your body in some sort of physical exercise. (The hardest part yet for a Mum of a toddler! It's not that I don't work out, it's that when I do it's hard to have a shower immediately afterwards with a little one, or even 5 minutes to get changed out of that outfit.)

Second Rule

Make 4 piles of clothes. (I turned the 4 piles suggested, into 3.)

1. LOVE - fits me well, I would buy it in a shop today

2. Maybe - want to keep but not sure why

3. These don't fit my body or my life!

Third Rule

'Loungewear' is not included in the 33 items in your wardrobe, you can have as much loungewear as you like! But I made sure I only kept out 2 loungewear outfits and as soon as I'm not meditating or watching a movie etc - I change right back into my outfit for the day. Otherwise it's way too easy to wear harem pants all day, everyday!

This project is not just about minimalism - for me it's also become about self esteem, self respect and self love.

So, April 2017 brings for me the second round of Project 333. If you feel like joining me, get on board! Tag me in your social media pics - I love seeing the wardrobe creations and the transformations it brings for everyone that does it.

Here is some further information from the lovely Courtney Carver who features on the Minimalist Documentary and who inspired me to get started - http://bemorewithless.com/project-333/

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Spiritual Development Mentorship Program

It's Intake #4 of my Spiritual Development Mentoring Program - and again, it brings me back to why I created Spirited Space at the very beginning...

Something is rising inside of you. It feels like the beginning of a journey,

but...

you're unsure of the first steps to take.

You feel uncertainty,

You feel fear,

You feel doubt.

All tangled up with excitement, motivation, enthusiasm and thrill!

Something is calling you, but - what, where, when, why and how?!

I understand, because I was where you are now.

There is radical change happening, Universally. And you can feel it.

Awakenings, swift transformation and rising consciousness is moving through. And you sense it.

At a time when you're not sure how to harness the energy and align with it, I want to hold the space for you. I want to give you the support I craved.

As a collective Sisterhood - yet as individuals on different journeys too.

Starting with your own transformation first.

Right now I'm feeling Mother Earth hold me.

I've found the healing tools that I'd been looking for. For so long I wandered and wondered. I couldn't pinpoint anything enough, to lead me down one particular path.

And then I realised it was there all along.

Mother Earth - a direct conduit to the Medicine Woman within me.

Within you.

Anita is a Modern Mystic, Spiritual Practice Mentor, Psychic, Plant Medicine Educator and Women's Circle Facilitator. A Homebirther and natural pregnancy, birth and breastfeeding advocate. She is certified as a Reiki Practitioner, AromaTouch Massage Therapist and Flower Therapy Healer.

As an Entrepreneur and business owner, her transition from Career Coach to her current role years ago, outlined the fact that she needed to get clear and courageous about moving forward with her own identity, life purpose and calling.

Today she supports and guides women who are feeling the call to tap back into their ancient wisdom, spiritual crafts, herstory and the Medicine Woman within them - reconnecting them with themselves, Mother Nature and each other via Women's Circles, educational workshops, one on one mentoring and Energy Healing.

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There are no coincidences.

We always receive the healing we need. The healing we've asked for.

You tell me you have much to unblock. Much to learn. Much to share. Much to give. Much to change.

And I've been waiting for this moment in time.

For this expansion of consciousness.

It's here and you're ready.

My fellow Sister, Lightworker, Goddess, Healer. I am holding out my hand to you.

It's time to reconnect to what you once knew.

I'm ready to step into my role and teach about plant medicine, intuition strengthening, flower therapy healing, Moon Cycles, spiritual practice, energetic planning, alternative wellness, natural mamahood, heart-centred business and more.

Take what you need - and leave the rest.

I'm ready to teach about life purpose, consciousness, limitless abundance - and empowerment of the free, feminine, creative, passionate and independent Woman that you're becoming.

How?

Spirited, mind expanding, soul driven conversations.

Between just you and I.

For those who feel called to work with me, we will reconnect you to Earth Alchemy.

We will add Pure, High Grade, Therapeutic, High Vibrational Essential Oils to your Toolkit - and you will join a DoTerra Sisterhood of like-minded women on the same journey as you.

For those who feel called to work with me,

a Mentorship Program will be offered to you. For free.

And you will remember your authentic nature as a Healer - for yourself, your family and your fellow sisters.

And your journey will begin; complete with the tools to get you started.

This liquid Prana is the energy of the Earth and Sun.

An Ancient Healing Tool, bottled up for us to use in our modern day.

Consciously gathered from Nature, infused with the energy of some of the most beautiful and spiritual lands, fair traded by the hands that grew and nurtured them, and gifted to us -  

the Awakened Woman.

My discovery of Earth's Magick began long ago, but has since bloomed into a deep gratitude for the individual gifts each plant on Earth offers us.

I now glow with the light and magick of PURE essential oils flowing through me.

And I want the same for you.

I'm calling conscious thinkers like yourself, to join with me.

To step into empowerment.

To shine your light.

I can't wait to show the energy you will welcome into your life when you open your arms to this opportunity!

We will begin with an initial consultation,

where we pinpoint your blocks, your challenges, your goals, your vision.

