Blog - Page 2 of 8 - Michelle White HartMichelle White Hart | Sex, Lies, and Menopause

A Highly Condensed, Rocky History of the Clit.

Ever wondered why it took so long

to learn that the Clitoris is much larger than it’s small external glans? (And why so many women don’t know much about their sexual organs? Or how to orgasm for that matter?)

I offer you, ‘A Highly Condensed, Rocky History of the Clit.’

As far back as 150 AD,

the clit gets hinted at but downplayed as an ???????? ????? by Claudius Galen, a Greek physician/philosopher in the Roman Empire.

Then we jump to 1486

where it is called the ‘?????’? ????’ in the ??????? ????????????, a treatise for catching and killing witches. Charming, eh?

Then in 1559

Renaldus Columbus calls it ‘??? ???? ?? ????????? ?? ?????,’ saying it was ‘???-????????? ??? ???? ?? ?????’? ???????.’ Things are finally looking up for the clit! Woot!⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀

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In 1844, the first accurate diagram

?? ??? ???????? (??? ????????) ???????? is drawn by German anatomist, ????? ??????. As you can see, it’s much bigger internally than most know! (I only found this out in the early 90s- thanks to ‘A New View of a Woman’s Body’-see below.)

Nice work, Georg!

I’ve colored and labeled it to make it easier to identify the internal parts in addition to the external glans aka ‘magic button.’⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀

Then in 1904, Freud has to go and give the clit a bad rap,

saying a clitoral orgasm is for kids and a mature orgasm occurs in the vagina…. without realizing that the Bulb of Vestibule and Corpus Cavernosum of ??? ???????? ???? ?????????? ?? ? ??????? ??????! Oy!⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀

By Henry Gray - Bartleby, Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=30913022

In 1947, to add insult to injury,

the 25th edition of ????’? ???????, ?????? ??? ????, after including it since ????! ????!⠀⠀

It has been said that Freud and others were influencing how people saw the clitoris as unimportant as it was ‘merely for pleasure,’ unlike the uterus which was for reproduction- therefore ‘purposeful!’

The Glans of the Clitoris, by the way, has 8,000 nerve endings as compared to the penis which has half of that.

Hmmmm…. could Freud have been jealous???

Kinsey in 1953 and Masters & Johnson in 1966

reinstate the clitoris’ importance in sex- yay! Sexologists and the social justice movements of the ????’? rise up to ???? ?????’? ???????????? ?? ??? ???????? ??????. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀

In 1981, Suzann Gage

writes that she and a group of feminists, ‘???? ??? ??? ????? ??? ???????? ????????? ?? ??? ???? ????????? ??????? ?????’ and found missing parts of the clitoris!

They even observed themselves during orgasm and with meticulous analysis, Suzann drew the most comprehensive, set of ?? ????-???????? ???????? ?? ??? ???????? ??? ???????? ???????? ?? “? ??? ???? ?? ? ?????’? ????”!!

It is a must-read, women’s self-empowerment, educational treasure!! Fingers crossed, stay tuned for a possible interview with Suzann Gage.

Alas, these 33 seminal drawings

were not taken seriously by the medical community. Fortunately, in ????, Australian Urologist, Helen O’Connell dissects and produces ???????? ?????? ?? ??? ???????? ??? ??? ??????? ?????????!

This image is neither Suzann’s nor Helen’s but is helpful in showing where the Clitoris lies in the body- it’s the green organ.

Suzann’s images are so much more life-like and humane and easier to relate to and learn from as she used real women as models and included idiosyncratic details.

I would go so far as to say as they transmit a sense of embodiment, because real women were embodying themselves while posing for Suzann.

This makes the drawings so much more user-friendly and sure beats the sterility and generic quality of standard anatomical diagrams.

Learn about Womb Power Classes here

This ‘Highly Condensed, Rocky History

of the Clit’ was shared 64 times on Facebook! (That’s a record for me, folks! And I’ll take it!) So, I do believe it’s important to women to know the history of the various parts of their sexual anatomy.

