Bring On The Heat

I always loved the idea of self care, the idea that attending to my needs and consciously taking care of myself is valuable. I loved the idea of blocking out time just for me to heal, grow, refresh, and relax. I would look longingly at others who mastered the task. I would marvel at their ability to disconnect from society and connect to self. It was a lovely concept but foreign to me. When I received a gift certificate for a massage from a client after a long challenging birth, I decided to stick my toe into the self care arena. It was the perfect time to try. I was tired and ready to be refreshed. I was really anxious as the hour for the appointment approached. I wasn't able to rest completely. I kept worrying that someone was in labor and trying to reach me (no one was) and that I was going to miss their birth. But it felt good, refreshing even, and reminded me that I needed to take care of myself to be whole enough to take care of others. At first, I took baby steps, a pedicure here, a facial there, a massage here, a pilates class there. And then I ran, making sure to self care at least once but usually two or three times a week. Sometimes it meant a 15 min tea break with my phone in the other room. Sometimes it was a 2 mile walk while listening to a podcast. Sometimes it was a 60 minute massage. And sometimes it was a 20 minute power nap. I learned to self care emotionally, socially, psychologically, spiritually, and physically. 
And then one day after going down many self care rabbit holes, I discovered the ultimate self care ritual, peristeam hydrotherapy. It connected me on all levels. Peristeam hydrotherapy (aka vaginal steaming) is the therapeutic use of steam for healing and maintaining the perineum and internal and external reproductive organs. I started experimenting. I kept trying different protocols until I found the perfect combination for me. My twice a month 30 minute steam kept me toned, strengthened, happy, and relaxed. I loved it so much and got such good results that I began sharing with others. And they got good results. I would follow the therapeutic protocols and they got good results. The benefits I see include:

• Cleansing the uterus
• Stabilizing fertility
• Preventing and correcting prolapse
• Reducing fibroids, cysts, and growths
• Eliminating cramps and uterine pain
• Treating infections (UTI, yeast, bacterial)
• Promoting a "perfect" period
• Balancing hormones
• Increasing circulation
• Reducing bloating
• Tightening the skin
• Returning the postpartum body to the prepregnant state
• Bringing the body into harmony with nature

And there are many more benefits. I am witnessing healing, cleansing, toning, reducing, balancing, and returning weekly. And it's the perfect way to teach about self care. It happens regularly and you can't do anything but relax while partaking in your steam. Participating in self care is my way to remain whole. And when I'm whole, I can care for others. And when others are cared for, they can be whole. And when they are whole, they can care for others. And the positive cycle repeats. 
Find your self care ritual and embrace your whole. And if steaming appeals to you, reach out. We can develop a steaming protocol that meets your individual needs and enhances your self care. We should all be whole!

Now You're Green

I was yellow. I was born yellow. I lived yellow. Yellow is the "I" color. The color of personal power. The color of strength and stamina. Yellow is joy, happiness, and cheerfulness. It is the color of the third chakra, the solar plexus. The chakra of personal strength, learning, and comprehension. The area of ourselves where a strong sense of self, self esteem, and willpower grow. The ability to bring change into your life and into the world is born within the yellow. 


Danny was blue. Danny was born blue. He lived blue. Blue is the "You" color. The color of the desire for harmony, tranquility, and peace. Blue is introspection, thoughtfulness, and trust. It is the color of the fifth chakra, the throat. The chakra of communication and rational explanation. The area of ourselves where we find the courage to stand by our opinions and give truth expression. The ability to bring truth as a vehicle for change is born in the blue.


But now we are green. We were reborn green. We live green. Green is a combination of blue and yellow, offering the personal power of yellow mixed with the peace and tranquility of blue. I'm not sure when I first recognized the color change. It happened slowly, so slowly that the transition to green was complete before I even noticed. Did it start the first time he made me laugh? The first time he held my hand? The first kiss? The first time he brought me tea when I was sick? Our wedding?  Yes, yes, yes, yes, and yes! Green is the color of the fourth chakra, the heart chakra. The chakra of limitless compassion, empathy, and love. The area of ourselves that embraces vulnerability, unconditional love, and deep connection. The I and the You become the We! The color change happened slowly but I have no desire to only be yellow again. Happy Anniversary baby! Here's to 30 more!


"All your life you're yellow. Then one day you brush up against something blue, the barest touch, and voila, the rest of your life you're green."   Tess Callahan, author, painter, teacher, and mother of twins