Understanding Menstrual Cycle Awareness as an Embodiment Practice
Menstrual Cycle Awareness is a powerful embodiment practice for women.
Menstrual Cycle Awareness (MCA) is more than just tracking your periods; it's a transformative embodiment practice that connects you deeply with your body and mind. By becoming attuned to the natural rhythms and changes of your cycle, you can foster a deeper understanding of yourself, your emotions, and your physical state. In a world that often encourages us to push through pain or discomfort, working our bodies and minds to the point of exhaustion, menstrual cycle awareness offers a different approach: one of listening, honoring, and respecting the body's natural rhythms.
What is Menstrual Cycle Awareness?
Menstrual Cycle Awareness is the practice of paying attention to the different phases of your menstrual cycle and understanding how they impact your body and mind. The menstrual cycle can be divided into four phases: menstruation, the follicular phase, ovulation, and the luteal phase. I like to use the framework of the Inner Seasons with my clients, an idea originally promoted by my teachers at Red School. Each phase, or Inner Season, brings its own set of physical and emotional changes. By tracking these shifts, you can start to predict how you'll feel at different times and eventually, plan your life accordingly.
What is Embodiment?
Embodiment is the practice of being fully present and engaged in your physical body, cultivating an awareness of your bodily sensations, emotions, and movements. It is about experiencing life through the body rather than just through thoughts or external appearances. Embodiment invites you to tune into how you feel physically and emotionally, encouraging a deeper connection with the self. This practice goes beyond mere physical awareness; it involves integrating the body, mind, and spirit to experience a holistic sense of being. By becoming more embodied, you can live in alignment with your inner experiences and desires, fostering a greater sense of authenticity, ease, and self-awareness.
Why is Menstrual Cycle Awareness an Embodiment Practice?
Menstrual Cycle Awareness aligns perfectly with the concept of embodiment. Here’s why:
Listening to Your Body: MCA encourages you to tune into your body's signals rather than ignoring them. This might mean noticing when you're tired and allowing yourself to rest, or recognizing when you feel most energized and using that time for creative projects or social activities.
Emotional Awareness: Each phase of the menstrual cycle can bring different emotions to the surface. By practicing MCA, you become more aware of your emotional landscape, allowing you to understand and respond to your feelings more compassionately. This also supports you in cultivating greater self-love, an added benefit of embodiment and MCA practices.
Aligning with Natural Rhythms: Our bodies have natural cycles that are often out of sync with the demands of modern life. By honoring your menstrual cycle, you reconnect with these natural rhythms, leading to a more balanced and harmonious life.
Empowerment through Knowledge: Understanding your menstrual cycle gives you the power to make informed choices about your health and well being. This knowledge helps you advocate for your needs, whether it's at work, in relationships, or in tending to your health. This in turn supports you in taking your power back, making choices that better support you, before tending to others.
How to Start Your Menstrual Cycle Awareness Practice
Track Your Cycle: Use a journal (get my FREE guide to journaling through your cycle) or a menstrual cycle tracking app (my favorite is Read Your Body) to note your cycle days, as well as any physical or emotional symptoms you experience.
Reflect on Each Phase: Spend time reflecting on how you feel during each phase of your cycle. Notice any patterns or recurring themes.
Honor Your Needs: Use the insights you gain to adjust your activities and self-care practices. For example, you might schedule intense workouts during your follicular phase when your energy is high and opt for gentler activities like yoga during menstruation.
Seek Support: Consider working with a menstrual cycle mentor who can guide you through the process and offer personalized support. They can provide valuable insights and tools to deepen your practice.
Conclusion
Menstrual Cycle Awareness is a powerful embodiment practice that fosters a deeper connection with your body, mind, and spirit. By embracing this practice, you can live in greater harmony with your natural rhythms, leading to a more fulfilling and balanced life. Whether you're just starting out or looking to deepen your practice, remember that the journey to self-awareness is ongoing, and each cycle offers new insights and opportunities for growth.
By incorporating Menstrual Cycle Awareness into your daily life, you embrace a path of self-knowledge and empowerment. Connect with Ebb & Flow, for gentle, somatic menstrual cycle mentoring, and begin your journey towards a more embodied, harmonious life.
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 my offerings.