The more we know and feel and embody our sexual anatomy, the more we have access to our Sacred Feminine Energy and our true power to manifest in our life.⠀⠀

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You may be thinking, ‘Gee, that’s fascinating

??? ???? ????? ??? ???? ???? ??????????, ???????? ???????’ ⠀ Well, stay tuned for a ????? ??????? ?? ??? ???????? ??????! As well as a part 2 of the “Highly Condensed, Rocky History of the Clit.”

If you’d like to be sure to receive notifications of posts like this- please sign up at the top of the page! Would love to have you with us on this ever- unfolding, exciting journey!

V-St(R)eam #3: squatting & child’s pose!!

So it’s official! I announced onV-St(R)eam #2 that I was going to make this an ongoing show- Thursdays 10 or 11 am PT!

In this 3rd V-St(R)eam, I demonstrate a very simple way to V-steam without the use of a V-steam chair, or Yoni Sauna or toilet! The benefit, in addition to simplicity, is that you get the benefit of squatting which helps relax and lengthen the pelvic floor muscles which helps create a happy, reslient yoni! Win Win! Check it out!

All you need is a bowl- I use a very special ceramic bowl that has a ceremonial meaning to me.

It is handmade by my mother and it is thicker than most bowls. It’s not thrown on a pottery wheel. She used a slab roller and that’s why it’s thick and very ‘imperfect’ looking- which makes it all the more special to me. The thickness and heaviness lends itself perfectly for squatting and sitting on the edge if you need a little break from squatting! It’s a smooth, wide edge so it’s comfortable and the height is perfect.

This dual purpose style of V-steaming is not widely shared but I’m guessing is far closer to how it’s done by indigenous women all over the world currently and how it was done in ancient times. It feels like it’s creating a deeper portal to the womb and more shamanic as a result.

Please let me know how it works for you. And I will be sharing my experiences as I continue to explore the squatting positiong as well as the child’s pose position which is deeply relaxing and meditative.

I’m utterly thrilled to have tapped into this method and I thank Sama Morningstar for suggesting it to me as a way of healing vaginismus- which is an overly tight vagina which inhibits intercourse. So in combination with the steam softening the muscles, the relaxing and lengthening from the squatting can accelerate healing this condition and restore more sexual pleasure. Win Win Win!

V-St(R)eam #2: It’s official! Welcome to the new show!

Well, the hemp oil really helped me chill so I decided to “V-St(R)eam” again on Facebook Live!! And I’m inspired to V-St(R)eam regularly to really help spread this incredible healing practice further and farther!

In this 2nd episode of V-St(R)eaming, I share the brilliant Womb Healer Marcia Lopez’s statement that: “V-Steaming won’t heal Everything (though it does heal A LOT!!) but it WILL CHANGE your life!” And I couldn’t agree with her more.

I will share many ways in which V-Steaming can CHANGE your life in each episode! Join me live, Thursdays 11amPT and V-Steam with me!! I’ll also be V-St(R)emaing spontaneously at other random times during the week 😉

I will be interviewing Marcia Lopez and many other amazing leaders who are reclaiming Sacred Feminine Power!

If you’d like to be on the cutting edge of this incredible Sacred Feminine Power Awakening, hop onto my mailing list and find out who I’ll be interviewing, and what resources I’ll be sharing each week – click here!

The inaugural, first episode of V-St(R)eaming can be accessed here.

And to learn about how and the benefits of squatting and child’s pose during V=steaming, check out V-st(R)eam #3!

If you have any questions or comments about V-Steaming, Sacred Feminine Power and beyond, please post below! Lets do this together!! If you’d like to contribute to the conversation and be interviewed, please reach out to me: michelle@michellewhitehart.com I”m excited to spread this message with your unique perspective!

Did I really just V-steam on Facebook Live??🙀

V-steam + Facebook Live(stream) = V-St(r)eaming!!!

Oh yes, I did! Check me out!!

It was a little edgy, I admit… when you think about it…. But the hemp oil was so relaxing, I really didn’t think twice about it!

