Embodying Fertility: What it Means to Live Fertile
At the end of last year I was watching a video from the Nap Bishop of the Nap Ministry, Tricia Hersey, on Instagram (if you don’t know who I’m talking about, head to her IG now!) In the video, she was talking about what it means to embody rest. I was instantly intrigued. After contemplating what it means to fully live out rest, I began to wonder what it would look like to embody fertility. Months later, I’m still obsessed with this question:
What does it mean to embody fertility?
Stop and think about it. What would it look for you to live in such a way that fertility and all that it means permeated every bit of your life?
The original intention behind Live Fertile was to share a philosophy, a way of living that increased your chances of conceiving down the road while improving your wellbeing now. In fact, the FERTILE in the name is an acronym for seven different fertility wellbeing principles. Which you can read about here if you’re curious.
Anyhow, lately I’ve been journaling about the words fertile and fertility. What they mean, how they feel, where in my body and life I feel fertile, where I don’t. What colors, emotions, places, aromas, foods, flavors, activities, clothes, jewelry, hobbies, music, flowers, animals, seasons, elements, and decor I associate with fertility and fertile.
And I’ve thoroughly enjoyed it. It has been such a beautiful, introspective, and playful way to explore something that can feel heavy and a little scary (especially as I near 35 years old.) It has been such an enlightening and empowering journey. And I’d love it if you’d join me on it.
Each week for the months of March and April, I’m going to share a different aspect of the Live Fertile philosophy along with some practical ways to experiment with and apply that week’s theme.
Even if you’re not actively trying to conceive (I’m not), these explorations will help you dream up new ways to support your overall and reproductive wellbeing that will have a positive impact on your life now.
This week, we start off by defining fertile and fertility for ourselves. We’ll also create an affirmation and a simple fertility embodiment/ self-care practice.
Ready?
Live Fertile Embodiment Journal Prompts
Part 1
Make yourself a cup of tea, maybe play some soothing music, and get out your journal or a piece of paper and your favorite pen. Put your phone and computer on “Do Not Disturb” and work your way through the journal prompts below.
What are some synonyms for “fertile”? Think beyond the ability to conceive.
What are some adjectives related to “fertile”?
What emotions and feelings do you associate with “fertile” and its synonyms? What emotions would you like to associate with these words?
What natural elements and bits of nature (water, animals, flowers, plants, earth, metal, gems, air, sun, etc.) symbolize “fertile” and “fertility”?
What enjoyable activities come to mind when you think of the word “fertile”?
What smells or aromas do associate with “fertility”? Flavors? Textures?
Part 2
Take a look at your answers to questions 1, 2, and 3. Choose three words that stand out to you. Use those three words to write your own definition of fertile as an adjective.
Example: sensual, creative, vibrant.
fertile (adjective):
fully present and in touch with the sensory aspects of a moment;
filled with vibrance;
able to create a vibrant and sensual life mindfully.
Now, use your three words and definition to create an affirmation.
Example: I am creative, sensual, and vibrant. I’m fully present in the life I’m creating.
Take a look at your answer to #3. When do you feel these emotions? What are you doing? Who are you with? Where are you? What are you wearing? As clearly as possible, imagine yourself experiencing those feelings. How can you experience more of those feelings in your daily life?
Example: Joyful, nurtured, calm.
I feel this way when reading a good book on the couch, facing the window, while wearing my favorite soft jumpsuit.
I could schedule time to read for leisure each day on the couch facing the window, in my favorite jumpsuit.
Go to your answer to question #4. How can you incorporate these elements into your environment and life?
Example: Water.
I could take long baths or add an ocean scene to my phone’s lock screen.
Now for #5. Are any of these activities you can schedule into your day, week, or month?
Example: Dancing.
I could play music and dance in the morning rather than doing a set workout routine.
Last, #6. Is there a way to add this aroma to your surroundings? Flavor to your food? Dress in a material that is this texture?
Example: Cinnamon, honey/ sweetness, silky/ soft. I could boil cinnamon sticks and allow the aroma to fill my home. I could add honey to my morning tea. I could use really soft cotton sheets on my bed or wear a silk nightgown.
Part 3
Now take a look at what you wrote in Part 2. What most interests you? Choose one of your answers from above to add to your daily routine.
Each day, say your affirmation and practice your fertile embodiment practice of choice.
Example: Each morning, I will have a cup of tea with honey. While sipping my tea, I will repeat my affirmations.
Feel free to share your practice and affirmation with me in the comments below, over on YouTube, or by sending me a message.
See you next week, as we dive into the first principle of living fertile, Fun Movement.
Be well,
Kendra