Then, each fortnight we will meet together via Skype or over the phone, for support on how to move you through your goals with alignment. You will be given a login to book these sessions each fortnight, according to your availability.

You will also receive unlimited email support during the length of your Mentorship.

My aim...

to support and guide you into a way of living an awakened, flowing and aligned life. And to reconnect you...

The Mentorship Program will last for 8 weeks (and beyond, for some) and will be tailored individually to your needs - evolving as we flow through your intentions, challenges and achievements together.

If this resonates with you, if this feels right - then you're aligned with this, and you're aligned with me.

Let me be your guide as we uncover the next steps of your journey.

Pre-requisites for this FREE Mentorship Program

1. You are new to doTERRA and would like to get started with doTERRA Essential Oils with my support.

2. You grab a discounted Enrolment Kit when you enrol, so you have your Toolkit by your side when we start our Mentoring Sessions. The 2 Kit options for this Mentorship are the Home Essentials Kit ($330) and the Emotional Aromatherapy Kit ($310)

If you feel called to embrace this opportunity, let's get straight to it...

REGISTER ME FOR THE MENTORSHIP PROGRAM

2018 MENTORSHIP PROGRAM

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My Trip to Banana Island

I did it!

7 Days on Banana Island!

...Where is Banana Island?

Nicecream - frozen bananas blended into the yummiest, smoothest 'ice cream' consistency. Add Cacao and Peppermint Essential Oil for a Choc-Mint flavour!

Well, it is actually a place - but there's also an option of mono-eating for holistic healing, breaking food addictions, combating dysfunctional relationships with food, detoxification and transformation - at home.

Therefore, 'Banana Island' was in my kitchen. A kitchen filled with two 15 kilo boxes of bananas! Enough bananas to provide me with at least 20-30 bananas a day.

Whoa, you say.

Just bananas?

Why?

For SO many reason!

Above - I did Banana Island with my beautiful friend Kellie this time around. This is when we'd completed the challenge! Day 7!

One of the big reasons I choose to do Banana Island is to 'remove the stimulation that accompanies variety (related to food and eating) and to develop positive eating patterns through satiation - not overindulgence.' - Dr. Doug Graham.

By minimising taste sensations, through eating just bananas, you heighten your taste buds sensitivity.

You perceive food and your body completely differently. You begin to appreciate and treat your body as the beautiful, highly intelligent, functioning friend that is always trying to work for you, heal and repair you.

As I've said to most people that have asked - if you know you're eating just bananas (with a few greens and dates thrown in here and there), then you don't eat, just to eat. Or when you're bored. Or emotional. Or trying to fill a void.

You strengthen your relationship with food, by respecting it as the amazing nourishing fuel that it is.

My Secret Weapons

Energetic planning

I 'energetically plan' most things in my life - and it works. This is the second time I've been to Banana Island but this time was 100 times easier than last! It just flowed. Why?

I energetically planned when to do it. January the 5th was the beginning of my Phase 1 Feminine Archetype - the perfect time for detoxing, shedding and de-cluttering. Whether in your life, home or body!

I also decided that Banana Island would serve as a transition back into a Raw Til 4 lifestyle. So on the 12th January (after 1 week on Banana Island) the Full Moon fell in my 6th house. The 6th House energy is relevant to health, diet, starting healthy eating plans and routines etc. Therefore, transitioning to Raw Til 4 that day tied in perfectly energetically!

And I felt energetically supported in both.

Essential Oils

Every glass of water I drank, throughout the day, I added 1 drop of Lemon Essential Oil. This aided the detoxification process, kept my PH levels balanced and supported my digestive system whilst it worked hard!

Lemon Essential Oil is also the oil of focus. It helps us to be mentally present and enhances clarity. When you're walking around in a cloud of detox, you need some extra focus around why it is you're doing what you're doing - and you need to be mentally clear with a strong mind.

I also added a drop of Peppermint into some of my morning banana smoothies. Not only because it tasted delicious and gently soothed my Digestive System (whilst it was doing some tough work!) but Peppermint Essential Oil is the oil that lifts us out of any lower vibration emotions. These tend to surface when we're detoxing our body. It's often a challenging time of releasing old belief systems, breaking old habits and the perfect conditions to slip into a victim mentality where we start feeling sorry for ourselves. This never happened - Peppermint Oil, aka The Buoyant Heart Oil, kept me high vibrational throughout the entire week.

More reasons visiting Banana Island is an amazing healing tool - physically, emotionally, mentally and spiritually...

• You allow yourself to get out of the way of your body's innate healing system. By stopping the ingestion of an amalgamation of different foods, combined with preservatives, and unnecessary chemicals - our bodies can focus it's energy on detoxifying and healing us of the previous damage we've done, without the added strain of removing even more unnecessary waste piled on top!
• It improves digestion and assimilation. The less complicated the meal, the easier it is on the digestive system. When there's just one food in the stomach, the digestive mediums produced by our bodies quickly break down food without the byproducts of gas, acid reflux etc. (Did you know humans are the only creatures on the earth that mix hard-to-digest conglomerations of unhealthy food into meals, containing dozens of ingredients?)

