A group artwork by the meditation classes for childless not by choice.

In guiding the meditation classes, specifically for childless not by choice, I have observed that the life journey which has brought people to being childless is so varied. Infertility, not finding a partner, ambivalence, previous relationships not turning out as was hoped, health issues, failed adoption process, failed IVF, abusive relationships, difficult childhoods… the list goes on and the reasons are layered. No one has just one.

At the end of our meditation classes, we ground, root, and connect to one another. I thought a perfect artwork to do would be a TREE. The roots and lower branches are the reasons of childlessness. The structure and support of the classes is shown in the trunk. The upper branches are how I see the participants now, their shining selves coming through as the healing process continues, and also how they see themselves and each other. The kindness, empathy and understanding for each other is immense.

The whole tree is a combination of the participants’ words, my words, and the feelings, energy, and release which we appreciate each week when we come together.

I hope that you enjoy seeing the group artwork as much as I have enjoyed creating it with the help of the meditation class members. Creating this group piece also means that those not yet ready to share on their own, have their words and feelings heard too, in this world childless week for our stories. Their words mean so much, and in sharing, there is release.

Bindi Shah and the meditation group

Please watch the video too, it shows the artwork in more detail with some of the sentences read.