when five days surgery past
gather bolster, blanket and yoga mat
near a wall stand, blood to steady
light a candle to honour and grieve
Ingredients
+ one yoga mat or rug
+ one bolster or few throw pillows
+ one blanket, or two or three
+ one candle and a lighter
+ wall space
It may take about a week to feel better after laparoscopy, but full recovery can take up to six weeks. Some possible sensations: sore shoulders and/or a sore throat, bloating, discomfort and bruising in the area of incision, menstrual bleeding, weakened core, lack of appetite, headache, stomachache.. Emotionally, we also need to accept and grieve the loss of a child and a part of the body if hysterectomy took place. The following is a gentle yoga sequence to help move the body after a few days of rest (five or more) and to begin healing the womb loss. Transitions need to be slow, as the body still contains many of the hormones of early pregnancy. In particular, standing up too quickly can cause a sudden change in blood pressure. This can be felt as dizziness, troubled vision, nausea, and/or headache. Use the wall for support. Before practising, be sure your doctor has cleared you for exercise/yoga.
Place the long edge of your mat against the wall and have your props nearby. You can do all or only one of the following, for as long as you wish. I included some suggested time for each pose, but feel free to adjust according to your needs.
Meditative walk (5-10 min)
Stand by the wall to begin. Leaning your back against the wall, place one hand on the heart and one hand on the belly. Close the eyes and take three slow deep inhales and exhales. Take the time to arrive into your body and into your practice. Blink your eyes open. Using the wall for support, take gentle steps up and down your mat. Walk slowly and focus on your breath. Stop to rest when needed.
Breathing into the womb (5 min)
Place the bolster with its long edge against the wall on the floor. Using the wall for support, slide down to sit comfortably on the bolster. You can take the shape of sukhasana (easy pose), baddha konasana (butterfly), or malasana (yogi squat). Rest the hands on your thighs or place them on your womb. Send healing energy to your womb and thank her for her hard work.
Opening the heart (4-8 min)
Have one blanket folded and within reach. Position the bolster longitudinally on the mat. Sit against the short edge of the bolster and lower your back down. If your head needs more support, slide the folded blanket underneath. Open your arms to a T-shape or let them rest on either side of the body. Allow your breath to be gentle as you settle in. To end, bend your knees and very slowly roll to one side. Use your hands to press up to sit.
Deep rest (10+ min)
Come into savasana (corpse pose) with the bolster underneath the knees. You can use a blanket to support your head and another to cover yourself. Fall into the embrace of the Earth. There is nothing to focus on here, simply rest for as long as you want. To end, bend the knees and push the bolster away with your feet. Lay in this constructive rest pose for a moment. Roll to one side and come to sit.
Lighting a candle (5-10 min)
Sit on the bolster or directly on the mat. Light a candle (or imagine lighting one). Send loving energy to the spirit baby that has passed over. Say a prayer or chant a mantra (your throat might still be sore), or play music.