The Healing Practice Podcast: Navigating the Seasons of Womanhood

Claire Cleaver
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  • Alternative Health
  • Updated Biweekly

Welcome to The Healing Practice Podcast, a dedicated space for exploring the natural seasons of womanhood and personal growth. Hosted by Claire Cleaver, author, counsellor, and practitioner, this podcast offers a gentle yet profound exploration of the key stages of a woman's life. We trace the journey from the first bloom of puberty, through the experiences of fertility and birth, to the powerful transition of perimenopause and menopause. Drawing on years of experience supporting women and families, Claire shares practical insights, reflective tools, and supportive guidance designed to help you: Restore Balance: Learn simple, effective practices to bring harmony to your physical and emotional well-being. Release What's Been Held: Explore ways to acknowledge and gently let go of old patterns, stress, or trauma. Support Your Body's Wisdom: Gain a deeper understanding and appreciation for the intelligence of your cyclical nature. This podcast is about knowing yourself better. It's about listening deeply to your inner voice, understanding the seasons you are moving through, and walking your unique path with increased self-awareness, compassion, and strength. Wherever you are on your journey, seeking support, understanding, or a deeper connection to the season of life you're in, you are welcome here.

Episodes

  1. The Quiet Grief of Secondary Infertility

    15h ago

    The Quiet Grief of Secondary Infertility

    Secondary infertility carries a very special kind of ache, leaving parents painfully stuck between two worlds: fiercely grateful for the child they have, and deeply grieving for the child they wish they could have. In this episode of the Healing Practice podcast, we validate the quiet and lingering grief that invades a family when a second pregnancy simply does not happen. We address the lack of social support for couples facing this unique challenge and look at how to safely let heavy emotions coexist with your reality. We explore the somatic tools and structural reframing needed to navigate secondary infertility, including: The Reality of the Six-Month Window: Why the standard 12-month timeline for unprotected intercourse is too long to wait before seeking proactive tests. The Trap of Comparative Guilt: Dismantling the internal and external shaming that tells you to be content with one because others cannot conceive at all. The 90-Second Emotional Shift: Understanding the physiological lifespan of a dark, heavy wave of grief and how to survive its peak. The "Life Calls Life" Philosophy: Shifting your energy out of a high-stress, clinical fertility focus to nourish the existing flame of your family. The Isolation of Unrequited Family Love The baseline medical definition states that if you are not pregnant after 12 months of trying, it is classified as secondary infertility. However, waiting a full year can cause couples to miss a massive six-month window where proper reproductive testing could uncover critical, hidden physical blocks. Beyond the clinical hurdles, the emotional landscape is isolating. Society, friends, and family often dismiss a couple's disquiet, telling them how "lucky" they are to already have a child. This leaves parents holding onto a deep, unrequited desire to complete their family, paired with an unfair burden of guilt for wanting more. Allowing Joy and Sadness to Coexist A woman will often hold onto this lingering grief much longer than her partner, as men possess a different capacity and style of grieving. When you have exhausted yourself physically, emotionally, and financially through endless lifestyle changes, IUI, or IVF cycles, reaching the end of the road requires a painful surrender. The path forward is not about erasing your sadness, but practising the co-existence of love and loss side by side. Much like a mother who carries a surviving twin while celebrating the one that passed, your heart is fully capable of holding deep joy for your only child alongside the grief of the extra child you wish you could have. Practical Steps for the Journey Journal for Complete Permission: Utilise writing not to dismiss your feelings, but as a dedicated, safe sanctuary. Committing your hand to paper acts as an absolute declaration that you are fully entitled to feel this deep grief. Ride the 90-Second Wave: When a dark wave of gloom or triggering heaviness washes over you, remember that the physical sensation cannot sustain its peak for longer than 90 seconds. Breathe into it, let it shift through you, and look for the brief space of relief that follows. Set Firm, Quiet Boundaries: When well-meaning friends offer dismissive comments like, "You should be content with what you've got," remember it is not their place to say it. Give yourself permission to walk away or offer a firm, silent look that signals their comment is unkind and unhelpful. Tend to the Existing Flame: A child can instinctively sense when a parent is emotionally distant or trapped in "futurising" an unfulfilled wish. Bring your presence back to the moment to ensure your child does not absorb internalised neglect or resentment. Morning and Evening Prompts To help anchor your nervous system, try using these two intentions at the start or close of your day: The Emotional Check-In: "What is the unsaid, unspoken grief I am holding today? I give myself full permission to feel it alongside my intense gratitude for the family I have." The Life-Calls-Life Action: "How can I invite 'life calls life' energy into my home today to actively appreciate the precious life right in front of me?" Reflection Points Are you weaponising the presence of your current child to shame yourself out of grieving the second one you want? How can you better communicate with your partner when your timelines and styles of grieving feel out of sync? What small, daily adjustments can you make to pull your energy out of clinical high-stress tracking and back into the bosom of your home? Explore More at The Healing Practice If you are navigating the heavy transitions of secondary infertility and need companion resources to anchor your heart and find peace in the present moment, we are here to support you.  The Path to Fertility: A Guided Journal Bring complete clarity and comfort to your daily pathway with The Path to Fertility: A Guided Journal. This comprehensive, 13-month guide features structural cycle tracking, emotional check-ins, medical treatment trackers, and dedicated pages for raw writing to help you comfortably decompress. https://www.amazon.com/Path-Fertility-Guided-Journal/dp/B0GW5R2PJS  The Fertile Heart Deck Set up your morning with intentional acts of self-worth by exploring The Fertile Heart Deck: Honest Affirmations for Your Fertility Journey. These beautifully designed cards help suspend faulty thinking, cultivate hope, and ground your partner relationship through every peak and valley. https://thehealingpractice.com.au/shop/the-fertile-heart-deck-honest-affirmations-for-your-fertility-journey/  Find a wealth of information and education on navigating the pivotal period of perimenopause and menopause at thehealingpractice.com.au. Highlights 01:25 Defining Secondary Infertility 01:51 Why Timing Matters 03:18 The Quiet Grief 04:43 Journaling and Validation 06:20 Acceptance and Surrender 07:21 The 90 Second Shift 08:47 Stepping Back from Treatment 10:00 Life Calls Life 11:51 Prompts and Coexisting Feelings

