Stepping Into Your Power
When we enter our menstruating years, we are given a toolkit. Inside this toolkit resides various powers that we have opportunities for accessing at different points throughout our cycles. How do we access these powers, and how do we use them in a way to help elevate our quality of life?
Our cycles are much more than just our periods. Within our menstrual cycles are four distinct phases: the menstrual, follicular, ovulatory, and luteal phases. These phases each highlight various strengths that we can harness as we move through our cycles, and use to our advantage. When we begin to become aware of these shifts we can make the transition to aligning elements of our daily routine with our cycles, in order to highlight and take advantage of our powers. So how exactly does one begin to align with their cycle to reap the benefits of their powers?
It all starts with getting to know your menstrual cycle:
Menstrual Phase: This phase is marked by your period. During this phase, which usually lasts anywhere from 3-7 days in length, marks a time when hormones are at their lowest levels. This lends itself to being able to think very clearly and rationally about things, reflect on current goings ons in your life, and evaluate where you are headed. Do you like the direction your life is going in? What shifts or adjustments can be made here?
Follicular Phase: This phase begins when your bleed has stopped, and continues up until ovulation. During this phase you are awakening again after your bleed. Creativity and new endeavors rule this phase. You are primed for bringing fresh ideas to life, and your creative spirit allows you to begin coordinating new ideas with ease. Try something new, explore a new city, and get curious about the world around you.
Ovulatory Phase: This short but mighty phase begins and ends within about 3-5 days and is marked by the release of the egg from the follicle. Your strength here is magnetism and communication. Speak your truth and stand up for what you believe in. Have important conversations, or just have meaningful hangs with your best friends. Enjoy your extra energy and use it towards things that bring you joy, purpose, and fun.
Luteal Phase: This phase is the homestretch towards your next period, when the cycle begins all over again. In this phase, we begin a sort of "winding down" process where we are preparing for rest. We are geared towards noticing the small details, making this phase the optimal time to do a deep clean of your home, finish up things on the to do list, and gather all the loose ends. At work this may look like bringing projects to completion, organizing your inbox, and doing behind the scenes work. During this phase, we naturally feel our emotions intensify, and for good reason. It's a time for us to examine the things that keep popping up for us and figure out a way to resolve them, or acknowledge them. Feeling emotional, moody, or depressed may be stagnant emotions trying to work their way up to the surface to be released. Allow this release and practice sitting with your emotions and seeing all they have to teach you.
Our internal cyclical rhythm guides the way. It's up to us to tune in and feel the nudges it gives us as we move throughout our cycles.
