Summit for Surrogates
In April 2022, Sacred Surrogacy hosted an online event for surrogates from any agency or independent journey in North America. Leia Swanberg of Canadian Fertility Consulting lead this full-day virtual summit, joined by top pregnancy health and wellness experts who lead workshops and activities throughout the day. Surrogates spent the day connecting, practicing mindfulness, and learning valuable tools for before, during and after a surrogacy journey.
Itinerary
WELCOME & OPENING CIRCLES
We will begin by centering ourselves with breath work and a connecting to each other with the Red String Circle. The ‘Red Thread’ is found in many cultures as a ceremony of connection; the belief that we are all connected and destined to meet in this life; the thread may stretch or tangle, but it is never broken.
WHAT YOU’LL NEED
- Red string (included in your box)
IF YOU REALLY KNEW ME…
Like an iceberg that is largely submerged, many of us hide most of ourselves. Especially when it comes to our most tender and vulnerable parts, we only show a small portion of our true selves above the surface. The purpose of this activity is to begin to lower that ‘waterline’. By letting people see who you really are, you can begin to experience authentic intimacy and connection with others, and feel all the love, celebration and acceptance you deserve.
WHAT YOU’LL NEED
- Set of If You Really Knew Me cards included in your folder
- Pen
If you did not receive a box, you can download and print the card set here.
FEAR RELEASE
We invite you to take a piece of paper and spend a few minutes to write down anything you would like to release, such as fears or issues that no longer serve you. As you place the paper in the bowl of water, imagine that all attachments to the words on the paper are melting away. As you take a deep breath in and bring your hands to your heart’s center, affirm this to be true.
WHAT YOU’LL NEED
- Vanishing paper
- Pen
- A bowl of water
If you did not receive a box, you can use regular paper and a bowl to carefully burn the paper.
YOGA NIDRA
Often called ‘Yoga Nidra’ this guided meditation takes you on a journey to learn to relax the whole body and connect to yourself deeply— something that we can all benefit from. This practice subtly revives our energy reserves and acknowledges our deep need for rest. The instructor will bring you through a guided meditation to help you relax and connect with yourself physically, mentally and emotionally. This practice can be done in any comfortable position.
WHAT YOU’LL NEED
- You might like to have a space that you can lie down in.
- Bring any pillows or blankets that might help you find comfort.
- An eye mask or eye pillow can be helpful, as can ear buds or headphones.
PELVIC FLOOR PHYSIO
Did you know there are treatment options for many of the taboo conditions often thought to be ‘normal’ consequences of childbirth, aging, surgery or various medical conditions? This is a safe space for anyone struggling with pelvic-related issues. Even if you’ve tried all the typical things to get rid of your symptoms, we encourage you to not give up until you’ve taken a look at the potential contribution of the pelvic floor.
WHAT YOU’LL NEED
- The ‘Signs of Pelvic Floor Dysfunction’ handout included in your folder.
If you did not receive a box, you can download the handout here.
NUTRITION COACHING
Did you know there are treatment options for many of the taboo conditions often thought to be ‘normal’ consequences of childbirth, aging, surgery or various medical conditions? This is a safe space for anyone struggling with pelvic-related issues. Even if you’ve tried all the typical things to get rid of your symptoms, we encourage you to not give up until you’ve taken a look at the potential contribution of the pelvic floor.
JOURNALING WORKSHOP
Our Stories, Ourselves. This session explores how writing helps us reflect more deeply on our lives and connect with each other. After a brief intro on the connection between writing and well-being, participants will be guided through a reflective writing exercise and have opportunities to share.
WHAT YOU’LL NEED
- Notebook included in your box
- Pen
If you did not receive a box, please use your own notebook.
COMMUNICATION WORKSHOP
The pursuit of happiness—is that what life is all about? Well, that’s part of it. But research shows that what we really want, as human beings, is to connect and lead a life that’s meaningful. We want more peace and clarity, to step into our own power and discover who we truly are. Leslie helps people learn how to take their lives off autopilot and tune in to what lights them up.
ORACLE COURSE
This course gives you all you need to begin your oracle card journey. You’ll learn what oracle cards are, the various types used, how to prepare yourself and your cards, as well as reading techniques. Janet will be guiding us through a meditation and the process of getting to know your cards.
WHAT YOU’LL NEED
- Deck of Oracle cards included in your box
- The Oracle Course handout included in your folder
If you did not receive a box, you can use your own oracle or tarot cards. Please download the handout here.
SALT BOWL
As we gather around the salt bowl, we honour the celebration of gratitude and intention to be shared among a community here. Salt is known as crystal that can store energy, paired with a physical manifestation item, such as herbs, oils, teas, flowers, etc. Salt is also known to absorb positive energy, intentions and creates a unique experience for those we share the salts with. During the ceremony we each set positive intentions, desires, wishes and dreams into the bowl. These salts can be used in a foot bath while you re-claim your desires and further the manifestation of them.
WHAT YOU’LL NEED
- Your own bowl
- The bag of salt included in your box
- The bag of herbs included in your box
- Anything else you feel called to contribute
If you did not receive a box, please use your own course salt, herbs, teas or anything else you wish to include.
CLOSING CEREMONY
We will close and seal the day with a ceremony and holi powder in celebration of our special time together.
WHAT YOU’LL NEED
- Holi powder included in your box