    15 min
  2. The Mother-Daughter Shift

    Jul 2

    The Mother-Daughter Shift

    When a daughter experiences her first bloom, a mother experiences a profound rebirth of her own role. How do we hold space for both when the relationship naturally shifts into an antagonistic, tug-of-war dynamic? In this episode of the Healing Practice podcast, we explore the intricate, delicate, and often socially awkward years of a child's transition into adolescence. We navigate the biological reality of these shifts and examine the unique pressure cooker that occurs when a teenage girl's surging hormones collide with a mother's low capacity during perimenopause. We dive into the heart of the mother-daughter transition, including: The First Bloom (Ages 10–13): Decoding the onset of puberty, where rapid physical changes bring a massive rise in vulnerability and hyper-self-consciousness. Mid-Adolescence and Autonomy (Ages 13–17): The critical development point where structural body changes filter down into complex identity forging, value testing, and boundary setting. The Mother as the Boxing Bag: Understanding why your previously adoring child suddenly pushes you away with snarky comments, and why this rebellion is actually a sign of authentic emotional safety. Transitioning from Manager to Guide: Releasing the exhausting reins of authoritarian control to step into a supportive role that models emotional regulation. The Collision of Low-Capacity Cycles Adolescence is an extraordinarily long developmental stretch spanning from ages 10 to 19. During the initial early phase, young girls are suddenly forced to process burgeoning physical changes that they often don't know how to navigate, stooping their shoulders to hide growing tissue or pulling away from physical affection. Compounding this fragility is the fact that mothers are often weathering their own perimenopausal shifts at the same time. When both mother and child operate at low capacity, everyday tasks can feel like a war zone. Shifting away from crude or critical generational parenting habits requires a conscious, mindful pause to recognise our internal triggers before reacting. The Biology of Differentiation When your daughter stops wanting to hold your hand or tells you, "Not now, Mum," the rejection hurts. However, this act of differentiation is identical to the toddler phase of crawling away to explore.  Your teen must push against you to find out where they end, and the world begins. Because they know your love circle is unconditional, they choose you to wear their meltdowns, testing their authentic, raw selves against your stability. Practical Steps for the Journey The Three-Breath Somatic Reset: When you feel thoroughly overwrought or triggered by a snarky comment, stop and ground yourself. Feel your feet on the floor, curl your toes firmly into your shoes, and take a rapid in-breath followed by a slow, elongated, calming out-breath to instantly reset your nervous system. Reframe to Neutral "I Notice" Openings: Avoid accusatory language that invites a defensive war. Instead of demanding to know what is wrong, take a breath and say: "I notice you seem a little quieter. Is there anything going on that I can help with?" Implement Consequence-Based Sleeping Boundaries: Stop playing the stressful role of constant timekeeper. Instead of barging in and pulling off the blankets, communicate a sensible buffer time (e.g., 20 minutes). If they choose to stay in bed, let them face the natural external consequences instead of stepping in to rescue or lecture them. Adopt the Triple-Seven Rule: Dedicate seven minutes in the morning, seven minutes right after school, and seven minutes before bedtime for intentional, one-to-one interaction. Use these windows purely for listening and checking in, not for chore management or directing behaviour. Reflection Points What comments did your own parents make to you during puberty that you have unconsciously carried into your relationship with your daughter? Are you trying to retain control by being louder, more strident, or more authoritarian when your teen rebels? How can you lean on a trusted circle of female friends to process your personal sense of maternal loss so you don't take your teen's withdrawal personally? Explore More at The Healing Practice If you are navigating the turbulent waters of the mother-daughter shift and want to build a secure container of mutual boundaries and self-care, we invite you to anchor your practice with us.  The Path to Fertility: A Guided Journal Bring complete clarity and comfort to your daily pathway with The Path to Fertility: A Guided Journal. This comprehensive, 13-month guide features structural cycle tracking, emotional check-ins, medical treatment trackers, and dedicated pages for raw writing to help you comfortably decompress. https://www.amazon.com/Path-Fertility-Guided-Journal/dp/B0GW5R2PJS  The Fertile Heart Deck Set up your morning with intentional acts of self-worth by exploring The Fertile Heart Deck: Honest Affirmations for Your Fertility Journey. These beautifully designed cards help suspend faulty thinking, cultivate hope, and ground your partner relationship through every peak and valley. https://thehealingpractice.com.au/shop/the-fertile-heart-deck-honest-affirmations-for-your-fertility-journey/  Find a wealth of information and education on navigating the pivotal period of perimenopause and menopause at thehealingpractice.com.au. Highlights 01:11 What Is First Bloom 02:06 Puberty Changes and Self-Consciousness 03:32 Mother Memories and Sensitivity 03:59 Mid Adolescence and Identity 04:47 Perimenopause and Low Capacity 05:17 Differentiation and Letting Go 06:55 Grounding Exercise for Moms 08:33 Morning Battles and Consequences 11:24 From Control to Guide 14:01 Model Calm at Home 14:58 Triple Seven Connection Rule

