The affirmations were carefully cocreated to serve as your daily dose of
connection
to yourself,
your cycle,
your emotions,
and to nature.
This deck is for all women, regardless of gender, a regular or irregular
cycle, or the presence of the uterus as an organ.
A collaborative project by aru and duaraconcept
Pick a Card*
*"Pick a Card" is designed to work seamlessly on computer and laptop screens, offering the best experience for larger screens. For the best individual view, zoom in or out. Click on one card and get inspired by your daily affirmation!
Close your eyes and let the words together with the drawing arrive in
your body.
Fourth step
Take the impulse into your day.
Repeat tomorrow
Reflections on our project
Inspiration and design process by aru
Charcoal and Pencil
Charcoal and pencil were chosen by aru as the main tools for creation of
the Daily Cyclical Affirmation Cards because they are two very
traditional artistic instruments derived from natural resources such as
wood, sawdust, twigs or graphite. Both organic tools allowed a form of
expression in drawing that offers a versatile and tactile experience of
her own touch. The two fostered a direct, intimate bond between hand and canvas, inspiring unique expression and honoring ancient craftsmanship and techniques.
Renaissance Paintings
aru found inspiration in the era of the European Renaissance (14th-17th
century AC), a period synonymous with “rebirth” which marked a renewed
interest in art, culture, and humanism. What caught the attention for
this project was the pivotal shift in perspectives on femininity, where
women’s portrayals gained newfound significance as subjects worthy of
artistic representation. This project celebrates the womb’s essence with a Renaissance-inspired "rebirth" approach, incorporating chiaroscuro to highlight bold contrasts of light and dark, making figures stand out.
Diverse Body Types
In shaping this project, the focus was on portraying persons with a womb
space showcasing a diverse array of body types to champion an inclusive
and authentic representation of beauty. By challenging conventional
beauty norms, the intention was to dismantle harmful stereotypes and to
foster a more positive self-image. This approach carries a message of
acceptance, celebrating the beauty of each individual.
Note: Due to the inherent variability of body types, not all forms and
diversity could have been fully acknowledged and depicted in this
project.
Fruits and Vegetables
aru drew a poetic parallel between the ovarian cycle and the growth of fruits and vegetables. She envisioned the ovaries as fertile soil, nurturing life much like a garden yielding an array of produce. This metaphor highlights the essence of fertility, portraying the ovaries as a source of life’s abundance, akin to an orchard brimming with potential. Each fruit symbolizes the possibility of creation, celebrating new beginnings. The inclusion of fruits and vegetables in the cards beautifully mirrors the ovaries’ role in fostering fertility and abundance, connecting nature’s harvest to life’s delicate cycles.
Affirmations and Psychology
Similar to tarot cards, the Daily Cyclical Affirmation Cards are crafted
to offer guidance and insight through symbolic, inspiring users to
interpret the images in a personally meaningful way. While traditional
tarot cards often explore broader aspects of life and destiny,
affirmation cards tend to focus on delivering positive messages and
fostering personal empowerment, embodying a more uplifting style and
purpose. Affirmations, rooted in ancient spiritual practices, have become scientifically proven tools for self-growth, blending global traditions with modern psychology and neuroscience to enhance well-being.
Slow Process
aru created one card per day, aligning the process with her ovarian cycle to deepen her connection with the project. This approach allowed the artwork to reflect the shifting energies and emotions of each menstrual phase, offering daily encouragement and empowerment. The slow, deliberate pace mirrored the natural rhythms of inner and outer experiences, standing in contrast to the disconnected nature of fast-paced methods. After aru completed the art, duaraconcept adopted the same thoughtful approach for crafting affirmations.
Color Wheel
aru intentionally integrated the cyclical color wheel to reflect the diverse moods and feelings found in nature, highlighting the rhythmic transitions of the four seasons—spring, summer, autumn, and winter. By emphasizing earthy and pastel tones, the colors not only mirror the grounding elements of nature but also evoke a sense of calm that resonates with the nervous system. This palette weaves together the beauty of seasonal change with the emotional nuances of human experience.
Earth and Grounding
Since during fluctuating phases of the ovarian cycle, grounding
practices such as mindful walks on natural terrain or simply embracing
moments on the earth, can significantly contribute to a sense of
stability and balance, aru chose soil-like colors as the predominant
hues on each canvas. The rationale behind this choice lies in the belief
that by establishing a profound connection with the earth during the
ovarian cycle we can have the capability to ground ourselves and align
with the natural rhythm of our bodies. By fostering this connection,
individuals may find increased resilience, emotional well-being, and a
harmonious alignment with the cyclical nature of their reproductive
journey.
Moon Phases
The waxing and waning of the moon has long been symbolically linked to the stages of the menstrual cycle, a connection that resonates across various cultures and belief systems. Inspired by this deep historical connection, aru felt compelled to depict the moon on each card. Many traditions associate the full moon with fertility and the peak of the ovarian cycle, as both the lunar and menstrual cycles are approximately 28 days long. The interplay between the moon's phases, the menstrual cycle, and cultural rituals—such as lunar festivals, planting and harvesting practices, and moon-based ceremonies for personal well-being—creates a rich narrative that spans centuries. This connection highlights the profound bond between nature and human experience, underscoring the lasting influence of celestial rhythms on cultural practices and personal rituals.
