Revitalizing Your Spirit: The Power of SoulCollage® for Women
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The Exhaustion Many Women Face
Is anyone else feeling utterly drained? Or is it just me? Currently, I don't have a solid reason for my fatigue. I managed to get about seven hours of sleep last night and woke up only twice — a minor victory compared to my usual four interruptions. I've had a proper meal, including protein, and resisted indulging in excessive sweets.
Eating sugary snacks or carbs too early tends to sap my energy, and that doesn't align with my hectic schedule filled with writing, editing, and church activities. Just yesterday, I even postponed a coaching session. I wasn't ready and felt fatigued at just the thought of it, unsure how to utilize my coach's expertise effectively. It's not often I choose to pause, but I’m grateful I tuned in to my body’s signals.
Reflecting on my day, I remembered my improv group met in person, and we enjoyed some snacks. I indulged in some apricot-flavored mini rice cakes, nuts, seaweed, and various delightful seed-laden crackers with currants. It’s no wonder I felt off.
Could my thyroid be to blame?
I stumbled upon an article on WebMD titled "Fatigue and Exhaustion: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment," which mentioned hypothyroidism, the opposite of hyperthyroidism. In hypothyroidism, the metabolism slows down. Three out of the six symptoms listed — sluggishness, depression, and weight gain — resonate with me. While it may not be entirely fair to attribute my weight gain to my thyroid, given my late-night eating habits, it’s a thought worth considering.
With my mother's passing last month, I’m still navigating grief, which could account for my symptoms. However, it's crucial to be mindful since, according to the American Thyroid Foundation, around 17% of women will experience a thyroid disorder by age 60, often without awareness.
Seventeen percent is noteworthy and merits attention.
The article elaborates, stating that Hashimoto's thyroiditis, an autoimmune condition, is a primary cause. It prevents the thyroid gland from producing enough hormones, leading to hypothyroidism and a sluggish metabolism. Blood tests measuring T3 and T4 hormones can confirm this condition. If these hormones are deficient, synthetic medications can help restore normal levels, resulting in noticeable improvements.
I've often contemplated if I have this disorder. Yet, my blood tests and recent thyroid ultrasound came back normal. Despite this, I continue to wonder, though traditional medical systems like Kaiser Permanente have their limitations regarding testing.
That doesn’t hinder me from exploring alternative approaches and supplements. For instance, I take an adrenal supplement recommended by my chiropractor/nutritionist, which helps regulate my blood pressure during daily walks. The supplement, Adrenal Desicated by Standard Process, seems beneficial for my episodes of vasovagal presyncope.
Understanding Vasovagal Presyncope
What exactly is vasovagal presyncope?
"Vaso" pertains to our vascular system, while "vagal" refers to the significant vagal nerve extending from the brainstem to the abdomen. "Syncope" indicates fainting, and presyncope relates to the pre-fainting bodily changes that, if ignored, could lead to fainting.
According to Google, vasovagal presyncope occurs when the nervous system misfires in response to a trigger, causing a temporary decrease in blood flow to the brain. This drop makes me feel faint.
When it strikes, I need to find a place to sit or lie down, ideally elevating my legs. Outside, that can be challenging. On one occasion, I found myself sitting on the sidewalk, catching my breath and hoping someone would offer assistance.
Once, in the lobby at Kaiser, a fellow patient noticed me struggling and offered to fetch a wheelchair, but I assured her I would be fine shortly. I did manage to get through my appointment that day, whether for a COVID shot or lab work.
My presyncope episodes, though unsettling, aren't serious. My neurologist explained that they occur due to the dilation of blood vessels, which causes blood to pool in my legs and results in a sudden drop in blood pressure. She recommended wearing compression socks while out, which I now do. I had knee-high ones on during my last appointment, and she mentioned I may eventually need thigh-high compression stockings if my condition doesn’t improve.
While not ideal in the summer heat, especially since overheating can trigger episodes, my sun hat and staying in the shade while drinking plenty of water help significantly.
I hope Google is correct in stating that most individuals with occasional vasovagal syncope can recover independently and only need to modify their lifestyles, such as staying hydrated and increasing salt intake. Though I take heart medication that lowers my heart rate and blood pressure, it’s not a major concern according to my neurologist.
I do consume more salt, which isn't ideal for my kidneys, but drinking ample water helps mitigate the risk of kidney stones. As we age, dehydration becomes more likely. So, let’s toast to our health with some good old H2O!
Exploring SoulCollage®
But what about SoulCollage®?
Did I actually create a collage to reflect my exhaustion? Yes! I've realized that crafting cards and engaging in creative art invigorate me. While my body and mind may feel drained, my soul has messages to convey.
SoulCollage® is a unique practice where we allow our souls to select and arrange images on 5 X 8-inch mat boards, akin to creating our personal Tarot or oracle deck. Not only can we interpret the cards upon creation, but we can also draw upon them for insights into specific queries.
Here’s my latest card: "Under a Blanket of Stars," created on Canva.com.
When I read the card, asking, "Who are you?" I ‘heard’ the following:
"I am one who recognizes when it's time to rest. I take cues from nature, as even after the longest summer day, the sun eventually sets, and the stars emerge — visible or not."
Then I asked, "What message do you have for me?"
The card responded:
"Know when to surrender to rest. Release the day, regardless of your accomplishments. Honor your body by providing it with what it truly needs: rest and rejuvenation."
Perhaps this means sleeping under that blanket of stars, with or without furry companions. Let us learn from the animals that respect nature's rhythms and harmonize with the night. Wrap a serape around your shoulders, listen to a soothing lullaby, and join them in delightful slumber.
What can I say to that other than amen and good night?
For those seeking wisdom from their souls, consider exploring SoulCollage®.
Marilyn Flower, a whimsical writer, crafts fiction, poetry, and blogs inspired by the practice of SoulCollage®. Her works include "Developing Characters: Fun Ways to Cast Your Fiction," "Creative Blogging," and "Bucket Listers." Stay connected with her Sacred Foolishness and SoulCollage® for Writers!
Explore how SoulCollage® can help you reconnect with your creativity and the natural world.
Join Rebecca Jackson Aydelette in this podcast episode as she discusses the healing power of creativity and self-expression.