How to Honor Your Truth During Infertility

Infertility Resources • Yamas and Niyamas • Yoga
August 4, 2020


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Satya, the second of the five yama principles, is about speaking your truth. Satya asks us to honor the seeds of truth we know are there but we may not want to witness for ourselves or express to others. Infertility is one of those truths we tend to hide due to feeling shame, guilt, or for some other emotion. For many this might resemble completely ignoring or disregarding the fact that we’re unable to get pregnant naturally. For others this might look like not sharing the news of our diagnosis with anyone. When we allow this to happen, we create more walls or barriers to what is ultimately going on within our emotional well-being, which is already on shaky ground from the stress and anxiety many experience during fertility treatments.

If you find yourself in this place of disconnecting or avoiding the truth, ask yourself why? Our guess is shame, fear of being judged by others, and/or disgust with your situation is coming up for you. If that’s the case, dig a little deeper into the source and start to sort through the ‘whys’ of the situation further all while practicing ahimsa. 

Know that the emotions you’re feeling are valid. What we’re asking you to do is to examine them a little closer so that you have a better understanding of where they’re coming from and why they’re there. Once you have that, you’re better able to notice when they come up, name them (I’m feeling shame right now), and practice aparigraha by letting them go, which might take time and that’s ok.

Telling the truth to yourself and others with kindness and compassion asks you to be courageous in how you show up. When we come from this place of truth, we’re able to connect with others and ourselves on a much deeper level. It takes being vulnerable with the deepest parts of you. It takes being seen by others, the good and the not so good. It takes recognizing the pain and suffering you’re experiencing due to infertility and allowing others to step in and support you. It also means speaking up about your needs and wants even if that means you’ll upset someone. Give yourself permission to acknowledge and express your seeds of truth.