Various Emotions
The The interplay between emotions and the menstrual cycle is a dynamic, intricate dance, shaped by the ebb and flow of hormonal changes. Each phase of the ovarian cycle profoundly impacts emotional experiences, influencing a person’s inner landscape in a cyclical manner. Aware of the multifaceted relationship between emotions and the menstrual cycle, aru aimed to offer space for a wide range of feelings, ensuring the cards would resonate with and support many. These cards serve as an affirmation of the cyclical journey, providing a tangible tool for navigating the emotional nuances of the ovarian cycle.
Note: Due to the inherent variability of individual cycles, not all emotions and fluctuations could be fully depicted, as each menstrual cycle is a unique experience.
Cyclical wisdom by duaraconcept
Circadian and infradian rhythm
Did you know that women not only have one, but two internal clocks? One is based on the circadian rhythm, which is our 24-hour cycle. This cycle regulates the sleep-wake rhythm and all bodily functions. It is the body's natural alarm clock, so to say, and it keeps us in tune with the outside world.
Women have another rhythm, which is allocated to the infradian rhythms. These basically are biological cycles that last longer than 24 hours. An example is the menstrual cycle, which lasts around 30 days and influences energy and cognitive abilities of women - if you currently have a menstrual cycle you know what I'm talking about! This deck is for all women, regardless of gender, a regular or irregular cycle, or the presence of the uterus as an organ.
Four phases of the menstrual cycle
Do you notice a change in your energy, body, mind and feelings during
the month? The changes are based on the ever-changing hormones of the
menstrual cycle, which can roughly be categorized into 4 phases and show
a resemblance to the four seasons of nature. The only difference is that
the menstrual cycle starts with winter (day 1 = start of the period).
Always remember that this is a textbook cycle, which is supposed to be
an orientation - there are as many variations to it as there are women
on earth. MENSTRUATION (~days 1-5) •
Winter • when hormones are lowest • shedding of uterine lining “letting
go of everything that no longer serves, setting of new intentions for
the new cycle”
FOLLICULAR (~days 6-13) • Spring •
Estrogen rises • growth "striving, social, planning"
OVULATION (~day 14) • Summer • Estrogen peaking • fertile “time to
shine, juiciness is ON”
LUTEAL (~days 15-29) • Autumn/Fall (most
misunderstood time of the cycle) • Progesterone-dominant phase •
hormones think you're pregnant “focus, problem-solving, intuition,
truth-speaking”
Phases of life and a woman
The ovarian and menstrual cycle are just some of many phases and cycles
that a woman experiences. Think of certain life stages or relevant life
events from the first bleed (menarche), birthing of babies or projects,
and the phase of menopause transitioning a woman into her very wise
years. This deck also serves to re-connect to the cyclical wisdom of
life and about the cyclical nature of women in particular.
We are nature: moon connection
The moon is a beautiful symbol on the outside reminding us about the
cyclicality of life and of us women. Just like the waning and waxing of
the moon, women are constantly changing, dying and being reborn through
every menstrual cycle. In many traditions the moon is associated with
the feminine (yin) whereas the sun symbolizes the masculine (yang).
Women can also feel a deep connection to the moon, as the cycle is also
around 28 days. We are nature!
Cyclical living as empowerment
Knowing about the menstrual cycle and the hormonal changes during the
cycle is empowering because the change in feelings, emotions, energy
levels and body and thought patterns are no longer an overwhelming
surprise (just imagine the moment, when you are not surprised that PMS
is kicking-in), but an opportunity to better understand yourself.
Cyclical living is a wonderful way to get to know yourself better,
understand your needs, feel healthier and happier, and achieve goals and
objectives in life with ease.
Acknowledgments
This project was supported by aru's research grant funded by the
Portuguese Recovery and Resilience Program (PRR), IAPMEI/ANI/FCT under
Agenda C645022399-00000057 (eGamesLab).
About us
aru
aru (Anna Rebecca Unterholzner, PhD) is a transdisciplinary artist,
designer, teacher, and researcher. She is interested in emotions, feelings,
neuroaesthetics, gender studies, transdisciplinary art, and somatic practices.
For more information www.aarruu.com
duaraconcept
Krista Handorfer is the founder of duaraconcept, a holistic way of
living with the menstrual cycle to re-connect to the female body and the
self through yoga and cyclical wisdom. She specializes in yoga for
women’s health and wellbeing, self-care practices, and hormone balance to
overcome cyclical and hormonal challenges, like painful periods or the
absence of a cycle, to co-create a life full of purpose and joie de
vivre. For more information www.duaraconcept.com
Our history and the collaboration of Daily Cyclical Affirmations
aru and duaraconcept met on a student exchange in St. Petersburg in 2013
and never split again afterwards. Their passion for yoga, nature
connection, creativity, technology, authenticity, continuous learning,
and the way of the feminine has built their friendship into co-operation
and creation. After aru created the logo for Krista for duaraconcept,
they continued their creative journey. The result of their second
project is this earthy feminine deck of the Daily Cyclical Affirmations
that supports daily connection to oneself. As aru initiated the project,
duaraconcept immediately jumped on board. Then both worked carefully on
the general concept. After that aru created art, design, analog and
digital card deck and app, and duaraconcept developed the mindful
affirmations. Finally, they both wrote about their processes and
knowledge which you can read in the "About" section.
