Embracing your menstrual cycle: Phases & feelings

Understanding your natural ebbs & flows is often a missing key to understanding ourselves & living within our natural rhythms. Here we offer basic understanding to the key phases of the menstrual cycle & some self care practices & journal prompts to help you connect to your cyclical nature.

For many individuals, menstruation is often viewed as an inconvenience or a monthly hassle. However, it can be a powerful and transformative experience when you shift your perspective. Connecting with your menstrual cycle on a deeper level can be a journey of self-discovery and empowerment. In this blog post, we will explore how to connect with your menstrual cycle from an empathetic point of view, with journal prompts to help you navigate this beautiful journey.

**1. Embracing the Phases of Your Menstrual Cycle**

Your menstrual cycle has four distinct phases: menstruation, the follicular phase, ovulation, and the luteal phase. Each phase comes with its own unique energy and emotions. Start by acknowledging and embracing each phase:

- **Menstruation:** Begin your cycle by honoring your body's need for rest and self-care. Journal prompt: How can I nurture myself during my period to feel more connected to my body and emotions?

- **Follicular Phase:** As your energy starts to rise, focus on new beginnings and creativity. Journal prompt: What creative projects or goals do I want to set for this cycle?

- **Ovulation:** This is a time of increased confidence and connection. Journal prompt: How can I strengthen my relationships and connect with my community during this phase?

- **Luteal Phase:** Embrace introspection and self-care as you approach your next menstruation. Journal prompt: How can I better support my emotional well-being in the days leading up to my period?

**2. Practice Self-Compassion**

Connecting with your menstrual cycle involves being kind and compassionate to yourself. When you experience discomfort or mood swings, remind yourself that it's a natural part of the cycle. Journal prompt: How can I show more self-compassion during challenging moments in my cycle?

**3. Set Intentions for Each Cycle**

Use your menstrual cycle as a natural rhythm to set intentions and goals. With each phase, set specific intentions that align with your energy and emotions. Journal prompt: What are my intentions for this phase of my cycle, and how do they relate to my overall goals and well-being?

**4. Tune into Your Body**

Pay close attention to the physical sensations and signals your body gives you during each phase. Are you experiencing more energy, tension, or fatigue? Journal prompt: How can I listen more closely to my body's signals and adjust my activities accordingly?

**5. Create Rituals and Celebrations**

Create rituals or celebrations to honor your menstrual cycle. Whether it's lighting a candle, taking a long bath, or spending time in nature, find ways to mark each phase. Journal prompt: How can I incorporate rituals into my cycle to make it a more meaningful and sacred experience?

**6. Seek Support**

Connecting with your menstrual cycle is a personal journey, but it doesn't mean you have to go through it alone. Share your experiences with close friends, or consider joining a supportive community or circle of women who are on a similar path.

**7. Reflect and Adjust**

At the end of each cycle, reflect on your experiences. What worked well? What didn't? How can you adjust your approach for the next cycle? Journal prompt: What did I learn from this cycle, and how can I grow in the next one?

Conclusion

Embracing your menstrual cycle from an empathetic point of view can lead to a deeper connection with your body and emotions. By recognizing the natural rhythm of your cycle and practicing self-compassion, setting intentions, and seeking support, you can transform what is often seen as an inconvenience into a journey of self-discovery and empowerment. Your menstrual cycle is an integral part of your life, and by connecting with it, you can tap into your inner strength and wisdom, month after month.