Picking Up the Drum with Sophie Messager

In this particularly rich conversation, I’m joined by Sophie Messager, author of the new book The Beat of Your Own Drum (Womancraft Publishing). A former reproductive physiologist with a PhD, Sophie traded her microscope for a medicine drum after experiencing the transformative power of an empowered birth. Her decade-long journey as a doula, birth educator, and author of Why Postnatal Recovery Matters deepened her exploration of the rhythms surrounding women’s transitions. Now a holistic life transition mentor, Sophie guides women through significant life thresholds – from birth to perimenopause and beyond. Her unique combination of scientific expertise and spiritual insight allows her to serve as a compassionate space holder for those seeking to harmonise their analytical and intuitive selves.  On this episode we explore:The complex and intersecting themes of sacred feminine wisdomThe journey of reclaiming women's power, and the transformative role of drumming in spiritual practicesSophie’s personal experiences from her Catholic upbringing to her journey as a doula and holistic life transition mentorThe historical context of women's roles in drumming and spirituality, and how reclaiming this practice can be an essential step for women in owning their voices and power in a patriarchal society. Key TakeawaysSacred Feminine wisdom is applicable in all areas of life.Understanding women's power from a feminine lens is crucial, and women’s sacred stories can help us do this.Sophie fascinating journey from science to holistic practices, and how it demonstrates that we can hold space for both.Drumming can be a powerful tool for women's empowerment.While the history of women and drumming is often overlooked, it’s real – and your birthright to know about.While women often feel scared to drum due to ancestral trauma, trusting yourself is the key to spiritual growth and personal evolution.Creating your own drum can be a transformative experience – but you can also start with a storebought one. You don’t need lessons or a prescriptive path to start. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Sacred Feminine Wisdom 03:05 Exploring the Journey of the Sacred Feminine 05:21 Sophie Messager's Spiritual Background 11:09 Reclaiming Spirituality Beyond Catholicism 19:52 The Role of Birth and Death in Feminine Wisdom 24:32 Embodying the Divine Feminine 27:26 Navigating the Journey to Menopause 28:24 Embracing Cycles and Rest 30:25 The Journey to the Drum 31:51 Drum Microdosing: A New Practice 37:28 Reclaiming the Drum: Women's History 42:42 The Power of Drumming in Birth 49:40 Empowerment Through Intuition and Expression ✨ Explore. Connect. Come Home to Her. ✨ If you’d like to know whose ancestral lands you currently reside on, you can look up your address here: native-land.ca. If this podcast or my book Home to Her: Walking the Transformative Path of the Sacred Feminine has inspired you, I’d love for you to leave a review—it helps others find this work and keeps these conversations flowing. Stay connected with me and our growing community: 🌸 Follow along on Instagram @hometoher for reflections and details on upcoming episodes. 🌿 Join the Home to Her Facebook group to share stories, ask questions, and explore the Sacred Feminine in community. Want to go deeper? Visit www.hometoher.com to: ·      Download your free eBook 5...