“The human body speaks a language of which it is not the author.”
- JPII, TOB 104:7
What is "body literacy?"
In the broadest sense, "body literacy" is learning how to read what JPII calls the Language of the Body, the way our body reflects the image and likeness of God.
In a narrower sense, "body literacy" refers to the practice of teaching girls and women how to observe and understand what is going on through our menstrual cycles.
When we learn to "read" our bodies, we gain practical knowledge, like:
But through learning about our bodies, we can also learn deeper truths about ourselves as creatures, and about the God who created us.
In the broadest sense, "body literacy" is learning how to read what JPII calls the Language of the Body, the way our body reflects the image and likeness of God.
In a narrower sense, "body literacy" refers to the practice of teaching girls and women how to observe and understand what is going on through our menstrual cycles.
When we learn to "read" our bodies, we gain practical knowledge, like:
- how various hormones interact
- what changes to expect throughout our different cycle phases
- why we have period bleeds and what they consist of
- how to know if our cycles and bleeds are normal & healthy... and what to do if they aren't
But through learning about our bodies, we can also learn deeper truths about ourselves as creatures, and about the God who created us.
At Pearl & Thistle, we empower Catholics to share the Language of the Body with their children, friends, spouses, and parish communities.
We believe that by creating a culture of lifelong learning, respect, and care for our bodies, we can all learn to "read" in our bodies the Truth of who God made us to be.
But we know that literacy takes time.
We can't go from knowing next to nothing about our bodies to mastering the intricacies of applications for Natural Family Planning in just a few months.
This is why we need a lifelong learning model for body literacy: something which introduces us to the Language of the Body from the very beginning, and empowers us to keep learning and find support for the rest of our lives!
We can't go from knowing next to nothing about our bodies to mastering the intricacies of applications for Natural Family Planning in just a few months.
This is why we need a lifelong learning model for body literacy: something which introduces us to the Language of the Body from the very beginning, and empowers us to keep learning and find support for the rest of our lives!
OUR INNOVATIVE EDUCATIONAL MODEL FOR GIRLS:
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Stage 1: CYCLE PREPCycle Prep was a 2021 OSV Challenge Finalist! Learn more here
Pearl & Thistle's Cycle Prep course enables parents to share the Language of the Body with their daughters through scientifically-accurate information that builds a positive narrative around cycles and periods. Self-paced videos and a library of resources enable parents and daughters to be prepared, together!
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Stage 2: Charting for GirlsIntroduce your daughter to cycle charting without specifically looking for indicators of fertility. This self-paced learning guide begins with the "Basic Guide" to charting (for girls within the first 3-4 years of cycling) and follows with the "Advanced Guide" to charting which will help girls identify ovulation as a sign of health!
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Stage 3: Charting for Single WomenSingle women, including those in religious life, are welcome to receive instruction in the Boston Cross Check method to learn how to identify fertility patterns for self-knowledge and health. Learn more about specific programming we offer for groups, to help young women share this knowledge with friends!
Pearl & Thistle is proud to be a friend of Read Your Body and offers 3 months of free app access with all charting packages. Learn more today!
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Stage 4: Natural Family PlanningPearl and Thistle offers personalized instruction in the Boston Cross Check™ method of fertility management. Couples can learn about the concepts of combined fertility, mutual discernment, and shared charting practices with NFP.
Pearl & Thistle is proud to be a friend of Read Your Body and offers 3 months of free app access with all charting packages. Learn more today!
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PLUS! Pearl & Thistle has tons of resources for parishes, featuring:
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