POWER OF MENSTRUATION
MEN-stroo-ul/
(noun: menstrual)
The NORMAL monthly shedding of blood and tissue from the lining of the uterus (womb) when pregnancy does not occur.
The menstrual cycle is much more than just the presence or absence of your monthly blood. It is a powerful monthly reminder of your health and strength! So it should be celebrated and appreciated, quite contrary to what we practise, right?
For generations, we have been made to feel ashamed and embarrassed about their periods. We have been made to believe that their periods are a “curse” and that they just have to endure the pain and discomfort without any hope of respite. It’s time for the narrative to change and for us to be empowered and celebrated for the miraculous thing our bodies do every month.
Menstrual Literacy can be a powerful tool for women and a source of self-confidence and awareness, allowing you to make better decisions regarding your physical and mental health.
The menstrual cycle connects you to your inner power and nature. With around 450 cycles in a lifetime, learning to navigate its phases allows you to fully embrace and cherish each one.
THE GIFT OF FOUR HORMONAL SEASONS
Your menstrual cycle is made up of different phases. Just like the four seasons in a year, you go through four distinctive hormonal shifts that make up the phases of your cycle:
- MENSTRUAL Inner Winter
- FOLLICULAR Inner Spring
- OVULATORY Inner Summer
- LUTEAL Inner Autumn
As each season brings something new, so too do the phases of your cycle. Each phase emerges with a range of changes to your mind and body. As you learn to be more comfortable with these inner seasons, you’ll have more control, feel more productive and be able to balance your hormones.
The hormonal shifts influence our brain chemistry, mood, energy, creativity, and how social we feel –pretty much everything! Because of these shifts, we naturally become more equipped to take on certain tasks during each phase of our cycle.
This newfound knowledge can help to reduce stress, increase productivity, and enhance your appreciation for the amazing body you inhabit. With the proper understanding and mindset, you can use your menstrual power to create a more balanced, fulfilling life.
If you become aware of these hormonal –and talent– shifts, you can use this information to your benefit and harness your menstrual superpowers.
MENSTRUAL PHASE
Inner Winter, Time to Dream
The menstrual phase is what you know as your period. The onset of your bleeding counts as Day One and lasts –on average– anywhere from three to seven days. At this phase, you are at the lowest hormonal level of your cycle. As a result, your body is shedding the uterine lining in response to this significant hormone decrease, accompanied by fatigue and cramps! Your menstrual cycle is a time for stillness and withdrawal, for listening and reflecting.
Think of it like winter for a cherry tree, a time for dropping the leaves and resting in preparation for the coming spring. Instead of feeling frustrated by this phase, you can use it to set intentions for the upcoming month and gain insight into situations in your life or business. During this phase, take time to rest and plan in rhythm with your hormones –it feels good to do so! Allow yourself to enjoy warming foods and do some gentle stretching, walking, or yoga. Not only is this necessary for your body, but also for your soul –there is no duality there anyway! Acknowledge that your cycle is purposeful and clever by design, so use it to celebrate your powerful and intuitive nature.
FOLLICULAR PHASE
Inner Spring, Time to Do
From the end of your bleeding until you ovulate, around Day Fourteen, you are in the follicular phase. From the end of your bleeding until you ovulate, around Day Fourteen, you are in the follicular phase.
Perceive your follicular phase as the blossoming season of a cherry tree, full of beauty and potential. During this phase, your reproductive hormones –particularly oestrogen– begin to rise in preparation for ovulation.
You might notice higher energy levels and glowing skin! Your libido may increase too! It’s common to feel optimistic and energised, so now is a great time for socialising, exercising, or trying new things. Taking advantage of the newfound energy can help to make the most of this creative, energising, and positive phase.
OVULATORY PHASE
Inner Summer, Time to Give
The ovulatory phase is your incredible inner season of growth and vitality. At ovulation, you experience your body’s most empowering moment. You feel bursting with confidence, ready to face any challenge that comes your way. You’re an unstoppable force of nature and your sexiest self. Much like the lush cherry trees of summer, this stage is filled with the potential of new life. Your body is full of energy that propels you to take action and be your most confident self.
Your hormones are peaking and you’re primed for baby-making — or just feeling energetic and spontaneous. Your skin is glowing even more, your mood is light, you feel both powerful and sexy, and your days are filled with positivity. Now is the time to take charge and seize life’s most adventurous moments. Whether it be a presentation, a meeting, a launch — or simply a night out with friends — it’s the perfect moment to make your mark. The ovulatory phase is a reminder of your body’s strength and resilience, and regenerative power. This phase is a great time to schedule speeches, presentations, or big events for your work, because you are ready to conquer the world!
LUTEAL PHASE
Inner Autumn, Time to Take
The luteal phase of your menstrual cycle is like autumn’s cozy days. Like the beautiful cherry tree in autumn, when the vibrant leaves begin to turn, your body is also transitioning into its clement season. During this phase, your hormones shift to a state of rest and relaxation so that you can prepare for the winter.
As the winds of change blow, you may find the first part of your luteal phase is best for organizing and tidying up your life. This is a perfect time for your intuitive yet critical eye to take a closer look at the details and ensure everything is in order. As the autumn days progress, you may experience the sometimes uncomfortable symptoms of PMS, such as bloating and cramps. But this doesn’t have to be the norm. Listen to your body and give it the nourishment it needs so that you can enjoy pain-free periods. Enjoy this time as a unique superpower to get things done, as you look inward and relax in anticipation of winter.