The results

I feel that every time I go to Banana Island, the following occur in the last 2 days..

• A clear mind
• Less inflammation - with my digestion, in my joints, my back etc
• The whites of my eyes become bright and the colour vibrant!
• I feel more in flow - less anxious or stressed
• Congestion related to my Hayfever is almost non existent
• My dreams are vivid
• My vibration is far higher and uplifted
• My skin becomes clear and has a glow
• I feel lighter, physically
• I become more structured and disciplined about what goes into my body as fuel
• My Psychic abilities and Crown Chakra are completely open and unblocked!
• I feel I have more energy

So how do you do it?

First coffee in 7 days. God it was G O O D ! (Obsessed with coffee after changing to a Long Black! ☕️) #bananaisland #coffee #coffeetime

See this Instagram photo by @anita.katherine * 40 likes

The main rules are that you should be consuming enough calories to get your system functioning at it's peak (20-30 bananas a day), drink at least 2-3 litres of water a day, move your body and get a hit of Vitamin D daily also.

The logistics, meal plans and finer details I will leave up to you.

I think it's far more empowering when we research for ourselves. When we question things ourselves. When we take the initiative to take on something ourselves.

So, to find out more research the following:

1. Banana Island and Freelee the Banana Girl
2. Banana Island and Dr Doug Graham
3. The 80 10 10 Diet

As with any 'detox' - this isn't a fall back every couple of months if you choose to eat unhealthily and live a sedentary life the majority of the time. It's not a miracle cure if you predominantly choose unhealthy choices. But it is the perfect healer or kickstart if you're in the mindset of changing poor habits that you've picked up - and are wanting to start the journey of nurturing your beautiful, amazing body.

As you also know, I am not a Health Coach or Dietician - I just wanted to share my experiences around Banana Island and how it has positively impacted me!

Somalia's Gift

"Some intentionally injure others through mocking, sarcasm with no intent to help. Others are trying to help." - Sterling W Sill

So this is where you get your Frankincense Essential Oil from!

From the beautifully ancient Boswellia trees in Somalia - and it's been happening for 1000's of years. LONG before you decided to enhance your meditation sessions with a few drops in the diffuser!

When a drop of Franki oozes out of the bottle and into your hand, in the comfort of your own home - it's not just a drop of oil. It's infused with the energy of these resilient tress, the land, the people, the culture,  healing properties and the humanitarian spirit of a company helping our brothers and sisters across the seas.

How?

When doTERRA look for essential oil sourcing, they deliberately choose locations where they can improve the individual, social, economic, and environmental well being of another community - whilst still producing the highest quality essential oils.

And this includes your Liquid Gold - or Frankincense Oil.

Harvesting Frankincense is an intense and delicate process, requiring careful planning and precise skill and takes over 5 months to harvest!

Frankincense is the hardened sap that runs from the Boswellia tress when they are 8-10 years old, when this sap hardens it forms the trees 'tears'.

Frankincense harvesters in Somalia leave their families and communities behind, as they travel long distances to remote locations, to harvest. When they return, the Frankincense resin collected is carefully cleaned, sorted and separated by the women of the community.

Despite this lengthy and difficult process, harvesters are often inadequately paid for their work and are unable to sell their frankincense at a fair price.

https://sourcetoyou.com/

That's where the doTERRA Co-Impact Sourcing Initiative steps in.

doTERRA has partnered with these harvesters and communities, to provide them with the opportunity to harvest for fair wages and on-time payments (including food and cash prepayments spread out during the year).

They do this by working directly with the harvesters - working around the middlemen.

doTERRA also ensures that the cleaning and sorting of the frankincense resins takes place as close to the harvesting locations as possible so that these jobs (typically held by women) remain in rural areas where they are most needed - making sure this is supporting the harvesting families. This doTERRA initiative also ensures these women receive fair wages with better working conditions.

So when people say they already have a bottle of Frankincense from another brand, I wonder if they know the true value of this healing gift from Mother Earth...

The King of Oils

"Frankincense promotes feelings of peace and overall wellness when used aromatically, while topical and internal uses provide modern health benefits.

Renowned as one of the most prized and precious essential oils, Frankincense has extraordinary health benefits.

https://sourcetoyou.com/

In addition to its notoriety in the New Testament, the Babylonians and Assyrians would burn Frankincense in religious ceremonies and the ancient Egyptians used Frankincense resin for everything from perfume to salves for soothing skin.

This centuries-old knowledge contributes to the modern uses of Frankincense today. It’s soothing and beautifying properties are used to rejuvenate skin and help reduce the appearance of imperfections.

As the king of oils, Frankincense is known to support healthy cellular function. When inhaled or diffused, Frankincense promotes feelings of peace, relaxation, satisfaction, and overall wellness." (Sourced from https://doterra.com/US/en/p/frankincense-oil)

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WOTM Mentor Panel: Karen Miller

1. Please tell us a little about you and your amazing business!

When I moved to Perth from London six years ago I was ready for change.