    17 min
  3. The Teenage Emotional Winter

    Jun 25

    The Teenage Emotional Winter

    When your cuddly, expressive child suddenly retreats behind a closed bedroom door, it is easy to panic and wonder: Where did my beautiful child go? In this episode of the Healing Practice podcast, we apply our monthly theme of "wintering", deep rest, boundary setting, and nervous system recalibration, directly to the up-and-down nature of parenting teenagers. We reframe the moody withdrawal, increased solitude, and long hours of sleep not as laziness or personal slights, but as a completely natural, healthy response to a massive internal evolution. We explore how to decode your teen's emotional battery and maintain a safe container of unconditional love, including: The True Longevity of Adolescence: Understanding that development stretches far longer than we think, spanning a massive ten-year bracket from ages 10 to 19. The Refined Phases of Growth: Navigating the rapid physical intensity of early puberty (ages 10–13) and the complex identity differentiation of mid-adolescence (ages 14–17). The Bedroom as a Sanctuary: Shifting your perspective to see that a teenager retreating to their room isn't rejecting you; they are practising somatic self-regulation in a place of refuge. The Low-Capacity Battery: Recognising that "snappiness" and dropped hobbies are signals of a run-down, overwhelmed emotional battery that is struggling to filter top-heavy cognitions. Understanding the Biological Rest When a teenager sleeps heavily or struggles to get out of bed, our societal conditioning tempts us to label it as laziness. In reality, their physical body is conserving energy to perform massive internal development, intellectually, hormonally, and emotionally. Much like the intense exhaustion experienced during pregnancy, growing oneself takes profound physical work, and your teen simply requires more sleep to survive the shift. The Gendered Autonomy Trap As teenagers grow, a distinct phenomenon often emerges between boys and girls regarding self-advocacy. While adolescent boys remain very direct about their specific wants (such as what they want to eat), adolescent girls begin to experience social conditioning to fit in.  Rather than checking in with themselves, girls will often look around and defer to the group, saying, "Whatever you want." As parents, we must actively encourage our daughters to clearly voice their wants, helping them establish firm personal boundaries. Practical Steps for the Journey Master the "I Notice" Opening: Replace inflammatory questions like "What's wrong with you?" with neutral, owned observations. Take a deep breath and say: "I notice you seem a little quieter. Is there anything going on that I can help with?" Perform an Intentional Check: Before asking your teen a question, examine your true underlying motive. If your goal is to shame or guilt them into participating, step back and remain silent. Connect via Low-Demand Windows: Remove the pressure of forced, high-energy conversations. Practice sitting quietly together in the car, or simply share a quiet breakfast without expecting an overview of their internal life. Model Restful Wintering: Your teenager is constantly watching you to learn how to live. Model healthy boundaries by demonstrating what taking time off, resting, and stepping away from a frenzy of doing actually looks like. Reflection Points When your teenager shuts their door or turns away, are you taking it as a personal slight or respecting it as a necessary act of safety? Is your current style of helping actually a form of reverse-shaming that leaves your teen feeling guilty rather than supported? If you parent a teenage girl, are you allowing her to drift into people-pleasing defaults, or are you modelling how to state clear boundaries without apology? Explore More at The Healing Practice If you are navigating the tricky evolutionary path of parenting an adolescent and want to anchor your family space with deep boundaries and self-care, we invite you to browse our tailored resources. Find a wealth of information and education on navigating the pivotal period of perimenopause and menopause at thehealingpractice.com.au. Highlights 01:47 What Is Adolescence 02:46 Early and Mid Teens 05:06 Why Teens Withdraw 07:01 Rest and Energy Needs 08:06 Irritability and Overwhelm 10:56 Reframe and I Statements 13:12 Space and Low Demand 14:35 Boundaries and Autonomy 16:48 Final Takeaways

    18 min
  4. The Two-Week Wait Survival Guide

    Jun 18

    The Two-Week Wait Survival Guide

    The cliffhanger experience of the two-week wait can feel like a perpetual emotional seesaw, swinging brutally between "it will" and "it won't". In this episode of the Healing Practice podcast, we acknowledge the intense weight of this waiting period, in which so much is pinned on a single future outcome.  When the stakes are this high, it is easy to find yourself on constant battle stations, hypervigilant, super sensitive to comments, and feeling as though your very survival is fragile.  We explore how to step away from this high-arousal state and cultivate deep resilience using profound somatic tools.  We dive into the essential resources to help you weather the wait, including: The Trap of Battle Stations: Recognising how hypervigilance causes you to hold your breath, block your feelings, and misinterpret external slights. The Anatomy of the Controlled Breath: Why extending your exhalation allows for a deep, profound relaxation response that calms cortisol and adrenaline. Beyond Forced Positivity: Utilising Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT) to safely acknowledge your deepest fears without chipping away at your foundation of self-love. The Nature Sanctuary: How to build an internal, private sanctuary using all five senses to anchor your mind when your future dreams feel threatened. Calming the Ready-for-Battle State When you are locked in anticipation, your autonomic nervous system prepares for conflict. Historically used in the armed forces to ground combatants before entering battle, structured breathing practices are specifically designed to counter a racing mind and an over-aroused body. By taking deliberate control of your exhalation, you send an immediate safety signal to your heart and respiratory system. The Private Sanctuary Within Surviving the wait requires a personal, private sanctuary, a space for one, situated in nature. True visualisation isn't about escaping reality; it's about shifting your focus away from frantic external timelines and onto tangible, somatic comforts. By engaging your sight, sound, smell, and touch in an imagined refuge, you find a home in your heart to process heavy stress with self-compassion. Practical Steps for the Journey Practice the Nose-to-Nose Box Breath: Inhale through your nose for a count of four, hold for four, and exhale completely through your nose for four. The nose exhalation creates a soft, hushing sound at the back of the throat, inviting a deeper relaxation experience than mouth breathing. Complete at least four full cycles. Try the 4-5-7 Controlled Reset: Inhale for four, hold the breath for five while gently locking your chin into your throat, and intentionally exhale for seven counts. Feel the exhalation travel all the way down to your pelvic floor to maximise carbon dioxide release. Anchor with Balanced EFT Phrases: If a heavy thought arises, balance it immediately by naming the pain and pairing it with unconditional care: "Even though I feel desperately sad that I am not pregnant yet, I still love and accept myself exactly as I am." Gather and Disperse Tension: Close your eyes, collect all your racing thoughts, time anxieties, and physical tensions, and bundle them tightly into a large, deep inhalation. Hold it at the top, and then release it with an audible sigh through your mouth to physically scatter the residual pressure. Reflection Points When you track physical symptoms during this wait, are you observing your body with curiosity, or are you operating from hypervigilant battle stations? Are there negative or fearful thoughts chipping away at your sense of self-love that need to be answered with a soft, unconditional balancing statement? What does your ideal nature sanctuary look like? Where can your feet find the texture of the earth when the weight becomes too heavy to hold? Explore More at The Healing Practice If you resonate with this journey of self-prioritisation and reclaiming your sovereign self, we invite you to explore further resources designed to support your transition. The Path to Fertility: A Guided Journal Bring complete clarity and comfort to your daily pathway with The Path to Fertility: A Guided Journal. This comprehensive, 13-month guide features structural cycle tracking, emotional check-ins, medical treatment trackers, and dedicated pages for raw writing to help you comfortably decompress. https://www.amazon.com/Path-Fertility-Guided-Journal/dp/B0GW5R2PJS  The Fertile Heart Deck Set up your morning with intentional acts of self-worth by exploring The Fertile Heart Deck: Honest Affirmations for Your Fertility Journey. These beautifully designed cards help suspend faulty thinking, cultivate hope, and ground your partner relationship through every peak and valley. https://thehealingpractice.com.au/shop/the-fertile-heart-deck-honest-affirmations-for-your-fertility-journey/  Find a wealth of information and education on navigating the pivotal period of perimenopause and menopause at thehealingpractice.com.au. Highlights 00:59 Why the Wait Hurts 02:46 Breathing as First Aid 03:20 Box Breathing Practice 09:19 Four Five Seven Breath 11:43 Mindset Tools and EFT 15:45 Safe Space Visualisation Setup 19:18 Guided Sanctuary Meditation 25:23 Wrap Up and Resources