But whyyyyy did you do that? Something so sacred and intimate…. on Facebook Live???!!!

Because I’m on a mission to ‘normalize’ V-steaming!

Actually….. drumroll please….

I”m on a mission to ‘normalize’ and awaken Sacred Feminine Power!

— aka normalize embodying your yoni/pussy/vulva… you get the picture… which includes your womb!

While women are V-steaming all over Youtube, and I am so grateful they are, because they’re the reason I even know about V-steaming, let alone HOW to V-steam!!

I decided someone had to start V-steaming on Facebook!! It’s more intimate, it’s LIVE, and it’s REALLY VISIBLE ….and it had to be done.

So I made it as matter of fact as I could! What do you think?!!

Is it too edgy?

Do you think it’s helping womankind?

Is it piquing your curiosity to try it out for yourself?

Are you V-steaming already?

Do you feel a little trepidatious trying this out on your own?

I’m oh so curious! Please let me know in the comments below! I would so appreciate it!

If you comment, I’ll be your best friend!!

Ha! Actually, if you comment, I’ll send you a video that goes into greater depth about the spiritual, trauma healing aspect of V-steaming!

Self-Compassion vs Confidence + Free Self-Compassion Meditation!

Hope you’re enjoying 2018!! I was so inspired by Self-Compassion that I made a video about why it is even more valuable than Self-Confidence !!

And before the video, I recorded a powerful body-based, Self-Compassion Meditation. It was so relaxing and helped me connect so deeply to myself and my desire to share about Self-Compassion, that it made shooting the video such a pleasure and fun! So I’d like to offer you this practice!

I’d love to know how it works for you! Please comment or send me an email at: michelle@michellewhitehart.com

Being in a heightened state of Self-Compassion makes me almost feel like I’m still in Maui!! It feels magical! (Though, not always!)

I manifested an amazing work/holiday in Maui over Christmas and I’m tapping into that field of deep regeneration plus healthy generating!! It’s a total win win!

While I was on Maui, I spent some magical time with a colleague and dear friend, Leerone Milstein, creatrix of Luminous Mapmakers, who has cultivated a deep practice of self-compassion and I got a deep transmission from her. (She’s the one who took this fun pic of me in the jungle, on the road to Hana!)

Ironically, the day I got home, I landed on a NY Times article about how self-compassion might be even more useful than confidence since self-compassion organically creates, natural, un-forced self-confidence.

Just saying the word ‘Self-Compassion’ eases my nervous system.

So I decided to make Self-Compassion my number one desire for 2018. I know it’s going to be a game changer!!

When you have self-compassion, you are kinder to yourself and you are more willing to learn from your mistakes and get back on the horse more easily.

This Body-based meditation will also totally help you get out of judgement and into really liking yourself, which will allow you to enjoy being authentically YOU on video!!

So you get multiple benefits with this practice!!

Please comment below on how it’s working for you!! I’d love to know!

Wishing you an AMAZING New Year!

May 2018 bring you deep, soul-nuturing self-compassion so you can share yourself easily and with great joy!!

Susan Peirce Thompson Shares 7 ways Bright Line Eating Stops Bingeing + Yo Yo Dieting

1. What does, “The brain is blocking weight loss” mean?

Eating off the Standard American Diet causes changes in the brain that block weight loss. Specifically, maintaining an elevated insulin level blocks the brain from recognizing the critical hormone leptin. And it’s leptin that signals to the brain that we’re full. For years scientists thought overweight people might be missing it. But no, overweight people actually have more leptin in their bodies than slender people. It’s just that the elevated insulin in their bloodstream prevents the brain from recognizing its own leptin.

That means that excess insulin isn’t just putting them at risk for Type II Diabetes, it’s also keeping them feeling relentlessly hungry and tired. Until they get their baseline insulin levels down no diet will be stronger than their brain’s impulse to eat.

