The cyclical ways deepen

It continues to amaze me how much my menstrual cycle truly affects my life. Even in just my moods and creative flow.

Take my most recent bleed (aka ‘my period’): I felt withdrawn, exhausted, had some physical discomforts, had some emotional release, enjoyed being in a solo cocoon, barely crossing paths with anyone, and not needing to show up for anything (this was absolutely intentional and required some preparation!).

I’m exiting that time now, coming into my late inner winter/early spring, or in more medically recognisable terms: late menstruation and early follicular. I feel tentative emotionally and energy wise, still a little like a fragile shoot that’s popping up as the warmth of spring comes around; full of life and possibilities, yet still vulnerable to harsh weather and sudden changes. 

Yet, I also feel the spark of inspiration, and a sense of ‘returning’ from the dead (menstruation can feel a little like going into a cave of death. No exaggeration here - if you know, ya know). I feel those little seeds that I planted while retreating from the world stirring, and wanting to shoot up and grow. 

The inner spring/follicular phase can be this exciting and playful and freeing part of the menstrual cycle, yet I continue my cycle awareness practices to help me keep in tune with where my energy levels are actually at, and if my body does have the strength and energy to do something; sometimes my mind is 5 steps ahead, while my body is saying “hold on, hold on, not there yet!".

I’m also amazed at where I find myself these days with my menstrual cycle awareness practice; a year ago I was struggling with the effects of huge disconnect between my body, heart, mind and my life. I’ve still a way to go, and as written in my journal recently: it’s a life-long journey, yet I’m able to recognise the journey so far. It’s been hard, and it’s been discouraging many times. 

Yet, dear reader, here I am writing these posts to share with you that the challenging moments in regards to our menstrual cycles can pass. If we allow ourselves to move through them. If we choose to grow our capacity to be with challenges, as well as growing capacity to be with moments of celebration. 

A year ago today, I didn’t know I’d be studying to become a Menstrual Cycle Coach, that I’d find support and a meaningful path in that choice, and that deepening my own relationship to my cycle would open up opportunities. Opportunities I’ve been dreaming of for years, by the way! I didn’t know that for the year of 2024 I’d make the choice of taking monthly period retreats, and that 3 months in, I would find healing and support and deep insights from honouring and tending to that intention. 

Period Retreats, or some may call them Menstrual Retreats; Moontime Retreats - used to be called ‘Red Tents’, back in the day when women would gather away from the rest of the village and bleed together, finding retreat from their usual day to day activities and responsibilities. A version of this story I heard from my friend and mentor, Sage, is that the elders and young pre-menstrual age girls of the tribes would be the one who’d care for the women who are bleeding. I remember feeling amazed, saddened and hopeful hearing that story, and how I yearned for that to be the reality once again, or a version of it. 

We still use the term “red tent” these days, and there is a resurgence of people practicing holding space for Red Tents to happen within communities. I’m curious about this line of work, as it combines some of my passions and curiosities: women’s circles, menstrual cycle, healing spaces, and honouring the sacred. 

Where are you in your journey of being in relationship with your cycle? 

What resonated or sparked something within you in this post?

What do you feel inspired to learn more about or reflect deeper on?