I retrained as a Holistic Health Coach and created Conscious Cravings, leaving my 20 year career in research to start afresh. I coach and support people with their health and wellness, in particular their emotional wellbeing. I also see clients 1-1 for energy work and Aromatherapy massage.

Alongside this is my essential oils business, where I share amazing therapeutic grade plant remedies through wellness workshops across Australia and the UK. Happy days!

2. How do you define being more connected to your intuition and feminine energy?

For me, it's about creating space and peace in my day so that I can tune in and really listen to what I am feeling.

In particular, those cues our body gives us about what's right and wrong for us - when we take the time to listen.

Anything that gets me out of my head and into my body is helpful. Yoga, swimming, spending time in nature, energy based chiropractic and other body work. I spent so long in a very masculine energy in my career, that I'm still unraveling old habits of disassociation and distraction - it's a work in progress!

3. What does a typical day in the 'wellness' world look like for you?

Mornings are sacred and I like to take my time over a large pot of tea, after a smoothie of some kind to nourish my body. I'll exercise in the morning, usually half an hour of yoga or rebounding if I'm feeling more active.

The day can vary, but either supporting my essential oils team with mentoring calls, running a wellness workshop and/or seeing clients for 1-1 sessions. I like the variety of this.

I'll take time for a nutritious lunch, even if it's just 15 minutes, but ideally longer!

Evenings are quiet in our home, a simple dinner and watching a movie. I'll wear and diffuse essential oils all day long to support my mood, stay balanced, calm and boost energy if needed.

4. To me the phrase 'We of the Moon' means...

Appreciating our deep connection to nature.

Honouring our rhythms, cycles and flow.

5. Tell me about an intention or goal that has manifested for you!

Funny enough, the most amazing things that have happened to me in life have apparently 'fallen into my lap' when I didn't consciously realise I was manifesting them.

Such as the opportunity to move to Australia, which I have never considered - but on holiday in Perth I got 'randomly' chatting to a woman who offered me a job here, relocated me and my partner and arranged our visas!

6. What was your favourite part of the We of the Moon course?

So much!

Understanding the different energies around the stages of my monthly cycle. Connecting with Anita and the other women. Finding more flow in life.

The intuitive messages were wonderful too!

7. Describe the type of woman you support through your work...

She tends to be lacking in confidence and may be feeling stressed or anxious. She is a perfectionist and over thinker.

She is wanting to create positive change in her life and find an easier, more joyful way of being, and looking for guidance and support with that.

8. What is your favourite quote right now?

This one...

9. What day and time will you be jumping online to support people in the course?

The 2nd Thursday of every month at 6pm AWST! Look forward to connecting with you within this space!

10. How can we find out more about you?

Website - consciouscravings.com.au

Facebook - www.facebook.com/ConsciousCravingsKarenMiller

Instagram - www.instagram.com/_karenmiller

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Consciousness, Fireflies and Plant Magick

What do these 3 things have in common? Read on beautiful...

So - hasn't 2016 been interesting.

Sure, sure - it's not over yet. And I'm definitely not wishing it to be!

But a little reflection before the year has ended, is needed. For me.

2016 has been my first year as a Mama - and a huge year of growth. In life, in business, in love, in spirituality, in relationships, in patience, in acceptance - in all areas!

I can now sit back and express gratitude for all the 'funky' energy I've been swimming through over the last couple of months. And, as always, I see the transformation and beauty in the contrast. I see the gifts.

Speaking to a friend today, this is how I described it all...

"I saw it all coming. I felt it and retreated. It tried to distract me and nudge me off my path. But I waited patiently, unreactively, for it to drop off. And now it has. And so I will surface again - and continue to do what I came here to do."

It did try to lure me in. It called to me. Danced around me. Baited me.

But I remained united with my bigger purpose and continued to pour energy into that.

And then it ran out of gas. It gave up. With misaligned intentions, it faded into the background. It was a stronger than usual 'funkiness'. And from observation, it reminded me of fireflies...

Like observing fireflies weave and buzz around - without any real intention or purpose.

Yet, trying to find their way home - I suspect.

Seemingly unaware of the light they shone themselves, as they're preoccupation with the other fireflies had their entire focus. And all together they were trying to be guided by each other's lights; all the while, ignoring their own built-in guidance system.

Seemed to go against everything they were designed to do - from afar.

But, I suppose, amongst the all consuming 'action', it would be a fight for survival. If you have that kind of mentality...

(Did you know? Female fireflies sometimes mimic the flashes of other species. They use a trick called aggressive mimicry to make meals of other fireflies!)

I hope, with all my heart, that the majority of those fireflies discovered their own light - rather than attempting to smother another's - for their own self sufficiency. And what a miracle it would have been if they realised they were all just trying to do the same thing. That there was no need to compete, steal, use or trample. What a united front they would have been if they all just looked to their own gift - and worked together in that confidence.

And what a powerful teacher observation was for me...

So whilst I pulled back, sat back, observed and conserved my energy - I was presented with the gift of space and time. And this allowed me to rise in other areas - because no one was crowding that space. They were all preoccupied!

Let me ask you...

Have you ever watched a documentary, or read something, that just blew your mind!?