    29 min
  5. The Natural Transition

    Jun 11

    The Natural Transition

    What happens when you hold steadfast to a fertility plan, but your body doesn't follow the script? In this episode of the Healing Practice podcast, we dive into the emotionally heavy territory of letting go of your timeline and learning how to manage yourself when things don't go as anticipated.  Whether your journey has spanned six months or a year, shifting gears from a natural approach to a medical intervention like IVF can feel like a devastating blow to your identity. We discuss how to release the burden of self-criticism and navigate this painful transition with true self-acceptance. We explore the tools and somatic practices needed to support your heart and mind, including: The Undiagnosed Cliff: Recognising the six-to-twelve-month mark when it becomes necessary to pivot from passive waiting to proactive testing. The Intertwined Cycle of Worry and Anger: Understanding how worry and anger act as bedside companions, quietly feeding on each other and creating physical heaviness. The Physiological Cost of Dysregulation: How overthinking and constant distress trigger cortisol and adrenaline, actively working against your body's harmonious ability to conceive. Reframing Medical Support: Shifting your perspective from "my body failed me" to recognising IVF and clinical intervention as an act of choosing deeper alignment and protection for your dream. Parking Your Worry with Loving Kindness Derived from traditional Buddhist psychotherapy concepts, "loving kindness" provides a depth of self-compassion that simple Western kindness lacks. When your mind begins to spin into a chaotic to-do list or tracking panic, practising the art of "packaging and parking" your worries allows you to wrap up your fears gently, without self-judgment, and place them safely to the side. The Somatic Power of "I Statements" & EFT True mindfulness doesn't mean sitting alone in a room watching your thoughts race; it means focusing fully on the domestic task at hand with absolute focus. By pairing this grounded task-handling with Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT), you learn to anchor gloomy thoughts directly to where you physically experience them in your body.  Concluding your internal dialogue with an honest "I care about myself" or "I accept myself" provides a vital balancing statement that interrupts the habit of self-hatred. Practical Steps for the Journey The "Just for Today" Morning Practice: Face the light of the morning sun to ground yourself in the natural world and repeat the grounding mantras: Just for today, do not worry. Just for today, do not anger. Engage in Raw Pen-to-Paper Journaling: Physically commit your hand to writing your raw thoughts onto paper to actively declutter and debrief your mind. Protect the Partnership Side: Intentionally set aside dedicated time with your partner that has nothing to do with conception tracking, reminding yourselves why you chose each other. Utilise Visualisations Over Rigid Meditation: If sitting silently feels impossible, put your mind into an active, expansive space using a healing light, a mountain meditation, or a garden of growth visualisation. Reflection Points Is the tight grip you are keeping on your fertility timeline protecting you, or is it creating an overwhelming weight in your heart? When your period arrives, what is the unsaid phrase you repeat to yourself? Are you finishing that somatic thought with self-criticism or self-compassion? How can you reframe the step toward medical intervention so it feels less like a personal failure and more like a bridge of support? Explore More at The Healing Practice If you resonate with this journey of self-prioritisation and reclaiming your sovereign self, we invite you to explore further resources designed to support your transition. The Path to Fertility: A Guided Journal Bring complete clarity and comfort to your daily pathway with The Path to Fertility: A Guided Journal. This comprehensive, 13-month guide features structural cycle tracking, emotional check-ins, medical treatment trackers, and dedicated pages for raw writing to help you comfortably decompress. https://www.amazon.com/Path-Fertility-Guided-Journal/dp/B0GW5R2PJS  The Fertile Heart Deck Set up your morning with intentional acts of self-worth by exploring The Fertile Heart Deck: Honest Affirmations for Your Fertility Journey. These beautifully designed cards help suspend faulty thinking, cultivate hope, and ground your partner relationship through every peak and valley. https://thehealingpractice.com.au/shop/the-fertile-heart-deck-honest-affirmations-for-your-fertility-journey/  Find a wealth of information and education on navigating the pivotal period of perimenopause and menopause at thehealingpractice.com.au. Highlights 00:00 Letting Go of the Plan 00:50 When Fertility Takes Longer 02:32 A Simple Morning Prayer 05:27 Worry and Anger Cycle 07:49 Parking Worry with Kindness 11:08 Shifting Toward IVF 14:04 Stress and the Nervous System 15:15 Mindfulness in Daily Tasks 16:56 Journaling and EFT Tools 21:37 Affirmations and Card Deck 23:25 Partner Support and Connection