The second mechanism in the brain that blocks weight loss is overpowering cravings. These are caused by repeatedly eating more sugar than the brain can process. I’m talking about the frozen whipped coffee drink that’s a thousand calories, the doughnut breakfast and frozen yoghurt dinner. When the brain’s nucleus accumbens — its seat of pleasure, reward and motivation — is hit with that kind of excessive stimulation it protects itself by ‘down-regulating.’ How? It turns off some pleasure receptors so it won’t be bombarded as hard the next time. So then when you order the Coffee-Whippy-Coolio again it won’t give you the same satisfaction as the time before. But you will still just have hit your brain with the same amount of sugar. So it will respond by turning off even more receptors.

It only takes three weeks of daily average U.S. sugar consumption, 19.5 teaspoons, for this cycle to start. Where it leads is that scans show the brain of an obese person is more downregulated than a cocaine addict’s. And, just like an addict uses substances simply to feel normal, not high, people caught in this vicious cycle can’t really taste their food, or feel satiated, anymore.

But both these processes can be reversed by eating the right foods. I did it myself and have helped thousands of others do the same.

Dr. Susan Peirce Thompson- Creator of Bright Lines Eating

2. How is it possible to make a diet work?

First, choosing a diet that takes into account the brain’s potential to block weight loss and emphasizes regular, healthy meals. Quick fixes like a regiment of juice fasts, shakes, protein bars or pre-made diet meals just won’t cut it because they’re not sustainable over time, and frequently they’re sweetened, perpetuating the underlying cognitive cycle.

It’s also key to understand how willpower works and to plan accordingly. Willpower isn’t a dimension of personality, or character. It’s simply a cognitive function available to us in limited doses: as little as 15 minutes of willpower at our disposal at any given time before it runs dry. And we draw down on that supply to focus at work or keep our patience with our kids.

It’s no surprise then that when there are temptations everywhere, we fall victim to the “Willpower Gap” and cave! But there are ways to expand willpower: planning ahead, eating regular meals, reducing stress, getting enough sleep, and practicing an attitude of gratitude.

3. How does eating regular meals fill the willpower Gap and support weight loss?

When regular meals become part of the scaffolding of your life, it takes the burden off of willpower. A schedule of eating three meals a day at regular mealtimes—breakfast, lunch, and dinner —not only helps eating the right things become automatic, but also passing up the wrong things in between. I don’t have to try to not brush my teeth in the car, I just wouldn’t do it. Similarly, I don’t eat or drink high-calorie foods while driving. It’s off the table. I don’t eat at the couch, I don’t eat on the bleachers, I don’t eat at the movie theatre. I eat at my kitchen table or at a restaurant. Those are my cues. That is literally hundreds of food choices a day I have eliminated with that simple rule.

4. How can the brain be rewired if it is set up for food addiction?

Flour and sugar are the culprits causing changes in the brain that block weight loss. Consuming them rewires the brain to ensure that we will continue eating more and more of both. In other words, they are highly addictive and as harmful to the brain as cocaine and other powdered drugs

As with any addiction, the only sustainable solution is to detox. Completely. Eliminate both from the diet altogether.

It’s also important to have regular meals, as mentioned above, and to eat the right quantities. Most adults no longer receive reliable signals from their brains to stop eating when they’ve had enough. Eating right-sized portions will revive those signals over time and help the pounds melt off. But it’s important to note that “right-sized” does not mean small. It’s important to fill the stomach at every meal so that the body does not start to slow the metabolism.

Finally, consistency is of the essence. Like a drug rehab program, make these “Bright Lines” non-negotiable. Doing so will take the burden off willpower, make good choices automatic, and remove the ambiguity that leads people to fall back into old habits.

5. On special occasions, should people ‘save it all up’ for that one big meal of the day (such as Thanksgiving dinner, or a wedding feast), or does having a big breakfast that morning actually make you eat less?

My experience from helping over 4,000 people lose upward of 133,000 pounds and from my own weight loss journey, has shown that eating regular meals is one the best tools for avoiding overeating. “Saving it all up” for a single meal means skimping on meals beforehand and then overeating, which is pretty much the polar opposite of a regular meal schedule. That’s why I advise having a normal breakfast AND — if your special meal is scheduled for a time between the usual lunch and dinner hours — to have your usual lunch as well. Doing so prevents you from showing up for that special meal starving and primed to consume far too much. Remember, you can savor the flavor without overdoing on the quantities.

