RECLAMATION
This blog is a dive into our womb space and a sharing of where my disconnect started and how we can support each other in reclaiming our wisdom and power together.
Age 13:
I didn't get off to a good start with my periods. At age 13, they arrived suddenly. I was ill-prepared and found the whole experience messy, embarrassing, and, to be honest, a little shameful. It all felt somewhat dirty, and I kept it a secret. I found no open conversations or advice from the adults around me and had trouble managing heavy periods with little understanding of what to do or use.
As a society, we struggle with periods due to the conditioning that views them as unclean, embarrassing and inconvenient. This stigma leads to shame, secrecy and a lack of open discussion, which is precisely what I found to be true.
There was a complete lack of information and support, which can leave many women feeling alone in their experiences. The only media I encountered were advertisements with taglines like "Whoah, Bodyform for youuuuuu," featuring a smiling, carefree woman going about her business in a flouncy little skirt. This portrayal certainly does not reflect the reality of lying on the sofa, clutching a hot water bottle while wearing pyjamas. Since the 1920s, women have been conditioned by advertising to believe that periods are something to be ashamed of, framing them as a 'problem' to be solved—something that threatens their feminine appeal. The recurring theme that periods should be kept hidden from the world compounded my fear of buying pads or tampons, fearing that someone might find out 'my dirty secret.'
This period in my life (no pun intended!) produced the start of a disconnect from my womb and her magic and instead took me to a place of shame and secrecy.
This is just one part of the story, but it is intertwined with a much larger narrative. This narrative addresses how many of us find ourselves at the forefront of a long line of women who have been disconnected from their power and their wombs due to fear and shame. This disconnection is partly a result of centuries of patriarchal systems that have led to repression and separation.
In many ancient cultures, women were respected as wisdom keepers, deeply connected to the cycles and rhythms of life. However, with the rise of patriarchal structures, this relationship changed. Women began to feel confined, their bodies controlled, and their power hidden away in the far recesses. These new systems enforced rules around women's bodies, sexuality, menstruation and childbirth. It has become so ingrained that we now find ourselves feeling that any act of self-trust and self-empowerment is radical and questionable.
The Witch Hunts:
These marked a pivotal moment in history, leading to a significant accumulation of knowledge about herbs, seasonal changes, midwifery, and land magic. This knowledge went underground as it was labelled witchcraft by the church, coinciding with the rise of male-dominated medicine, which was presented as the sole authority on our bodies and cycles.
Today, the effects of historical disconnection are still deeply rooted, with many women adjusting their lives in ways that ignore or suppress their natural rhythms. For generations, we have been conditioned to believe that success means adhering to a masculine, linear approach—prioritising consistency, productivity, and simply "getting on with it." As a result, women have learned to compete and operate like men in both workplaces and personal pursuits, often neglecting their own cyclical nature in order to "keep up."
Symptoms of disconnect may look like:
- Ignoring the body's need for rest and pushing through exhaustion.
- Suppressing emotions to avoid discomfort or the perception of being "overly emotional."
- Feeling uneasy or even resentful toward our menstrual cycles and bodies.
- Experiencing burnout due to constant pressures to be productive, leading to the feeling that we're never doing "enough."
How to start the journey of reclamation:
We are in an era of reclaiming embodiment, focusing on nurturing our womb space and deepening our awareness of our bodies. This journey invites us to reconnect with our intuitive and rhythmic nature, honouring the cycles that guide us. By embracing this process, we uncover layers of self-discovery and empowerment, allowing us to live in harmony with our home, our body.
Body-based practices invite you to engage in simple movements for their own sake, allowing you to become aware of what arises within. Feel the gentle brush of your clothes against your skin and the sensations it brings. Tune into your breath, and acknowledge your thoughts and feelings with curiosity.
Kundalini Yoga: This ancient practice helps us reconnect with our true potential by clearing and purifying our minds. It supports us in shedding old patterns of conditioning and beliefs, strengthens our immune system, and reawakens the inner wisdom and guidance that has been suppressed over generations.
Creating Rituals: Give yourself permission to enjoy simple tasks, such as making your favourite tea or drink. Take a moment to appreciate the sensations and sounds of the water as you turn on the tap. Be as present as you can during the process of preparing this drink that nourishes your body, with each sip bringing life-sustaining water into you. When we shift our perception of the mundane, we cultivate gratitude and self-compassion. In turn, this fosters a sense of empowerment and enhances our ability to navigate life's challenges.
Yoni steaming: An ancient practice that has long been forgotten and sidelined by patriarchal medicine, has its beautiful roots in Chinese, Ayurvedic, and Latin traditions. Like many of these age-old practices, it is regaining popularity as we embark on the journey of reclaiming our birthright to connect with our feminine energy and inner power. This practice serves as a way to honour the wisdom of the womb.
Take Rest: It might sound simple, but our culture often focuses so much on the power of action that it forgets how important it is just to be. Listen to your body and allow yourself to rest during the luteal phase and the first few days of your period. Even if, like me, you no longer bleed, our bodies still sing to a cyclical rhythm.
Community and Tradition: We are now seeking spaces where we can connect with like-minded communities and explore ancient wisdom together. By tapping into the wisdom of past generations, we change the narrative and create new, heart-centred stories and systems. Let's work together to support loving change for our ancestors yet to come.
Coming Up:
I will soon be offering the practices of Yoni Steaming, Sacred Oil Anointing, and Womb Wrapping. These powerful rituals invite you to connect deeply with your womb, facilitating a transformative journey of clearing, softening, and reconnection.
Womb wrapping can be imagined as a gentle embrace from a deeply caring sister, helping to unwind your nervous system and gather energy from your sacred centre. Through sacred anointing, we honour touch as a form of prayer, where the oil becomes a healing elixir for both body and spirit.
This practice transcends the mundane; it unfolds as a heartfelt ceremony of remembrance and reconnection. When we approach yoni steaming with reverence, intention, and mindfulness, it transforms into a sacred space where we can tap into the timeless wisdom of our bodies, our wombs, and our ancestral heritage.
During my training, one of the most profound moments came from being lovingly cared for by another woman. For those of us who carry aspects of the 'Sister Wound,' 'Mother Wound,' or even the 'Witch Wound,' this gentle care and nurturing can be life-changing and utterly sublime.
Having your sister support you on this journey—witnessing your experiences and guiding you with love—creates a nurturing environment where your nervous system can relax and feel a sense of safety that may be new and extraordinary. In this cocoon of care, your body is free to release old stories, emotions, and energies that no longer serve you. The steam becomes a gentle midwife, assisting you in shedding the layers that hold you back and helping you embrace your true path. This is more than a practice; it's a celebration of your journey back to yourself and to sisterhood.
You'll discover this and so much more as you enter our space, where a warm and comforting feeling of home wraps around you. Whether you're here for a retreat, seeking one-on-one shamanic healing or equine therapy sessions, or joining us for our special Sussex cacao ceremonies to celebrate meaningful moments in your life, you'll walk away with a more meaningful love for yourself and the beautiful land we live upon.
Big love,Kim x