    28 min
  6. Recalibrating Through Winter

    Jun 4

    Recalibrating Through Winter

    While summer demands that we run at a thousand kilometres an hour, winter whispers a grateful relief: thank goodness, I can finally take a breath. In this episode of the Healing Practice podcast, we explore the concept of "wintering": the necessity of resetting your frequencies, drawing the covers down, and cocooning yourself from external stimuli. No matter your stage of life, winter offers a perfect natural boundary to head indoors, reduce the noise, and pursue the ultimate purpose of understanding who you are. We dive into the restorative power of seasonal alignment, including: The Relief of Wintering: Why welcoming a quieter time of inner comfort allows you to step off the fast-paced treadmill of summer expectations. Setting Aside the "Fixer" Role: How letting go of problems that aren't yours to solve frees you from an unfair burden and redefines your role. The Mission of Self-Understanding: Recognising that learning to understand yourself is the missing piece required to function well and live a fruitful life. The Daily Practice of Living: Shifting mindfulness from a rigid regime to a gentle accumulation of small, intentional daily habits. The Invitation to Cocoon Wintering is an act of deep self-appreciation. It is your body and spirit calling for a boundary that says "no" to endless visitors and external noise, allowing your physical and emotional self to layer up and slow down. By closing the blinds on the world, you create a safe inner space to discover the woman who may have been covered up or pushed aside. Redefining Our Burdens As women, we are hardwired to run around looking for a fix for every problem. Winter invites us to pause and ask: Is this my problem to fix? Setting aside the expectation of always being the solver is a liberating step in itself, allowing us to shed roles we simply do not need to carry. Practical Steps for the Journey Create a Sensory Bedtime Cocoon: Fluff your pillows and intentionally make your bed in the morning. Returning to an inviting, comfortable space at night reflects a profound level of self-care. Take Solitary, Narrative Walks: Go for a walk on your own. Let your feet move, pay attention to your breathing, and allow your thoughts to drift and naturally unpuzzle whatever is stuck. Infuse Sentimental Joy: Drink your tea or coffee out of a cup that holds meaning or sentimental value. Paying attention to small things that bring you simple joy is the essence of giving back to yourself. Practice the Playful "No": When the world asks too much, use a boundary playfully or firmly to tune out from the demands of others and protect your quiet time. Reflection Points What expectations or demanding paces are you still trying to maintain that belong in summer rather than winter? Look at the problems weighing on your shoulders today: How many of them are actually your job to fix? What is the "missing piece" of yourself that has been covered up by taking care of everyone else's needs and wants? Explore More at The Healing Practice If you resonate with this journey of self-prioritisation and reclaiming your sovereign self, we invite you to explore further resources designed to support your transition. Find a wealth of information and education on navigating the pivotal period of perimenopause and menopause at thehealingpractice.com.au. Highlights 01:15 Why Winter Feels Easier 02:38 Wintering and Boundaries 04:14 Rethinking Problems and Roles 05:53 Understand Yourself First 06:47 Simple Winter Rituals 08:41 Daily Practice and Mindfulness 10:10 Giving Back to Yourself

    12 min
  7. Menopause as a Coming Home

    May 21

    Menopause as a Coming Home

    Menopause is often framed as an ending, the closing of a fertile door, but what if it was actually a breakthrough? In this episode of the Healing Practice podcast, we readdress the narrative surrounding menopause and perimenopause. Rather than a breakdown or something to run away from, we explore this transition as a powerful "coming home" to the self after years of focusing on external roles and obligations. We dive into the visceral reality of the perimenopausal journey, including: The Dismantling of Identity: Why the "tricky" transitional stage of perimenopause often feels like your life is being dismantled to assemble a new, liberated pathway. The Validity of Anger: Understanding the "volcanic" anger that can surface when the socialisation of being a "good girl" clashes with the reality of emotional exhaustion. Reclaiming Sovereignty: How to transition from a life of obligation to a life of choice by establishing clear personal boundaries and values. Skillful Expression: Practical ways to use "I statements" to move from reactive outbursts to measured, authentic responses. Understanding the Breakthrough The transition into menopause is a unique time where we stand poised at the brink, ready to break through into the next phase of who we are. It is a return to the self after years spent as the "domestic goddess," the chauffeur, and the professional roles we often sign up for willingly but that eventually wind down. The Power of the "Sovereign State" Reclaiming yourself means recognising that you are a sovereign state with the right to choose who enters your space and on what terms. This liberation comes from learning the language of "no" and realising that your anger is not a sign of failure, but a healthy signal that your capacity has been reached. Practical Steps for the Journey Identify the Triggers: Notice the difference between a "reaction" (instant stimulus) and a "response" (a measured, modified action). Use "I" Statements: Practice owning your perspective (e.g., "I thought we agreed...") to invite engagement rather than defensiveness. Audit Your Energy: Recognise when the "straw that breaks the camel's back" occurs and step away to breathe and reflect on the underlying need. Reflection Points In what areas of your life are you currently living out of obligation rather than choice? How does the idea of menopause as a "liberating breakthrough" change your perspective on your current symptoms? Are there boundaries you've been afraid to set because you were taught to be "nice" or "agreeable"? Explore More at The Healing Practice If you resonate with this journey of self-prioritisation and reclaiming your sovereign self, we invite you to explore further resources designed to support your transition. Find a wealth of information and education on navigating the pivotal period of perimenopause and menopause at thehealingpractice.com.au. Highlights 00:00 Menopause As Breakthrough 01:57 Inspired By Women's Strength 03:11 Letting Go Of Roles 04:45 When Coping Stops Working 07:33 Reaction Versus Response 09:06 Triggers And Built Up Resentment 10:30 Why Women Suppress Anger 12:20 Dismantling And Rebuilding Life 16:14 Skilful Anger And I Statements 19:03 Boundaries, Values, and Saying No 21:35 Sovereignty Coming Home 22:56 Rite of Passage And Next Steps

