1. The Evolution of Human Consciousness: An Interview with Shirley Ward
Introduction: Welcome to another intriguing episode of World of Empowerment Radio, where Aingeal Rose and Ahonu dive deep into practical spirituality and the ever-evolving nature of human consciousness. In today’s episode, Sarah Devoy, a respected polarity and craniosacral therapist, interviews the extraordinary psychotherapist, healer, and author, Shirley Ward. Join us as we explore the profound impacts of pre and perinatal psychology on human behavior and the overall well-being of our planet.
2. The Foundations of Pre and Perinatal Psychology:
Background of Shirley Ward: With over 50 years of experience in psychotherapy, Shirley Ward has made significant contributions to understanding the early stages of human development. Trained by giants like Dr. Frank Lake, Rosaline Bruyere, and influenced by the works of Pierre Teilhard de Chardin, Shirley's contributions in birth trauma, bullying, depression, and schizoid personality disorders are groundbreaking. Her collaboration with Alison Hunter at the Amethyst Resource for Human Development in Ireland in 1982 expanded the reach of pre and perinatal psychology through experiential workshops and regression therapy.
Understanding Pre and Perinatal Psychology: Shirley emphasizes that our earliest experiences, even those before birth, have a profound impact on our future outlook, health, and behavior. Preconception and the womb are not just biological stages but vital periods where foundational imprints are created. This aspect of human development goes largely unnoticed in mainstream psychology, but as Shirley says, “It’s not the room of learning; it’s the womb of learning.”
3. Consciousness from Conception to Birth:
Impact on Human Development: Shirley and Sarah talk about how preconception energy and the in-utero environment deeply affect us. From the influences of parental diet and behavior to the psychological states of the mother, these factors contribute to conditions like fetal alcohol syndrome, low birth weight, and future behavioral challenges. Understanding this makes it evident why “the first nine months are the most important.”
Healing and Mitigating Trauma: Shirley reassures us that it’s never too late for healing. Good parenting, nurturing environments, and conscious efforts can significantly mitigate prenatal traumas. These insights are revolutionary, presenting a roadmap for healthier and more balanced lives by integrating pre and perinatal psychology into mainstream healthcare and parenting practices.
4. The Role of Complementary Therapies:
Craniosacral Therapy and Pre and Perinatal Insights: Sarah Devoy explains how craniosacral therapy, combined with pre and perinatal psychology, provides extraordinary insights into our nervous systems and overall health. Through gentle touch and subtle manipulations, craniosacral therapy can help settle the nervous system, allowing individuals to rediscover their potency and aliveness.
Integration of Eastern and Western Practices: Shirley touches on the importance of integrating traditional Eastern practices with modern Western medical approaches. Eastern traditions have long appreciated the significance of preparing for conception and caring for expectant mothers. Complementary medicines and practices, including craniosacral therapy, offer holistic approaches to addressing various levels of consciousness and overall well-being.
5. Consciousness and Global Evolution:
Humanity’s Responsibility: Shirley underscores our collective responsibility to safeguard the planet for future generations. By becoming more conscious and addressing our own developmental foundations, we contribute to the broader evolution of human consciousness. “It's the most important aspect of my life—about saving the planet, preserving the planet for our children and our children’s children,” says Shirley.
A Rapidly Changing World: We live in an era of unprecedented technological and intellectual evolution. As Shirley points out, from the days of the penny farthing to space travel, humanity has seen incredible advancements. Yet, behind all these inventions lies the fundamental evolution of consciousness.
Maxims:
1. Recognize the Evolution of Consciousness: Embrace the ongoing growth and expansion of human awareness as a fundamental aspect of life.
2. Value Early Experiences: Understand that pre and perinatal experiences profoundly shape your future behavior, health, and well-being.
3. Embrace Holistic Healing: Utilize modalities like craniosacral therapy in combination with pre and perinatal psychology for extraordinary insights and healing.
4. Honor the Interconnectedness of All Things: See all aspects of life—matter, life, mind, soul, and spirit—as interconnected, influencing each other.
5. Contribute to Planetary Wellness: Strive to preserve and protect the planet for future generations through conscious living and decision-making.
6. Seek Knowledge and Growth: Continuously educate yourself and remain open to learning in order to reach deeper levels of understanding and consciousness.
7. Cultivate Awareness of Preconception Influence: Recognize that your energy and actions before conception can have significant impacts on your future children’s lives.
8. Adopt Healthy Prenatal Practices: Prioritize good nutrition, mental health, and lifestyle choices during pregnancy to foster well-being in your future child.
9. Recognize the Power of Conscious Parenting: Understand that good parenting can help heal early traumas and promote a healthier future for your child.
10. Acknowledge the Possibility for Healing: Believe that it is never too late to heal from past traumas and that nurturing environments and conscious efforts can mitigate such impacts.
11. Embrace Different Levels of Consciousness: Accept that people are at various stages of awareness and be patient with their journey towards higher consciousness.
12. Sow Seeds of Awareness: Share your knowledge and insights to help others become aware of the profound impacts of early life experiences.
13. Strive for Inner Development: Focus on your inner world to create positive changes in the outer world, understanding that personal growth contributes to global transformation.
14. Balance Modern Advances with Consciousness: While embracing technological advancements and modern developments, maintain a focus on the evolution of human consciousness.
15. Cherish the Womb of Learning: Recognize the womb as a critical period for learning and development, shaping the future outlook of individuals.
6. Conclusion:
The Path Ahead: Shirley Ward’s message is clear: understanding and addressing pre and perinatal psychology is crucial for a healthier, more balanced future. Her work, alongside complementary therapies like craniosacral therapy, offers profound insights and practical steps towards nurturing future generations. It’s a call to action for humanity to embrace a deeper understanding of our developmental origins and their lasting impacts.
Discover More: For those interested in exploring these pioneering concepts further, you can access Sarah Devoy’s expert craniosacral services at https://sarahdevoycraniosacral.com, and Shirley Ward’s wealth of wisdom can be found at https://shirleyward.org. Her books, available on Amazon, offer in-depth knowledge and practical guidance on incorporating pre and perinatal psychology into everyday life.
As we continue to explore the depths of human consciousness, let us be mindful of the immense potential for healing and growth that lies within us, from conception onwards. Together, we can cultivate a more conscious, balanced, and vibrant world.
Aingeal Rose & Ahonu
https://worldofempowerment.com
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