And you just knew if everybody else watched it, their eyes would be opened too...
And they'd wake up and 'get it' too...
And everything would change for them!
And you could help them by sharing this!

So you sit them down and make them watch it.

And you're ranting about it. All passionate about it.
And you just know they'll have the same kind of awakening, as you did.

And then... they don't care. They're not that into it.

This moment for me was back in 2008, after I watched 'Food Matters' for the first time. Watching this opened up my eyes, to not only food and health...but so much more!

It was about societal structures. About the world. Us. Our values. The conditional limited lives we live. I saw it as so much more!

It was my Zeitgeist!

It was the start of a massive awakening for me, that had already begun. It was the tipping point. And after watching it - everything clicked.

I know the movie was just about food - but on the same hand, it wasn't just about food!

I became thirsty for knowledge.

Skip to now, and I feel the same way about these little bottles of Earth Medicine that I keep ranting on about.

Stay with me...

I see these aromatic compounds (obtained from Mother Nature's seeds, bark, stems, roots and flowers) as so much more than most people do. I see them as...

A movement toward conscious living.

Awakenings. Empowerment in personal health and wellbeing. A remembering of what we once knew. An unlearning of what we've been conditioned to believe. Movement away from societal structures. A reconnection to our healing Mother - Nature.

And most of all - a massive step away from just drifting through life, following the herd.

(Cos let's face it; our 'auto pilot' lives are not serving us. Somethings gotta give.)

And the best part of all of this!

All the time and energy I spent trying to explain things to my loved ones, in trying to get them see the docos I was watching and read the things I was reading (to no avail) - I had a realisation.

I became to understand that no one can change or learn or see anything - unless they're ready.

And with this plant magick affecting people's lives instantly, dramatically and so obviously - I've never needed to convince anyone of anything! Because deep down they already know. This hidden knowledge is already within them! They're just ready now! They need change! They want it, they crave it, they're searching for it.

So how do DoTerra and Essential Oils tie into this?

Oh my friend, I have so much to tell you - but just like the doco, you're not all going to want to hear it just yet.

So let me leave the following with you, for now...

I know they're just essential oils - but on the same hand, they're not just Essential Oils!

I honestly feel like they are the ancient healing tools, brought to light in our modern day. A pathway for Lightworkers, Healers and conscious livers to make the impact they really want to. In their own lives and in other's lives.

Using these tools and sharing them with others has such a flow on effect of positive energy - energy that originated from our Mother Earth. Given to us as a gift.

It has been a complete shift in consciousness for me - in terms of my life, how I want to live it, the way I can serve and the way that I earn money to live a life I truly want - not a life we've been conditioned to live.

An oil that has been shared with us by an organisation that focuses on enlightenment through...

- Empowering people in their own lives, rather than dis-empowering them with authority and lack of choice

- A culture of support and encouragement where you are never in competition with anyone. In fact; the better you do, the better everyone does. The better they do, the better you do!

For me, there aren't enough hours in the day and I don't have enough personal energy to affect the kind of change, or to help the amount of people, I want to help - but the connection to this tribe, and this movement, has changed everything for me.

Like I said - big shifts. Big downloads of consciousness. Big awakenings.

2016. Whoooaaarhh.

I will continue to share this as I embrace the next steps...because if you're reading this, I assume you're one of the beautiful souls who walks with me on this path of raising our vibrations. You may have also felt the shifts within you this year. And cleared the blocks to continue down the path.

I know you join me in wanting this world to thrive, not just survive.

Wow. What a year.

I wonder what amazingness the next 2 months will deliver us!

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MORE READING FOR YOU...

When Sage Came Down From The Stars

The photo I took of the sky, the night Sage arrived...

"At one point I look around and it’s beginning to get light outside – a surreal moment. As if the rest of the world was soon becoming a part of this – as if it had just been me and my baby and my beautiful support team in this little bubble of love all night. I started to become really excited again!"

 

December 30th 2015

As Mother Earth put on an amazing show in the sky, Rhys and I sat outside the local fish and chip shop waiting for our dinner. It was one of those nights where 10 months seemed to equate to 10 years! We were tired. We were anxious. We were waiting around. (And I wasn't even overdue!)

We'd been running around all day. I had my Midwife appointment earlier and I was exhausted. This appointment was different to the others though. I'd started crying when I heard Sage's little heartbeat on the monitor - and I couldn't stop! Rhys and Sue K (my Midwife) knew I hadn't been emotional throughout my pregnancy, so they both looked at each other and giggled.

"We might just have a baby arrive tonight!", Sue K said.

Sue also told us that she was taking a weeks leave from the 1st of January. This meant that the 31st of January was the last day she could be my Midwife, until she was back - and I was due on the 5th. I'd had Sue as my Midwife the whole time, and her amazing energy always made me feel so confident and assured - so I prayed and prayed that day, that Sage would come early so I could have Sue there with me!

I took several photos of the sunset, that night - in awe of the colours that Mama Nature had created. It was another hot Western Australian night, so we drove past the Ocean to have a look and then headed home to eat dinner out the back. I remember catching a reflection of myself in the glass door, turning to Rhys and saying “whoa, I’m really not sure how much more room there is in there. My belly is seriously ginormous!”

