The Power of Kindness
I was blessed to join an incredible series of seminars on the power of supporting ‘physiological, natural birthing’ last year.
This series of powerful lectures, hosted by Portiuncula hospital, was given by leaders in their field from around the world-midwives, doctors and scientists.
The overriding message that was sent out was that kindness matters, connection matters, and the environment we birth and work in matters.
These affirmative messages were displayed through many avenues-double blinded studies, quantitative and qualitative research and most importantly through the lived experience, wisdom gathered and observations of the many years these field leaders had in their practice.
What really mattered to me is how this affirmed my own experiences both in my work as a mid-wife, ie ‘with-woman’, but also what I have observed in my friendships, relationship with my husband, children and family and that with my wider community.
It matters to be kind, it matters to connect, and it matters to witness each other from a place of heart, compassion and love.
Why does it matter so much and why does an absence of the above quickly lead to feelings of separation, isolation and loss of autonomy?
Let me introduce you to the power of OXYTOCIN:
Probably most known to you in relation to birthing, this powerful hormone is thought to influence bonding and connection on all levels, men and women alike.
When released, oxytocin creates feelings of love, connection and safety.
In these times when many of our personal values have been questioned, we have been asked to circumnavigate the most basic of our human needs- to connect, to be seen, to be held, touched and to be loved and most of all to be accepted exactly as we are- unique sentient beings that are governed by free will and a right to autonomy in our democratic society.
When stress and fear levels are high, oxytocin and dopamine pathways are interrupted, resulting in an increase in tensions and anxiety and also feeling like you are ‘alone in it all’.
All this results in less oxytocin, dopamine and serotonin levels being released- our feel good and love hormones.
This may go some way to explain the conflicting and confusing emotions many of us have been experiencing these last weeks and months.
So how can we re-connect and restore feelings of belonging, togetherness and unconditional love and acceptance for each other?
Find out here:
What promotes the release of oxytocin:
KINDNESS TO YOURSELF AND OTHERS
Touch- skin to skin, cheek to cheek, hand to hand, hugs, massage- yourself, each other or book a treatment.
Warmth- get cosied up with your favourite jumper, blanket, loved one, pet or delve into a warm bath.
Smiling - generously- at yourself in the mirror, your loved ones, friends, complete strangers - even if you're faking it ;)
Tone of voice- warmth, soft, purring- cats work a treat too ;)
Soft textures- fluffy blankets, soft socks, faux fur collars ;), soft mohair, soft covered water bottle.
Relaxing music- Try this 528hz frequency Spotify Playlist
Soft lighting- salt lamps, aroma diffusers with colour changes.
Scents- aromatherapy diffusers- try: pure lavender, chamomile or rose.
Positive affirmations and guided visualizations:
‘I am loved and held
I am safe and secure
I am accepted as I am unconditionally
I share loving kindness readily and generously with myself and others
I am love
I am peace
I am beautiful
I am connected
I feel at one with our Mother Earth.’
Find out more about the power of oxytocin in ‘Kerstin Uvnas Mobergs’ powerful series of books on bonding and relationships.
Herbs that promote relaxation, heart opening and feeling loved up.
Try these beautiful organic herbal infusions:
Boosting our sacral chakra and seat of our womb and pelvis, this is sensual and uplifting tea.
The oriental spices and creamy cacao peels in this tea act as a wonderful mood booster, warming the digestion and stimulating blood flow to our pelvis, as well as balancing blood sugar levels.
Shatavari is deeply nourishing and restorative in all phases of a woman’s life and is thought to promote love and connection.
Pink rose petals bring a floral note to this tea connecting to our senses to uplift and open the heart.
Great to drink alone and also in partnership together.
Gorgeous with a piece of dark chocolate to dip :)
‘I love’ Heart Chakra- Be better Chakra
This uplifting herbal tea blend with Chamomile, Lemon Verbena, Fennel, and Rose is soothing, comforting & promotes a gentle feeling of ease and content.
The Heart Chakra is the centre of your sense of caring and compassion and encourages us to truly love and to truly forgive.
Concentrating on this Chakra nurtures our openness in sharing, and in giving and receiving unconditional love. It is also the healing centre and promotes self-love, kindness and respect.
Containing no Caffeine, it is calming but also inspiring.
Our ‘Fresh Bloom’ Tea is a light and floral infusion with sweet, honey like notes and a bright golden hue.
It combines calming Chamomile, uplifting Rose and anxiety relieving Lime Flower with soothing Oat Straw and tummy easing Fennel.
‘A Hug in the Cup’ to soothe frayed nerves, settle worried tummies and promote natural sleep for all the family.
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Karin Müller is co-owner of Solaris tea and has been working in the field of wellness and health for over 20 years now. She is a Medical Herbalist (BSc Hons), practising Midwife (BSc Hons), Massage and Spa therapist and experienced course facilitator and teacher on a wide range of topics related to mindfulness, meditation and women’s health. She is currently also studying in the ‘Medicine of Light’ school to deepen her spiritual practise. |