6. What makes this so difficult for people to break a habit, even when they know their habit (like smoking, eating fast food etc.) is killing them?

Habits that trigger dopamine release in the brain–smoking, eating sugar, watching porn–are addictive. If they’ve been engaged in to the point where they are hard to stop it means that at some point that habit triggered a dopamine flood that was stronger than the brain could handle. Over a few weeks it responded by taking some of its pleasure receptors offline to cope with the onslaught. Once that happens the brain requires more stimulation to get the same dopamine response. And soon one is stuck in a cycle of drinking caffeine–or smoking cigarettes–or eating sugar–just to feel normal. Just to get back to that baseline. It’s a vicious cycle. One that can only be broken by stopping that habit cold, and giving the brain a minimum of six months for those receptors to replenish in the brain.

7. How long really does it take to form a habit (I have read as few as 15 days and up to 250 days!)?

66 days on average. Meaning it might take three months, have patience. It’s so worth it.

by Dr. Susan Peirce Thompson

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Thank you to Dr. Susan Pierce Thompson for these awesome questions and answers!! If you’d like to sample the power of Bright Lines Eating- which I highly recommend if you’re sick of bingeing and yo yo dieting- check out the 14 Day Bright Line Eating Challenge and you’ll not only receive 2 whole weeks of the BLE program, but also a copy of the Bright Lines Eating book that is just being released for the first time, NOW!

I’ve lost over 35 lbs using the Bright Lines Eating system– the first 30 lbs took about 6 months and I’ve lost about 5 lbs in the second 6 month period. I’ve been eating happily, deliciously and binge-free for almost a year. I LOVE this way of eating and plan on eating this way for the rest of my life! I don’t think I’ve ever said that about any eating plan out there! (And I haven’t been perfect the whole time! But when I veered of the path of happiness, I quickly bounced back and came back to the sanity and peace of my Bright Lines feeling so much better, happier and free!!!)

Taken a month BEFORE I started Bright Lines Eating

Taken about 8 months AFTER starting Bright Lines Eating- 35 lbs lighter!

Happy Sacred Feminine ‘V’ Day!

I’m not done with “V” Day! Are you?

I think “V” Day is an important day to honor the Sacred Feminine part of our body, wouldn’t you say? And that we should honor “Her”, in some way, EVERY day!

In archeology, the letter V represents the pubic triangle of the Goddess and is one of the most ancient and powerful symbols!

Fem-power, all the way, eh?

Some of the earliest artwork of pubic triangles can be seen in the Paleolithic, Chauvet Cave, in France.

This cave painting, one of many, dates back to 32,000 BC (!!!) (Yup! The Goddess, Yoni Power was all the rage for 20,000 + years!!!)

On the right side of this image you can see a prominent, black pubic triangle.

It is the center focal point of a trinity image- merged with a bison/shaman figure to the right and a lion to the left.

This image is magical and shamanistic.
If you look at the closeup, the two legs and the pubic triangle clearly depict a woman’s hips and legs. If you look at the wider image, you notice how one of the legs belongs to the lion and the other belongs to the Bison/shaman.

This blending of realities exudes the ancient shamanistic perspective, like that of the Kalahari Bushmen, who do not have distinct divisions between animal, human, and spirit worlds.

They believe that animals and super beings are human in another state.

In their shamanistic rituals, they dance and enter altered states to communicate directly with super beings and animals.

I feel we can learn from their practices and their gorgeous ancient artwork by honoring our bodies and yonis through embodied, free style, ‘let yourself dance’ movement! Enjoy honoring your V!

Interesting Facts about the #Pinkpussyhat Project

Like I said previously, “the March ain’t over, baby!” Right???

1. How did the Women’s March get started ? One woman + Facebook

First off, did you know the Women’s March was created by one woman’s Facebook invite?