We went to bed pretty early. I was battling the heartburn that I’d had since the beginning of pregnancy, whilst hugging my preggo pillow - trying to get comfortable. Even just a little comfortable! I finally fell asleep - yet awoke at about 11:30ish, with a few niggly tummy pains.

11:30pm

Thinking I needed to go to the loo, I got up and went to the bathroom. What I’d been looking for (for the last 2 weeks!) was finally there!

But it wasn’t what I expected. It was the tiniest 'showing' you've ever seen. Nothing like what everyone had described! At first I thought, ‘this can’t be it’ – but then there was a little more. Like an insy winsy bit more.

I woke Rhys up straight away – but his reaction wasn’t what I expected!

I tried to tell him about what I’d found but he wouldn’t wake up properly. He was talking to me in his sleep and murmuring something like; ‘remember it might take agers. Maybe go back to sleep.’

Go back to sleep!? This guy had been anxious for months!

I can’t wait to meet our daughter! I wonder what she looks like! Hurry up Sage! I want to meet you!...so I knew he mustn't be awake. I shook him by the shoulders and said; “Bub! Wake up! I think we should call Helena (My beautiful Doula.)

Well... I think we should. Should we? Am I even in Labour? What if I'm not!?

11:38pm

I decided to call Helena - just in case. I told her I might be in labour. I also thought, if these pains come in waves, then I'll know. And they did. I woke her up when I called, and I started to feel bad, but whilst talking to her I had another of these tummy 'sensations'. I don’t want to say pain, because they didn’t hurt. (Hence the reason I doubted I was in labour in the first place!)

My Birthing Necklace and Sage's Bracelet.

I told her what was happening. I told her I was fine, and that I was talking through one right then. I remember her saying; ‘Oh honey, how exciting! Now, this could go on for a while so just try and rest and keep me in the loop via messages. Try and conserve your energy.”

"Yep, no worries’, I said. “They're not very strong at all, at the moment. I can talk and walk through them so I’ll just relax or maybe lie back in bed.”

But as I hung up, something told me I wasn’t going to be able to do that - because I started to feel a little nauseous. I even calmly asked Rhys if we had a bucket somewhere, just in case.

December 31st 2015

12:11am

Message to Helena

“Hey it’s Rhys. Just letting you know Neets said they've gotten pretty intense, pretty quickly. She’s feeling like she’s going to be sick each time and she’s naucious...naeseaus...nau...”

“Neet! How do you spell nauseous?”

(Ha ha...really?!?!)

So, at this point, I switched into some sort of mode. Some sort of relaxed, completely in the moment, productive state. (And that's the best way I can describe how HypnoBirthing works.) I thought I’d better at least start to get organised - and Rhys must’ve had the same idea. Or maybe he'd also switched into his HypnoBirthing training at the same time. He went into the garage and pulled out the blow-up pool and our electric pump. Helena had given it to us ‘just in case’ I went early and/or fast. (Oh, we so knew!)

I went into Sage’s room to put on the birthing necklace and bracelet from my Blessingway, and grabbed the prayer flags and candles my beautiful sisters had also gifted me on the day. After experiencing only about 4 of those initial tummy sensations, I was hit with my first proper (and intense!) contraction.

I dropped the necklace I was trying to put on, leant forward over the cabinets and 'rode it out' - like I'd done it before, or something? Like I knew exactly what to do! (Thank you HypnoBirthing!) Rhys came in and asked if I was OK. I told him to call Helena - Like now. Not message. Call.

I knew this was happening fast. I wasn't panicked at all, but I wanted him to realise the urgency - so I said something along the lines of “if you don’t call her now, this might just be just you and I doing this” I then stood up, ran to the bathroom (straight past the bucket) and those hot chips projectiled straight up into the air!

Rhys came in after me. "Whoaaaaa...", he said under his breath.

“Did you call Helena? Call her Bub. You need to call her. This is happening fast.”

12:14am

Rhys calls Helena.

In between the intense contractions, and the roaring of the electric pump attached to the car engine in the garage, blowing up the birthing pool (which I was sure all of our neighbours could hear!) - I do what needs to be done. On my own.

12:29am

I go even deeper into some sort of weird-controlled-calm mode; where I call my sister, bring out all of my candles from the Blessingway, put them on the side table next to the TV, light them all and even get a small plate for one of them - because it looks like the wax might melt over onto the table?!?!

My Blessingway: Cord Ceremony - A symbol of Connectivity, Love + Strength within the Circle of amazing women in my life who supported me during my pregnancy, labour and birth. During the Cord Ceremony; of my Blessingway, each woman wrapped a cord around her wrist, passing it onto the woman next to her - who did the same. Once it had gone around to each woman in the circle, including myself, each woman took turns in cutting the string of the woman next to her and helped her tie it onto their wrist. Everyone ended up with a string bracelet that remained on them until I went into labour. Leading up to this time, each woman can send positive energy, every time they see the bracelet. At the time of labour, each woman cut off their bracelet - and the blessings and positive intentions spoken at the Blessingway are immediately released to me for birth. Such a beautiful ritual that my amazing Doula organised - and I felt all of these beautiful women's vibrations every time I looked at my bracelet.