    24 min
  8. The Heart of Womanhood

    May 7

    The Heart of Womanhood

    Are you feeling like "Blancmange," beautifully moulded on the outside, but lacking substance and resilience on the inside? In this episode of the Healing Practice podcast, we explore the essence of cultivating the "new you" during the transition of perimenopause and menopause. For many women, this stage feels like being pushed to an impasse where "managing" is no longer enough. We discuss how to empty a full head of external demands to create a vital niche for your own renewal. We dive into the heart of womanhood and the reclamation of self, including: The "Small Death" of the Old Self: Why moving into a fresh phase of life requires risking the "death" of old habits and identities to make room for renewal. The Blancmange Effect: Recognising the depletion cycle where you look "amazing" to the world but feel crushed and hollowed out by repeated stress. Inner-Directed Living: Shifting from being a "yes person" driven by external reactions to a woman who checks in with her own intuitive, knowing space. Part-Time Personalities: How to identify and say "no" to the internal voices of "Miss Perfect" or the "Resentful Capable Woman" that drive you to burnout. Setting Your Own Stage Instead of running on empty, it is time to set an intentional stage for your life with you in charge. This involves asserting sovereignty over your own well-being and orchestrating a "new show" where your needs are no longer backstage. The Art of the "Check-In" Reconnecting with yourself starts with simple, mindful acts. Whether making a cup of coffee or taking a walk, the goal is to slow down and notice the dialogue between your internal state and the external world. By staying present in one thing at a time, you begin to restore the substance that depletion has taken away. Practical Steps for the Journey Nervous System Regulation: When you reach "panic stations," use the breath to capture the moment. Inhale, hold for a few seconds to "catch" the panic, and let it go to restore your calm. Claim Non-Negotiable Time: Set a clear boundary for yourself. Be specific, rather than a vague 30 minutes, decide on a walk or a specific restful activity. Give Yourself Permission: Shift your language from "claiming time back" to "giving myself permission." You aren't asking for it; you are stating it as a fact of your own self-care. Silence the Inner Critic: Talk back to the judgment that says you "should" be able to do it all. Replace judgment with the same loving-kindness you would offer a child. Reflection Points When you look at your "mold" from the outside, is there substance and energy on the inside, or are you feeling like Blancmange? What "small deaths" of old roles or habits are you resisting that might be preventing your renewal? Can you identify which "part-time personality" (the Perfectionist, the Yes-Person) is currently running your schedule? Explore More at The Healing Practice If you are ready to take charge and move beyond the depletion cycle, we invite you to explore resources tailored to the heart of womanhood. Visit Our Website: Access information on navigating perimenopause with intention and self-care at thehealingpractice.com.au Podcast & Workshops: Learn more about nervous system regulation and boundary setting through our dedicated podcast episodes and workshops Empowerment Tools: Find the guidance you need to move from "managing" to truly thriving in your sovereign self Highlights 00:00 Cultivating the "new you" in menopause 02:20 Embracing the "small death" necessary for renewal 04:00 Feeling like Blancmange: Looking good but feeling hollow 06:50 The Heart of Womanhood: Connecting with your intuitive centre 08:45 Mindful Coffee: A simple practice for inner-direction 10:20 Nervous system regulation for panic moments 11:55 Identifying your "part-time personalities" 13:30 Setting boundaries and claiming non-negotiable time 14:45 Treating yourself with the compassion you give a child

    16 min
  9. Reconnecting with Your Inner Rhythm

    Apr 23

    Reconnecting with Your Inner Rhythm

    External demands often dictate the rhythm of life, and many women find themselves living at a pace that doesn't truly belong to them.  Instead, we need to reconnect with our inner rhythms in a journey that involves deep self-compassion and somatic healing. It's time to pause, listen, and reclaim our true pace.  Here's how we can begin: Discover what it means to live by your own rhythm, not just through time management but through embracing compassionate self-care. Understand that exhaustion may signal a disconnection from your inner rhythm, not just a failure to keep up. Learn to recognise and honour your body's signals rather than fighting against society's external clocks. Understanding Your Own Rhythm The crux of living authentically starts with listening to your own rhythm.  Our daily lives often revolve around clock time, but what about body time? These two concepts differ significantly. While joining clock time can help structure our day, ignoring the body's signals can result in disconnection. It's crucial to identify quieter bodily cues and embrace somatic messages like breath, tension, or gut feelings to truly reconnect. Becoming A Seasonal Woman Embracing our inner rhythm also involves tuning into seasonal changes. Our energy and emotions often shift with the seasons of nature, hormonal cycles, and life stages.  Becoming aware of these seasonal changes, rather than just adjusting wardrobes, empowers us. The practice of stillness can aid you on this journey, inviting mindfulness and grounding. Mapping Your Energy Energy mapping is a powerful practice that involves observing your energy patterns throughout the day.  Just like mapping water flow, identifying where your energy leaks occur can prevent it from being drained.  Often this energy drainage is associated with sitting and stress, so recognise the importance of movement and adequate rest to renew and balance your innate energy. The Burden of Emotional Residue Women are often conditioned to carry the emotional weight of others, leading to emotional residue that drains daily energy and long-term vitality.  Establishing clear self-care boundaries is essential. Placing yourself and your needs first and shedding the burdens imposed by others can protect against cumulative stress and fatigue. The Power of the Pause Incorporating intentional pauses into your day allows your nervous system to decompress between tasks.  Choosing to complete smaller tasks first can foster a sense of achievement and confidence, enabling a more mindful presence.  The practice of saying no with grace and the ability to set boundaries reflects a deep self-compassion.  Embracing Graceful Boundaries Allowing yourself to say no with grace and negotiating your pace is the door to personal empowerment.  Whether you're communicating with a partner, boss, or friend, acknowledging your limits without guilt protects your pace and energy.  Reconnecting with your inner rhythm involves bold steps in setting boundaries and embracing the power of pauses. Such mindful adjustments turn life's automatic drudgery into intentional empowerment. Reflection Points How in tune are you with your own body's signals, separate from external expectations? In what ways can you begin mapping your energy flow to mitigate imbalances and improve your self-care strategies? How can adopting the graceful "no" positively impact your daily existence and personal relationships?   Practical Steps Practice identifying subtle body cues to make more informed decisions. Regularly schedule short breaks during your day to reduce stress and cultivate mindfulness. Begin practising saying no in situations where you previously felt obligated, noticing the changes it produces in your well-being. Highlights 00:30 Escaping External Clocks 02:26 Clock Time vs Body Time 03:16 Reading Quiet Body Signals 04:44 Seasonal Woman and Stillness 07:49 Tai Chi Grounded Presence 09:16 Energy Mapping Your Day 11:12 Renewing Energy Through Sleep 13:14 Emotional Residue and Boundaries 16:07 Power of the Pause 18:15 Saying No With Grace 20:21 Negotiating Pace and Receiving 22:15 Graceful No Scripts and Closing

