January 8, 2009 – ONE-NIGHT WORKSHOP, 6:30 – 9:00 PM

Drop-in, bring a friend, dress comfortably. In the comfort of your sisters on this strange journey, come and sit, learn a few things, share with others, or quietly take in what your hear, keep what is useful to you and disregard the rest.

We will be here on the 2^nd Thursday of each month. We spend the first hour inviting peacefulness into our body and mind. It takes practice. It’s difficult to go it alone, quieting the mind. A little guidance, discussion and practice helps to move the mind in the direction of peacefulness. The body will follow. The second hour we talk. We talk about difficulties, struggles and confusions and we share insights, suggestions and sympathies.

It is my hope that this monthly gathering becomes a bit of an oasis for those who are struggling with difficult conception, a cool drink of water for those thirsty for some peace of mind on this challenging journey.

For details, go to Workshops

January 14, 2009 – MIND/BODY FERTILITY WORKSHOP, a nine-week program

This is the workshop that Alice Domar, Ph. D., author, researcher, psychologist, leader in the application of mind/body medicine for women’s health, established years ago to help women decrease physical and psychological symptoms, paving the way to conception.

The relationship of stress to infertility is complicated. We know that infertility is very stressful. What happens when you are stressed? The body and mind contracts, tightens up, resists and battles against the source of the stress. This constricts the flow of thoughts, ideas and potential options in the mind and the flow of blood and fluids in the body. It’s no wonder that the natural flow of conception, mental or physical, is more difficult under stress.

Research in the field of mind/body medicine is abundant and ongoing. Learning to tame our chaotic mind has tangible and measurable, physical and mental benefits. Mindfulness specifically, results in changes, a thickening of the tissue in the prefrontal cortex. Basic functions related to the prefrontal cortex emerge with the practice of mindfulness: regulation of body systems, balancing emotions, attuning to others and modulating fear.

Imagine the possibilities.

For details, go to Workshops
 

Nutrition – ESSENTIAL FATTY ACIDS

Essential Fatty Acids (EFAs) support the cardiovascular, reproductive, immune, and nervous systems. The human body needs EFAs to manufacture and repair cell membranes, enabling the cells to obtain optimum nutrition and expel harmful waste products. A primary function of EFAs is the production of prostaglandins, which regulate body functions such as heart rate, blood pressure, blood clotting, fertility, conception, and play a role in immune function by regulating inflammation and encouraging the body to fight infection. Essential Fatty Acids are also needed for proper growth in children, particularly for neural development and maturation of sensory systems. Fetuses and breast-fed infants also require an adequate supply of EFAs through the mother's dietary intake.

Omega-3s (Linolenic Acid) are used in the formation of cell walls, making them supple and flexible, and improving circulation and oxygen uptake with proper red blood cell flexibility and function.

One tablespoon per day of flaxseed oil should provide the recommended daily adult portion of linolenic acid, although "time-released" effects of consuming nuts and other linolenic-rich foods is being studied, and considered more beneficial than a once-daily oil intake.

Omega-6 (Linoleic Acid). Some Omega-6s improve diabetic neuropathy, rheumatoid arthritis, PMS, skin disorders (e.g. psoriasis and eczema), and aid in cancer treatment. With good nutrition, linoleic acid is converted into gamma linolenic acid (GLA), which helps to reduce inflammation in the body. Adequate amounts of certain nutrients in the body, including magnesium, zinc, and vitamins C, B3, and B6, facilitate this conversion.

Although most Americans ingest an excess of linoleic acid, often it is not converted to GLA because of metabolic problems caused by diets rich in sugar, alcohol, or trans fats from processed foods, as well as smoking, pollution, stress, aging, viral infections, and other illnesses such as diabetes. It is best to eliminate these factors when possible, but some prefer to supplement with GLA-rich foods such as borage oil, black currant seed oil, or evening primrose oil.

Avoid refined and hydrogenated versions of these foods: corn, safflower, sunflower, soybean, and cottonseed oils are also sources of linoleic acid, but are refined and may be nutrient-deficient as sold in stores.

The ratio of omega-6 to omega-3 fatty acids should be between 1:1 and 4:1. The typical North American diets are usually in the range of 11:1 to 30:1.

Omega-9 (Oleic acid) is essential but technically not an EFA, because the human body can manufacture a limited amount, provided essential EFAs are present. One to two tablespoons of extra virgin or virgin olive oil per day should provide sufficient oleic acid for adults. However, the "time-released" effects of obtaining these nutrients from nuts and other whole foods is thought to be more beneficial than consuming the entire daily amount via a single oil dose.

This complete article and resources for Omega-3, 6 & 9 can be found under Resources - Nutrition.

Appreciations

My husband and I rang in 2009 with my in-laws, a wonderful couple who have been married almost 55 years.  When I first met them several years ago, I couldn’t help but notice how they constantly praise and thank each other.  I have no doubt that their appreciation for each other has helped them successfully weather the challenges every relationship faces at times.  Pain can be self-absorbing, and particularly when facing difficult conception, it can be easy to fall into a pattern of thinking, but not expressing, gratitude for our partners.

In my work with couples, we start every session with appreciations.  I use a version of the Couples Dialogue™ for appreciations developed by Harville Hendrix in his book, Getting the Love You Want.  To begin, select one partner to talk and the other to listen and mirror.  Sit facing each other in a quiet place.  Remember to keep all expressions of appreciation 100% positive; for example, say “I appreciate your gentle tone of voice” instead of “Thanks for not yelling at me.”  

Sender

One thing I appreciate about you is. . .OR
One thing you did this week that I appreciate. . .

Receiver

You said one thing you appreciate is. . .(repeat using sender’s words).   Did I get it? 
If No – Sender clarifies and receiver mirrors again

If Yes -- Is there more?
Once all appreciations have been sent and mirrored, receiver thanks sender for appreciations:

Thank you for those appreciations.
Switch roles and repeat the process.

I recommend couples who want to reconnect or deepen their connection try this exercise at least weekly.  Set aside just 20 minutes to be intentional about expressing your gratitude for your partner and receiving your partner’s gratitude, and you may be surprised at its many benefits for your relationship.

If you’d like to contact Cindy for counseling services, go to: www.pastoralcounselingdc.com and select Therapists from the menu. She is a professional member of RESOLVE, the National Infertility Association and has a special interest in assisting couples experiencing infertility.

MAY YOU BE WELL, HAPPY AND PEACEFUL