In between these ‘jobs’, I labour in the kitchen – and I'm sick a few more times. (This continues until Helena arrives later and gets me some of my Peppermint Essential Oil - this stops it immediately!) The intensity of the contractions are definitely up there - but I find a spot at the kitchen bench (a spot that will remain ‘the’ spot for the next 5-6 hours), hang onto it and breathe through every surge.

12:41am

At some stage during these surges, with Rhys blowing up the pool and bringing it into the lounge room, I miss a call from Helena.

12:49am

Helena messages me to ask for directions. I reply (I assume in between surges!) with the exact same instructions I give everybody who gets lost coming to our place, because of the lack of street signage. Seriously - the clarity of my mind was amazing!

12:50am

Rhys messages Sue K, to let her know we need her. (She doesn’t see this until 3am because she didn’t hear her phone. Totally our fault for not calling her!)

12:52am

I now interrupt Rhys’ pool setting-up to ask him to come help me put on my necklace and bracelet. I text all my Blessingway Sisters, saying “I’m in labour! Little Sage is on her way – time to cut the cord around your wrist!” My two besties light a candle for me at their place and Mum starts looking at flights from NSW to WA, to come over straight away!

Rhys is with me now, reminding me to breath. He was amazing. I felt like I was surging on my own for hours, but was totally OK to do so. I was in our peaceful home, with my beautiful man, candles burning and just the glow of a salt lamp lighting the room. It was perfect.

I have absolutely no fear, and the strength that gets me through each surge is primal. Instinctive. Like I knew that my baby and my body were working perfectly together.

One of my prayer flags from the Blessingway - with a lion, my totem animal.

I remember Helena arriving and saying “hi honey” - and as she did, I had two strong surges. One straight after the other. I knew she was watching me, whilst rubbing my back and I heard her saying; “Wow. Beautiful,” in her beautifully calming accent.

For the next little while (I’m not sure how long) I surge at the same spot on the kitchen bench and notice the clock on the oven (which is annoyingly 1 hour in front!) Each time I look at it, it reads 2:22, then 3:33 and later 4:44. I smile each time I see this. I could feel I had all of my Guides there with me.

Every time I surge Helena and Rhys are right there with me. And when one gets tired, the other takes over. They massage me, remind me to breath and let go of the build up of energy from each surge - so that I am renewed and strong for the next one. They never tell me what to do, they know I know. They follow my lead, but give me gentle and calm reminders when I need them. I could not have done it without their support.

When I do have a really strong surge, I talk myself through it in my head – saying something along the lines of “it’s OK, you know this will eventually pass and when it does you will feel nothing. You just need to get through it.” With each surge getting stronger, I find myself saying that more and more – and my position on the bench goes from leaning over it, to gradually bending my knees and lowering myself, into a squat. I'm not sure why, but that's what my body wanted to do.

At this stage I am so tired that I close my eyes – having little sleeps whilst I’m standing!

Rhys catches me doing this at one point, he grabs my arm and says “Neet!” I tell him calmly that I’m OK, I’m just resting. (I think he thought I was passing out.) He's right there next to me - and I smile and say to him, "we're going to see our baby soon!" And I am just so excited!

I attempt, several times, to change positions from the bench onto the bouncy ball and then to the lounge – always resulting in a “no, no, no, no – help me up! I have to stand here.” For some reason the only place I could ‘work through’ these surges is at the exact same spot at the bench. It’s almost as if I knew I got through the last one there – so I know exactly how it will go every time, from here on in. Not once did I consider the option of pain relief - it never even entered my mind.

In between surges I look around to see if the pool has filled up yet – it’s no where near full! All I wanted to do was get into it! I'm not sure why? I ask several times if I can get into the pool yet, even thought it’s clearly not ready - and Helena gently reminds me that I’m not allowed to get in it until the Midwife gets there.

The next little bit is a blur of surges with oils being rubbed into my neck and shoulders by Helena. Lower back massages from Helena and Rhys were offered - but ended up with me shaking my head and murmuring ‘uh, uh, uh, uh, uh!’ I couldn't bare it for some reason.

I think Helena can see, or predict, that my surges are going to get even stronger (and maybe I also knew and that’s why I keep asking to get into the warm soothing pool!), so she suggests I get into the shower while we wait for the Midwives.

Her intuition was right, the surges did get stronger. A whole lot stronger! I held the shower head to stream the warm water onto my tummy - and lean against the wall when the surges come.

Then it gets intense. Rhys is standing there watching me, reminding me to breathe and relax - but I slip into another mode where I know I need him now. I ask him to help me. He jumps in straight away. I put my head in his chest during each surge (which are now getting closer and closer together) and grab around his neck whilst I let my knees bend and my body drop. I must have been so heavy around his neck, as I let him take my whole body weight.

And then...“I feel the burn Rhys! Tell Helena I feel it!”