    24 min
  10. Fertility and the Pause

    Apr 9

    Fertility and the Pause

    Trying to conceive can often feel like being on a non-stop treadmill of actions and expectations. And amid that push to achieve a result, the concept of pausing can seem counterproductive. However, this pause may be the very catalyst needed for your fertility journey.  In this episode of the Healing Practice podcast, we discuss the power and importance of taking time to pause occasionally in your fertility journey, including  Embracing seasonal and hormonal pauses can offer crucial moments for rejuvenation and alignment with nature. How to recognise the need for emotional safety and sanctuary and enhance personal well-being. Practical pause rituals that can play a significant role in recalibrating the body and mind. Embracing seasonal and hormonal pauses  We often overlook the natural cycles of nature and our bodies, but the idea of aligning with nature, respecting seasonal slowdowns, and acknowledging hormonal pauses can be transformative.  The reality is, our societal norms often drive us away from these rhythms, pushing instead towards a continuous state of productivity, but by embracing an ebb and flow that is much like the tides, we allow our bodies the required respite necessary for growth and change. The narrative of the perpetual summer trap where fertility is constantly 'on' is a misconception. Understanding the body's cycle of ovulation and the luteal phase allows for a nurturing pause and a reset before the next phase begins. Creating emotional safety and sanctuary Central to this discussion is creating a sense of emotional safety and a sanctuary within ourselves. This involves inviting oneself back into the body, offering an internal homecoming through a grounding practice. Simple breathwork paired with visualisation, such as imagining an expanding golden sphere, can foster a deep sense of calm and presence. Acknowledging past traumas, such as miscarriages or attempts to conceive that didn't yield the results you'd hoped for, and reframing them within a context of possibility rather than grief provides emotional acceptance and release. Practical pause rituals Engaging in practical pause rituals reinforces the body's need for alignment and recovery. Practices such as Tai Chi, where you stand and align with your physical presence can allow for a reconnection to oneself. These pauses are not wasted time but vital resets that are crucial for the body's rejuvenation. Taking into account the long hours spent in sedentary work environments, awareness of body posture and movement becomes essential. This, combined with a broader understanding of one's life as part of larger natural cycles, fosters not only fertility but holistic well-being. Reclaiming your identity  Reclaiming identity beyond the biological imperative of motherhood is a powerful and personal journey.  It involves understanding personal boundaries and recognising one's sovereignty over their own life choices. This identity, rooted deeply in self-awareness and autonomy, does not merely focus on fertility but encompasses overall life intentions. Ultimately, seeing oneself as an integral part of nature's seasons and respecting personal boundaries can transform not just a fertility journey but promote a holistic well-being that nurtures every part of life. Highlights 00:30 The Importance of a Pause 02:03 Seasonal Slowdown 03:38 Perpetual Summer Trap 05:31 Set Your Own Pace 06:24 Hormonal Reset 08:52 Rest and Recover 11:39 Sanctuary Within 12:59 Breath and Sphere 15:57 Release Grief Forward 18:49 Sovereign Boundaries 21:59 Practical Pause Rituals 23:21 Body Alignment Habits 25:43 Whole Cycle Flourish

    27 min
  11. Navigating Transitional Seasons

    Mar 26

    Navigating Transitional Seasons

    Understanding the ebb and flow of life's seasons isn't only vital for nature, as it deeply influences our emotional and physical wellness as well. In this episode we investigate the shifting bloom and how to navigate the metaphorical seasons of a woman's life as well as the emotional change that comes with nature's seasons.  We discuss: How to guide your emotional wellbeing during changing seasons The diverse impacts of "Shifting Bloom" on women at different life stages. How reconnecting with nature fosters holistic healing. Shifting from Summer to Autumn: An Emotional Recalibration As summer's warm embrace transitions into autumn's cooler touch, it's not just the environment that changes. Our internal world shifts as well.  The "Shifting Bloom" marks this shift, prompting us to realign our emotions and thoughts. Just as nature readjusts, so do we, finding balance in our physical, psychological, and spiritual states.  This season calls us away from summer's freedom to a more structured pace, renewing our focus on family, career, and personal growth. Navigating Life's Stages: Women and the Shifting Bloom Women experience the "Shifting Bloom" uniquely at different life stages. Mothers, young women, and career-driven individuals all navigate this transition with varying challenges and emotions. The Young and Eager: Adolescents in Bloom For young girls, this transition brings the anticipation of new beginnings at school and the formation of fresh friendships, each year building upon the last. This time of recalibration holds both excitement and the occasional struggle for belonging. The Multitaskers: Mothers and Professionals Women balancing motherhood and careers find themselves at the heart of the shifting bloom. Managing family dynamics, career aspirations, and household responsibilities leads to a phase of reflection and restructuring.  Autumn becomes a quieter time that allows introspection and self-care, which are essential for maintaining balance. The Wise and Experienced: Embracing Menopause As women age, entering perimenopause and menopause, they experience a profound shift. This phase brings about not just physical change but emotional liberation.  With reduced estrogen, often called the accommodating hormone, women find a sense of belonging within themselves, shedding the need to fit into external roles or expectations. This part of life invites creativity and self-exploration, opening new vistas beyond family and career responsibilities. Seasonal Reflection: Winter's Embrace and Spring's Renewal Winter encourages us to turn inward, finding comfort in warmth and introspection. It's a time for community and personal projects, emphasising rest and the beauty of home. As winter wanes, the promise of spring brings an invigorated spirit, stirring hope and renewal. Spring's arrival signals the uplift from winter's cocoon, with the air growing warmer and life beginning anew. This season of awakening inspires creativity and optimism, reflected in nature's rebirth. Nature as Healer: Reconnecting with the Natural World In our modern world of convenience, we often lose touch with the natural cycles that surround us. The "Shifting Bloom" calls us back to nature, reminding us that we, too, are a part of this earth.  To heal and find wellness, reconnecting with these natural rhythms is crucial. Simple practices like walking in the forest, meditating outdoors, or standing barefoot on the ground can profoundly impact our sense of connection and healing. By aligning with the changing seasons, we find opportunities for emotional recalibration and personal growth. Embrace the shifting bloom and let each season guide you to deeper understanding and wellness. Highlights 00:30 What 'The Shifting Bloom' Means 01:01 From Summer Freedom to Autumn Recalibration 01:53 Back-to-School Shift: Routines, Goals & Belonging 03:53 Fertility Beyond Pregnancy: Creativity & Life Seasons 04:22 The 'Sandwich Generation': Perimenopause, Teens & Aging Parents 06:01 Autumn as Nature's Cue: Rest, Reflection & Turning Inward 08:10 Perimenopause 101: Hormones, Identity & Belonging to Yourself 11:52 New Horizons: Creativity, Education & Life Beyond 'Mom' 13:23 Grounding Practices: Breath, Stillness & Feeling Connected 14:46 A Tour of the Seasons: Winter Comfort → Spring Hope → Summer Ease 18:41 Why Seasonal Awareness Matters in Modern Life 19:59 Healing Through Nature: Simple Ways to Step Outside

