Pelvis image copyright: Fern & Hazel photography
Many years ago, whilst teaching yoga for women, in particular those requiring support for POP (pelvic organ prolapse), I was introduced to the work of Christine Kent and her work on this important topic from a women’s health physio. On reading her book and newsletters, she noted that all medical models of women were based on the male anatomy. I had been aware from suspended skeletons in various anatomy classes the pelvis was male and would not / could not permit the passage of a baby.
The pelvis holds a sense of wonder and power for me, especially as it forms the gateway between the upper and lower halves of our bodies.
I am the proud owner of three model pelvises, (I am still also unsure of the correct plural and alternate between pelvises and pelves?!) The image above is my prized customised pelvis, painted beautifully by my husband (@khameleoncustom).
One particular model was purchased for demonstration in class to enable women to understand their pelvic floor muscles and how everything sits within this sacred bowl of our anatomy. As a visual learner myself, I always seek ways to meet the needs of how others absorb information.
Imagine my shock upon receiving the parcel to find my model did not contain a bladder! I called the supplier and told them of the issue with my order and they promptly went into the warehouse to investigate (whilst I was still on the call). Opening box after box it was discovered the whole batch were the same - none of the female models contained bladders. Interestingly the male versions were complete. Make of that what you will.
What to do?! How to teach without a visual of where the bladder sits in relation to the pelvic floor muscles and the inherent issues that can and do arise? Imagine also how medical students are meant to navigate the complexities of the human form with outdated models too.
Fast forward to 2022: a recent newsletter bulletin from Caroline Criado Perez announced that Elsevier now had a 3-D model for female features.
As Caroline pointed out, is this really worthy of celebration as it is after all 2022?
Whilst on the topic of bodies, onto the feathered variety now…
Currently I am nest watching online (it’s incredibly relaxing). Once more the Ospreys at Loch Arkaig through the Woodland Trust, and also the Peregrines in Stamford.
In my previous musings I’ve spoken of the nesting birds in my garden. A couple of weeks ago I went through the full spectrum of joy - tragedy - salvation in the space of one day.
It was 6.30am and there were plaintive cries with the chicks almost falling out of the box. My initial thought: they’re going to fledge. Then on closer inspection I realised they were far too small to do so. The parents were not present.
An hour later, still making a right din, a Blue Tit landed to investigate. In this moment I knew something was wrong. Whilst of the same family, they certainly wouldn’t trespass the sanctity of another nest. The Blue Tit sat, looked and flew off - this happened three times. Still no visit from either parent.
A further hour passed. No sign of the parents.
In the UK it is illegal to tamper with nests / nesting birds, however my sense of compassion was spilling over for these little beings who were clearly calling for food.
Then tragedy - a Jay swooped in and took a chick. No parents appeared - no alarm cries - still the pleading of the chicks for feeding.
Climbing a ladder, which saw courage overtake my fear of (a) ladders and (b) heights, I went up armed with some soaked suet pellets and tweezers. Let me say, it is incredibly difficult to aim nourishment into these gaping mouths on very wobbly bodies, whilst trying to keep a hold of a ladder. It was not successful despite the many nature documentaries I’ve watched over the years.
After calling both the RSPB and RSPCA, I advised I would bring the nest into my home as I deemed their lives in danger (meanwhile my youngest daughter was scaring off the returning Jay with a butterfly net).
The three chicks were frightened but very vocal and fed on some minced beef over the course of three hours. An officer from the RSPCA arrived mid-afternoon to take them to a wildlife sanctuary.
It was a tough call to make, as initially both organisations I spoke with suggested letting nature take its course, yet this didn’t sit well with me.
I was certainly in turmoil over the right action and it could be said, there was something of a crossroads - what is the right path to take at times?
Speaking of crossroads…
Image copyright: Hrana Janto from The Goddess Oracle by Amy Sophia Marashinsky
The first ‘Meet the Mirror’ session of journal writing, meditation practices and more took place recently. Hecate came up as astrologically she featured as part of the Sun’s conjunct with Mercury at the time (Sunday 22 May).
In Greek mythology, it was said that Hecate could look in three directions as she had three heads: a serpent, a horse and a dog. In Janto’s depiction it is the dogs that have the three heads.
As women, we tend to be looking in many directions at the same time - ever watchful.
The three directions also reminds me of our meditation practice: when we sit we are presented with all that our minds want to share with us, whether we are a willing participant in this or not.
These mental visitors take the form of elements that may be in the past, the present or the future. More often than not, our time is spent looking back at what has been, or looking forward to what may come but has not yet manifest. Our practice (named because it takes a lot of it) is to endeavour to be in the present as it unfolds moment by moment.
Our bodies are the quickest and simplest form of being in the present moment, but interestingly we tend to tune out the often subtle messages our bodies use to speak to us. Why is this?
There are many possibilities but the obvious one is possibly in your hand right now. Our mobile phones pull us out of ourselves, seeking attention like that of a hungry ghost1 but is never satisfying on a soul level.
When women enter their peri / menopausal time, the invitation is to go within. Our time up to this point is like the constant attention of the nesting birds mentioned above - taking care of others before considering ourselves. Looking in all directions (Hecate again) rather than directing the gaze towards ourselves.
As you read this, take a moment to consider how much time you’ve taken for yourself recently (without judgement).
We often think that being on retreat somewhere exotic is the answer. Whilst nice, we have to return home at some point and then what? We begin to associate having time for ourselves with the need to escape somewhere. Often it’s the simplest things that can have big impact: sitting with a cup of tea (or coffee) and enjoying the silence (not scrolling on your device). I do think this is a reason behind the ‘She Shed’ movement2
Othering is the term we use in the meditation group when ignoring our own needs, and is a theme that we return to regularly. (Meditation is also an opportunity for women to have time to themselves by the way! Even better when done in a group).
Upcoming offerings:
Meditation for Women: Saturday 11 June - details / booking here
Meet the Mirror: Sunday 03 July - details / booking here3
Death Cafe: Wednesday 06 July4
Final thoughts
Many years ago I came across the work of Lisa Estabrook’s Soulflower Plant Oracle
I fell in love with her art and the spirit behind using our plant allies. However, the cost of shipping was so prohibitive that I had to admire these from afar and wait.
They say patience is a virtue and this week I received the oracle pack after Lisa had wrestled with the process of letting her baby go into the world and into the hands of a publisher rather than through self-publishing.
We can all recognise the journey this takes in our own endeavours, and I’m so grateful she found the courage to let go.
I leave you with Campanula: Alignment5
Campanula bells are ringing in the spirit of abundance from the limitless universal source, helping you align with your thoughts, words, and actions with your true self, which knows no limitations. Focus on all you have achieved, instead of dwelling on all there is yet to do do. Be well, be happy.
Today: what do you choose to align with?
The realm of the hungry ghosts is a Buddhist theme in which these beings are depicted with huge bellies and mouths the size of a pinprick - no matter how much they eat, they can never be satisfied. See this short article in Psychology Today
Several years ago I discovered a book on the theme of She Sheds - for inspiration you may like to take a look at some of the boards on Pinterest though I would suggest setting a time limit when browsing!
After the July offering of Meet the Mirror it will become a closed group for a period of time to allow the women time to work together in a supportive environment.
I am co-hosting this with Sakyadhita UK. It is our first cafe and we are running this through Death Cafe where you can find out more details and register your interest. We anticipate the first gathering will be to gauge interest and see how the conversation unfolds.
Soulflower Plant Spirit Oracle is available from many booksellers in the UK