This is the moment my body takes over and starts pushing on my behalf. This is the moment I feel everything is going to happen very very soon! These 'pushy' body impulses are tiring, but also relieving in a way.

It’s clear to me that I’ve reached a different stage of labour. I get out of the shower, after about 40 minutes or so, I dry off, start heading toward my ‘spot’ at the bench and see people walking in. It’s Sue K and my back-up Midwife.

Sue comes straight over to me, holds me by the shoulders and says; “Hello you strong woman you!” - and I'm immediately filled with renewed strength and energy!"

I turn to Rhys and ask him to get me a towel. Rhys being Rhys, he wants to know why - and kind of takes his time in hearing what I say. “Just get me a towel – quick Rhys.” He rushes to get me one, I direct him to put it under my feet and literally 2 seconds later my water breaks. I hear a “yay!” from everyone around me. Rhys tells me that I said I felt SO relieved once this happened – yet I only have a slight memory of this.

How did I know it was going to happen?

I can't explain it. I don't remember feeling any different physically - something just told me it was about to happen.

Sue then asks me if she can check my BP etc. I stick my arm out but another surge comes on and I start walking toward the bench. She quickly moves out of the way and tells me to 'do what I need to do'. The perfect words to hear when you’re in labour – because I really did know exactly what to do!

After this, Sue asks to examine me. She puts a towel down on the lounge and I lie down. I later find out that I was 8cms dilated – but she never tells anyone this. I’m glad too – because in my mind I really have no idea how much longer to go. (In reality there was only an hour!) But that was amazing, because I was just always in the present moment. Not too far ahead of myself. Not predicting anything coming. And not holding onto what had happened.

I can now get into the pool!

Yay! I hop in and it is so nice and warm. I sit on my butt and get through the surges in this position for a while – leaning back, legs out and my arms behind me holding me up. I then switch to my knees, sometimes leaning over the side of the pool – until my legs continually start to cramp in this position.

In between surges (where the pushy part at the end is making me grunt and make noises that I think are extremely loud – but am later told I’m not at all!) I notice Sue and the other Midwife are making cups of coffee - and asking Rhys where the cups, milk and sugar are! Everyone is so chilled and I think to myself that I must have a whooooole lot longer. But I'm still OK with that.

I surge and push in the pool, on my own, and everybody just lets me do my thing.

It’s amazing. I have this warm, safe, space - for me, for my baby and for my body to work together. I start to feel more 'burning', and when I’m kneeling I actually think it’s all about to happen – but then I get tired, change positions and I feel like I’ve slowed down the process, or even gone a few steps backwards. For what seems like forever (but is only about 30 minutes), I lie back in the pool – my arms supporting my weight, my legs out in front.

There are moments where I’m in and out, switching from a feeling of relaxation to a moment of working hard!

Rhys and Helena remind me to release my shoulders after every surge – from being up around my ears. Sue gets me to hold the heart rate monitor onto my body again, to check how bub is going in there. I put the little device on my belly again but Sue tells me I need to put it much much further down – “THIS is where your baby is now!” I reach right down and become extremely excited that she is so close now!

At one point I look around and it’s beginning to get light outside – a surreal moment. As if the rest of the world was soon becoming a part of this – as if it had just been me and my baby and my beautiful support team in this little bubble of love all night. I started to become really excited again!

And then…everything started to feel very very different and I knew exactly what was happening.

There was more ‘energy’ down there, and I KNEW what stage we were at now. I look at Rhys and we smile at each other - saying to each other; "she's nearly here! what a trip this all is!" Without actually saying it!

I let my body do the work - and with each surge I feel myself expand more and more down there. At one point I think “this is it!”, but as I relax after the surge, I feel Sage’s head slide away again. “She’s going back in again!” I say. Sue reassures me that this is my baby’s way of helping me – by getting everything ready. So I relax and go with it.

I’m in and out at this point, which I believe people could put down to exhaustion – but I believe it was much more than that. It was almost a meditative state. With my eyes closed, I hear Sue ask Rhys if he's getting into the pool and I know this is it! Rhys had always said there was no way he was getting into that pool, but I heard him say 'yep!' - without any hesitation.

The next thing I know; Sue is at the other end, I'm being told to 'pump the brakes' and Rhys is being instructed on how to bring Sage out of the water! He grabs her under the shoulders, pulls her out of me and out of the water and places her on my chest. He is laughing and crying all at the same time - and I am now holding my baby girl in my arms. She takes a little moment and then she lets out her first cry. She sounds like a little lamb!

The next little while involves me feeding Sage - and working hard to release the placenta. Once I do, we wait. The delayed chord clamping fills Sage's face with a bright pink colour and she is now officially a part of the outside world - and not just a part of me.

I let her go with Rhys to be weighed and checked over - and then we get to lie in the comfort of our bedroom to feed and cuddle. Skin to skin. 10 months to see her beautiful face and it was worth every headache, every bit of morning sickness, heartburn, skin pigmentation, weight gain, aching back and restless sleep! She is just beautiful. Just perfect.

And I will be forever grateful that she chose us to be her parents.

L to R - Sue K, Helena and Rhys. Our amazing Birthing Team.

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