    22 min

  12. Mar 3

    Honouring Your Body's Wisdom at Any Age

    From adolescence to menopause and beyond, tuning into our inherent wisdom can be a powerful journey of self-discovery and acceptance for every woman. In this first episode of the Healing Practice Podcast, we take a deep dive into the various stages of womanhood and fertility and how to honour your body's wisdom at any age. In this episode, we discuss: The importance of self-acceptance and self-respect throughout the stages of life Practical ways to honour your body's wisdom at each age Tips for creating space for self-reflection and self-care Adolescence: Discovering Body and Self It's no secret that adolescence is a time of great change. It's also a period of self-discovery, where young girls begin to understand their female shape and identity.  This stage, marked by peer comparison and social media influence, can lead to doubts about self-worth. It's crucial to develop an appreciation for and respect for the body, guided by supportive figures such as mothers or trusted friends. Embracing one's unique qualities and essence is a powerful start in honouring your body's wisdom. The Blooming 20s: Embracing Freedom Your 20s are often described as a time of exploration and self-empowerment. Young women find themselves in new environments, be it through work, travel, or higher education. This is a decade where the world feels like yours to crack open, and understanding one's power becomes crucial.  Establishing boundaries and surrounding oneself with people who have similar personal values and self-respect, is key in this era of life. It's a time to ask, "Who am I truly?" and to project a strong sense of self to the world. And who do I surround yourself with and choose to be with? The Settled 30s and 40s: Navigating Life's Fullness As women enter their 30s and 40s, life becomes busier with responsibilities - from career building to family nurturing. It's easy to put oneself last on the list.  However, making time for self-care, even just a brief 10-second meditation to clear mental noise, is vital. Simple practices like going to bed earlier and honouring the body's physical signals help women maintain a strong connection to themselves amidst the chaos. The Majestic 50s and Beyond: Aging Gracefully Post-menopause brings wisdom and reflection, during a time when many women feel underestimated by society. But this phase offers a unique opportunity: the chance to engage wholeheartedly in reclaiming your self-respect and acceptance of the body as it ages.  Focus shifts to appreciating the journey so far and anticipating the good still to come. Finding peace within oneself and acknowledging the life one has lived is not only a way to honour the body's wisdom but an engaging act of empowerment. Embracing Ageless Wisdom Honouring your body is about listening to its cues, accepting its form, and nurturing its needs at every stage of life. Self-respect and self-acceptance are the pillars on which you can stand tall and proud, regardless of age.  Let this wisdom guide you through life's journey, where every age brings its own beauty and its own lessons. Take time to reflect on how you can honour your body's wisdom at your current stage. What can you do today to appreciate the remarkable woman you are? Let's hold space for ourselves in this beautifully complex world. Highlights 00:18 The Female Life Timeline: Adolescence to Menopause 01:23 Adolescence: Body Image, Belonging & Finding Your Voice 03:02 Self-Respect, Home as a Safe Anchor & Sexuality 05:45 Freedom, Self-Protection & Choosing Your People 11:15 Settling Down, Family Life & Not Losing Yourself 12:24 A 10-Second Reset: Clearing Mental Noise & Coming Back to the Body 14:17 Motherhood & Midlife: Accepting Your Body and Listening to Its Cues 15:56 Perimenopause/Menopause and Beyond: Self-Respect, Space & Aging Gracefully 17:14 Appreciating the Life Your Body Has Carried You Through

    19 min
  • 12 Episodes

About

Welcome to The Healing Practice Podcast, a dedicated space for exploring the natural seasons of womanhood and personal growth. Hosted by Claire Cleaver, author, counsellor, and practitioner, this podcast offers a gentle yet profound exploration of the key stages of a woman's life. We trace the journey from the first bloom of puberty, through the experiences of fertility and birth, to the powerful transition of perimenopause and menopause. Drawing on years of experience supporting women and families, Claire shares practical insights, reflective tools, and supportive guidance designed to help you: Restore Balance: Learn simple, effective practices to bring harmony to your physical and emotional well-being. Release What's Been Held: Explore ways to acknowledge and gently let go of old patterns, stress, or trauma. Support Your Body's Wisdom: Gain a deeper understanding and appreciation for the intelligence of your cyclical nature. This podcast is about knowing yourself better. It's about listening deeply to your inner voice, understanding the seasons you are moving through, and walking your unique path with increased self-awareness, compassion, and strength. Wherever you are on your journey, seeking support, understanding, or a deeper connection to the season of life you're in, you are welcome here.

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