Embracing the Cyclical Wisdom Within: Menstrual Cycle Awareness
Embarking on a year-long exploration of Menstrual Cycle Awareness (MCA) has been nothing short of transformative for me, and today, I want to share the wisdom that extends far beyond the boundaries of gender. Whether or not you experience a menstrual cycle, we all live in a cyclical world with cyclical bodies.
So, what exactly is Menstrual Cycle Awareness?
According to leaders in the field, Alexandra Pope & Sjanie Hugo Wurlizter, it's about "paying attention to where you are in your cycle each day, what you are experiencing, and how to care for your changing cyclical needs." While the definition may seem straightforward, the revelation lies in the fact that many of us are never taught the language of our bodies or the nuances of our "cyclical needs."
For me, the call to delve into this realm came unexpectedly during a breathwork session two years ago, where I received a powerful message to reconnect with my womb—a part of my body that had long been ignored. The last time I had encountered any meaningful information about the female body was in a 5th-grade sex-ed class, and neither that nor high school biology instilled the confidence to truly honor and live in alignment with my cycle.
Driven by this insight, I embarked on a journey of self-discovery, enrolling in a menstrual cycle coaching course in March 2022. My intention was clear: to reclaim the connection to my womb, recognize my menstrual cycle as my fifth vital sign, and learn more about my period.
Amidst various practices and newfound knowledge, the simple act of charting my cycle became a foundation. Daily entries, capturing the day of my cycle, mental, physical, emotional, and spiritual states, along with additional thoughts, allowed me to create an intimate connection with my body beyond the confines of period tracker apps or morning pages.
The magic unfolded as I deciphered patterns within my cycle, fostering self-compassion, improved communication, and a deeper understanding of my emotions without judgment.
Crucially, Menstrual Cycle Awareness is not exclusive to those experiencing a natural menstrual cycle. Whether you're on birth control, pregnant, or postpartum, you can still engage in this practice by syncing it with the lunar phases or checking in seasonally.
Beyond the surface-level act of charting, Menstrual Cycle Awareness invites us to acknowledge the four distinct phases of the natural female cycle—each with its own purpose, hormonal shifts, and health benefits. These phases not only align with the moon and Earth's seasons but also connect us with archetypes, adding a fascinating layer to our exploration.
The benefits of MCA extend far beyond charting—it's about taking ownership of who you are, living in alignment with your truth, and ultimately, belonging. By honoring your cycle, you are embracing authenticity every day, paving the way for a more genuine and fulfilling life.
So, I invite you to reflect: What if you were taught how to nourish and exercise in harmony with your cycle?
Imagine a life where you genuinely loved and honored your cycle instead of wishing it away or neglecting the messages your body conveys.
As I continue to immerse myself in the wisdom of Menstrual Cycle Awareness, I'm excited to integrate these tools into my body of work. If this resonates with you, if you too desire to embody the power of your menstrual cycle, let's connect.
We're in this journey together—navigating the cycles of life, embracing the wisdom within, and honoring the authentic rhythms that make us beautifully human.
With love,
Betta