22/10/2021
Most women I see (of all ages) are experiencing varying levels of pain, PMS, fertility issues, hormonal acne, digestive upset, depression, low libido, anxiety and insomnia and nearly all of them suffer in silence and put it down to 'just the burden of being a woman".
While some mild discomfort can be ‘normal’, these extreme symptoms are not actually normal!!!
We are conditioned to feel shame, fear, pain and lack around being a woman and all for our ‘weak’ ability to create life (if we so wish). We are taught that our periods are meant to be painful and make you feel crazy. We are taught menopause is when life is over and we lose our minds (when it is actually when we truly step into our power).
Our society teaches as that we are just crazy & emotional women. The hysterectomy was even named after ‘hysterical women.’ We feel confused, lost and low after childbirth because we are not taught the magnitude of what is happening not just physically but emotionally. At school, we normally get one little lesson about our cycle, the boys are quickly kicked out (because ohh, the embarrassment), we are shown what a pad and tampon look like, and it’s never spoken about again! Our mum or sister or friends may try and fill in some of the gaps, but they’re only able to share with us what limited knowledge they were told.
Our understanding and respect for its process is both limited and distorted. Within each monthly cycle, you can think of the ebbs and flows from week to week as a complete season. Surrendering/honouring these cycles can help restore balance within your emotional and physical body. When we work with our cycle, instead of pushing against it or ignoring it (like we’re taught to), we can start to feel in flow and at peace within ourselves.
Can you imagine how different your world would look like if you knew how to work with the natural stages of your cycle & life rather than be in a constant fight with them? Not as your weakness but as your super power?
Although this will be slightly different for every woman and her own unique process, the seasons below give you a little map of what is happening from week to week and also through different stages of your life.
❄️ Winter (Menstruation)
Slowing down by choice is powerful, not weak and this is the time we use to do that. At the beginning of the cycle, hormone levels are low. Some people might not be affected by this, but others will feel it acutely and may feel a deep need to lay low. This is a time for you to rest and restore, and to focus on yourself. It is important to go easy on yourself. This isn't the time to book social events. This is the time to take it a little easier at work and lay outside a bit more. Light exercise like walking or yoga.
🌱 Spring (pre-ovulation)
Around the time that your period ends, you’ll enter the Spring phase of your cycle. This is where oestrogen really gets going which will hopefully leave you feeling good! In every cycle, oestrogen’s plan is to get us pregnant, regardless of whether that’s something you want or not. This is often the phase of the cycle where sexual desire increases. This is a great time to start new projects and have some more fun. If you are tired in this phase of your cycle, then something might be a little out of balance. You may need more rest in the winter season.
☀️ Summer (ovulation)
As oestrogen peaks– you transition your ability to communicate with the world is heightened. Testosterone also arrives for a few days which can also contribute to an increase in desire. Summer is the season to be seen, and to be visible in the world before entering the more introspective seasons. If your mood drops about day 3 of ovulation it is due to the fall of oestrogen.
🍂 Autumn (premenstrual)
Progesterone should peak in the middle of the second half of your cycle and often results in a need to sort things out and get s**t done. Feeling angry, sad, frustrated, and depressed are common, but when we write them off as “PMSing” we can do ourselves a disservice. What you feel here is real and probably bothers you all the time. This is the time to face those problems.
If you want to learn more I have a workshop on Sunday in Vic Park or an online event the week after on the 28th. I would love to see you there. There are still a few tickets left. 🌻
Ellie ###x