Theresa Shook, known online as “Maui Cooper Slim,” in her frustration with the election results, invited 40 of her friends to march together in Washington.

The next morning 10,000 names had joined the group and 10,000 wanted to come. And the rest is herstory!

The power of transforming your frustration into fuel for action:

WOW!

2. How did 2 women inspire the biggest amount of impact, with the least amount of effort?

Jayna Zweiman, one of the founders of the Pussyhat project, asked her co-founder, Krista Suh this question. She was recovering from an injury and couldn’t attend the March but really wanted to be there.

The duo felt a fun, fashion statement that was easy, low cost and doable for all women would be the easiest way to involve the largest amount of women and have the biggest visible impact.

And, hence, the Pink Pussyhat Project was born!!

Well done, ladies! Mission accomplished!

And guess what? It still continues to work!! The day after the March, I was hiking with a friend, wearing my pink pussy hat- it was actually cold out, here in LA!

This burly mountain biker rode past us and flashing us a big smile, he said, “Nice hat!” And I instantly felt we were connected with the Pussy Reclamation Movement– post March!

It gave me a jolt of community and optimism that we can continue the momentum of the March- using this powerful visual symbol- super simple, but it stands out and connects you instantly with sister and fellow supporters!

3. How did these 2 women engage women online?

Being part of the cozy, women’s crafting community, Zweiman and Suh capitalized on Ravelry, an online knitting & crochet community of more than 4 million fans!

“Ravelry is the Facebook for knitters,” says Zweiman. The community got excited by the pussyhat pattern and the cause and started the ball (of yarn) rolling! (I couldn’t help myself!)

The pussyhat idea came out of a clearly defined female niche of women’s crafts. Coupling that with a crafting social media community was a stroke of genius!

4. How did the Pink Pussy Hat organizers plan their activist action?

They chose to launch the Pussyhat Project around Thanksgiving to capitalize on family time and give enough time before the March.

5. What was the secret sauce to their success?

The pussyhats are simple and doable– so it was easy to engage many, many women.

What inspired you about how the #pinkpussyhat Project was launched? Did it empower you in any way? I’d love to know!

To your #pinkpussyhat empowerment and beyond!!

Michelle

8 Reasons why I LOVE my #pinkpussyhat!!!

I couldn’t resist and share my LOVE of my #pinkpussyhat!!

Don’t you LOVE that there were thousands of #pinkpussyhats at Women’s Marches all over the country on Saturday?!! And many of them flew on planes, wearing their pinkpussyhats! I have so much to say but I’ve narrowed it down to:

8 Reasons why I LOVE my #pinkpussyhat!

My mom made it for me within 24 hours of me asking for it
It’s totally hip and cute. It’s like a costume, fun way to be out there but not too crazy.
It’s cute and fun and it’s a political statement! Thousands of women wore their #pinkpussyhat to the Women’s March to challenge Trump’s disparaging comment toward women’s pussies. This little hat alone is instantly recognizable and symbolizes the Pussy Empowerment movement!
#Pinkpussyhat reclaims the work Pussy and elevates the “p” word from a demeaning, derogatory context to the empowered “pussy power context” as promoted by books like “Pussy: A Reclamation” by Mama Gena.
It’s useful, simple, rebellious, pink and warm! And I feel empowered all at the same time!
It helped get massive coverage of women in the news because a #pinkpussyhat is a very distinct physical emblem and it was worn by so many women.
It’s a piece of functional art and part of the women’s craft movement—very feminine, made my hand.
I didn’t get to go to the march and yet I feel connected to the march and this hat continues the movement! I can keep wearing it when I feel fun and playful and people in the know will smile or even come up to me and we get to chat about the movement!

Share with me in the comments what you love about #pinkpussyhats!!! Do you feel empowered when you wear it? I want to hear about it! It’s too much fun and guess what? The March isn’t over!!
Lets keep the March alive!

To your #pinkpussyhat empowerment!

2017.01.20 Alaska Air Flight 6 in Pink LAX-DCA 00049

[image from Creative Commons/Flickr by Ted Eytan https://tedeytan.com—