The Creighton Model FertilityCare SystemTM (CRMS) teaches couples about the inner soul of human sexuality
through SPICE. The inner soul of human sexuality was first introduced to us by Pope John Paul II in his
Apostolic Exhortation Familiaris Cosortio. In order to gain a true understanding of this term, it is best to read
his own words:
"In this context the couple comes to experience how conjugal communion is enriched with
those values of tenderness and affection which constitute the inner soul of human sexuality,
in its physical dimension also. In this way sexuality is respected and promoted in its truly
and fully human dimension, and is never "used" as an "object" that, by breaking the
personal unity of soul and body, strikes at God's creation itself at the level of the
deepest interaction of nature and person"
Couples who use the CRMS as do all couples who use methods of Natural Family Planning, learn new ways of showing their love for one another on the days of abstinence. Couples continually report an improvement in their relationship, a better understanding of each other, a growth in their love for one another and a depth in their marriage. This behaviour requires true sexual contact (total expression of their sexuality as male and female).
SPICE is an acronym which describes how couples relate to one another, by working on the five different areas couples can learn more about their love for one another and their love and commitment to their faith and God.
The letters stand for:
S = Spiritual; P = Physical; I = Intellectual; C = Creative/Communicative & E = Emotional
(also including the psychological aspects of the relationship).
The following are some examples of how couples explore the different avenues of SPICE to grow in their love for one another.
Spiritual: Couples are encouraged to pray and mature in their spiritual life together and as a family.
Creative or Communicative
Writing that special love note, cooking a meal for two, giving her flowers, a post-it-note with a special message in his jacket to be found when he gets to work. Creative gestures that show our love, all these and more, help the couples love to further develop and flourish. Communication also improves as we feel loved and cherished. Daily discussion of the chart allows for a daily opportunity to talk.
PHYSICAL
Couples learn to show each other their love by hugging and kissing. They learn their limits at times of abstinence, by learning the difference between affirming and arousal touch. Their eventual coming together after their time of abstinence is often described as a "honeymoon effect".
By learning
Natural Family Planning,
a married couple's
love and trust for
each other deepens.
They develop a
greater understanding
for their fertility and develop
love motivated self control.
Intellectual
Further reading about the CRMS or other material related to this, encourages learning and understanding of our bodies. Couples may decide to read scripture together or related writings such as the Theology of the Body by Pope John Paul II. Some couples will thrive on having intellectually challenging discussions.
Emotional
As the couple learn to share their deepest emotions and their trust for one another increases, their relationship strengthens. Many couples reserve a special time of the day for themselves, to share their thoughts and daily occurrences. This becomes especially important when the couple is busy with a small family.