Dear Friends,
Welcome back and happy beginning of Autumn. I have had a couple of weeks off from blogging for the summer holidays which I spent with my son enjoying the sunshine.
Today is a very exciting day because I received the first copy of my new book: The Art of Birth – Empower Yourself for Conception, Pregnancy and Birth published by Engage Press. Not only does it mark the end of a rather long meandering road to completion but it is a birth. Although there is no human baby, it has been a very powerful creative process. It began with conception of the idea, gestating the project from little foetal beginnings to full blown, ready to burst project followed by a labour that had its ups and downs – going with the flow helped – and finally the metaphoric birth; the birth of a physical, tangible, ready-to-read book full of juiciness to empower and support women on their journey to motherhood.
I am not only celebrating my birth by sharing the news with the world for my own pleasure, I am also reminding us that our creativity is on a symbolic parallel to a real human birth. Similar to pregnancy, it is important to find the right people to support us on our creative journey. Expressing our deepest thoughts and feelings, whether through art, writing, music, sculpture, craft or other forms of creative gesture, leaves our souls wide open and therefore somewhat vulnerable. But it is through this vulnerability that our truth can emerge and be of service to the world. Therefore, as we make our offerings at the altar of humanity, take your time, let people you trust hold your hand as you set your creative project sail on the ocean of life.
So… Here is my project, The Art of Birth, a labour of love which offers, what I consider, a radical new approach to conception, pregnancy and birth using expressive Art as a way to explore our deeper selves. Even though art and birth are as old as time, a delicious synergy happens when these two creative processes come together. This book will lead you on a gentle, respectful and artistic journey into a feminine world of Art, art exercises, relaxation, positive affirmations, inner work, emotional support and pleasure, where the dream of a natural, empowered journey to motherhood and a positive birth experience can become a new reality.
The Art of Birth is about creative freedom rather than technical skill, so No experience of art is necessary. You will be able to interpret your art work to see what it reveals and with this insight, rejoice in connecting with yourself and your baby on a deeper level.
My personal story contrasts the beliefs and behaviours in the United Kingdom with those of the Balinese culture, and conveys the message that a new positive birth paradigm is desperately needed. Cutting edge research is included to substantiate my claims that emotional well being during the creation of new life is paramount. Likewise, we can collectively support one of the most significant rites of passage in a woman’s life.
Art and birth are creative and non-intellectual processes and this is why Art can be a great asset in our preparation for birth as it allows us to access images and the unconscious. Before conception, through pregnancy, birth and beyond a woman, and her partner, can clear unhelpful emotional and psychological barriers. This book will give you the tools to empower yourself to create the experience you desire.
The Art of Birth aims to inspire, educate and support pregnant women, fathers, partners, midwives, doulas, childbirth practitioners and anyone who is passionate about conscious conception, pregnancy, birth and parenting.
It will be available in two weeks from most major outlets worldwide.
I will keep you all posted 🙂
Much love,
Alex xx
By Alexandra Florschutz
