Simple ways to ritualize your period
Embracing your menstrual cycle is a beautiful way to connect with your feminine energy, honor your body, and cultivate a deeper sense of self-awareness. You get your period every month, so wouldn’t it be nice to make it an enjoyable experience, rather than the dreaded time of pain or annoyance that we have been acculturated to believe it brings? By creating simple rituals around your period, you can transform this time into a sacred space for rest, reflection, and renewal. Here are some gentle practices to help you honor your cycle.
7 Simple Menstrual Rituals
1. Rest and Restore
In a world that so often celebrates productivity, taking time to rest during your period is a radical act of self-love. Allow yourself to slow down, whether it’s taking a day off work or simply carving out quiet moments at home. Try giving yourself just 1% more rest while bleeding. Create a cozy nest with soft blankets, prepare warm herbal teas, and grab your favorite books and journal. Embrace this time as an opportunity to recharge and listen to your body’s needs.
2. Menstrual Meditation
Set aside a few moments each day for meditation. Find a comfortable space, close your eyes, and breathe deeply. Visualize the energy of your cycle flowing through you, bringing with it wisdom and intuition. Focus on how your body feels, acknowledging any emotions that arise. Ask yourself, what from the previous cycle wishes to be released at this time. This practice helps cultivate mindfulness and a deeper connection to your cycle. For a free gentle, guided menstrual meditation, click here.
3. Journaling Your Journey
Keep a cycle journal to track your thoughts, feelings, and experiences throughout your cycle. Write about your emotions, dreams, or any insights you receive during this time. Journaling can help you recognize patterns throughout your cycle and connect with the wisdom of your body. Consider setting intentions for the cycle ahead during menstruation or reflecting on what you want to release. For a free guide to journaling through your cycle, click here.
4. Create a Simple Menstrual Altar
Design a menstrual altar as a sacred space to honor your cycle. Use items that resonate with you, such as crystals, candles, flowers, or images that inspire you. This altar serves as a physical reminder of the beauty and power of your feminine essence, inviting you to pause and reflect on the magic of your body.
5. Make a Bleed Basket
Create a "bleed basket" to hold items that symbolize your cycle. This is a special basket that you reserve for each time you’re on your period. This can include your menstrual products, herbs for soothing teas, feminine essential oils, a red pen, or anything that resonates with your menstrual experience. Each time you take it out, you’ll be reminded of the sacredness of your cycle and the rituals you’ve chosen to embrace.
6. Connect with Nature
Spend time in nature during your period. Whether it’s a walk in the park or sitting under a tree, allow the natural world to support you. Tune into the rhythms of nature and how they mirror your cycle. Consider incorporating natural elements into your rituals, like using flowers or leaves to adorn your altar, or giving your menstrual blood back to the Earth.
7. Sisterhood and Sharing
Engage with your community by sharing your experiences with other women. Host a Red Tent gathering to discuss your cycles, swap stories, and celebrate your feminine energy. Sharing your journey fosters feminine connection, breaking down the Sister Wound, and creating a supportive environment for all.
Conclusion
Ritualizing your period is a powerful way to honor your body and its rhythms. By incorporating these simple practices, you can cultivate a deeper relationship with your menstrual cycle, transforming it into a time of self-care, reflection, and renewal. Embrace the beauty of your cycle and allow it to guide you on your journey of self-discovery.
Go Deeper with Menstrual Cycle Awareness
If you're ready to dive deeper into your menstrual journey, consider downloading my eBook Workbook, Cycle Love. This ebook includes reflection questions, embodiment exercises, and a step-by-step guide to creating your own personalized menstrual ritual. Embrace the wisdom of your cycle and empower yourself with this comprehensive resource. Click here to get your copy today!
And if you are looking for a community of cyclical women to support your menstrual journey, consider joining Radiant Woman, a gentle yet life-changing, 6-week women’s group mentorship container to support you on your path towards greater cyclical awareness, vibrancy, ease and self-love, in a supportive community of soul sisters championing your growth. For more information or to join our community, click here.
About Ebb & Flow: Ebb & Flow is the holistic women’s coaching practice of Emma Brinkman. Through menstrual education, women’s mentoring and somatic practice, Ebb & Flow works to connect women to the power and wisdom within their bodies, in order to live more easeful, sensual, vibrant and empowered lives. Follow along to stay up-to-date on blog posts and articles, and check out of Emma’s offerings.
