Today’s post is a continuation of last week’s introduction to the wisdom of the womb. We, as women, have the opportunity through our monthly cycle, when the veil is thin between our conscious and unconscious life, to know ourselves more deeply through quiet listening and loving attention.
For the men…this may not be about you, but it really is—especially if you have spoken with a female in the last 24 hours!
Consider this an opportunity to get an inside scoop on what it is like to live life in the female form! Besides, Deepak Chopra recommends Christianne Northrup’s book Women’s Bodies, Women’s Wisdom for ”all men who want to understand and nourish the women in their lives.” As women, we really love the understanding and nourishment we can receive from the men in our lives, so in advance, I thank you for your interest in our lives and bodily experience!
In last week’s post, I quoted from Northrup’s book Women’s Bodies, Women’s Wisdom. She speaks throughout the book of the importance of listening to our bodies:
“Once we begin to appreciate our menstrual cycle as part of our inner guidance system, we begin to heal both hormonally and emotionally. … During the premenstrual phase, we need time to be alone, time to rest, and time away from our daily duties,, but taking this time is a new idea and practice for many women.”
In the book The Red Tent by Anita Diamant, I learned that women of the Old Testament retreated from their daily duties once each month to enter a place that was held sacred by the women and respected by the men. When women live together in close proximity, their menstrual cycles synchronize, not only with each other, but with the cycles of the moon as well. In Native American tradition, women retreated to the Moon Lodge. Brooke Medicine Eagle has a wonderful audio series on the wisdom of menarche (the beginning of menses in young women), menopause, and the monthly moon cycle.
As I write, I am remembering an idea that I had after listening to Brooke’s audio. I wanted to buy an apartment/condo/house with at least 11 other women and make it into a retreat where we could create a space, remove ourselves from the demands of daily life, and enter into the place of wisdom for a time each month. A place where we can listen to our inner selves in quiet. I still desire to create a place where women can nurture dreams, where we can listen to inspired ideas and make a plan for our lives that is consistent with our inner values and strengths. I will keep you posted on this idea! It all begins with a dream and vision. What are your dreams?
Today’s handout has three remedies (one from each of the kingdoms: plant, animal, mineral) that may help with irregular/heavy periods. But please remember that much of the healing work with your monthly period lies within you. And also remember, these are three remedies only. Your homeopath can individualize a remedy that is unique and individual to you and your menstrual concerns from difficult periods to infertility. In addition to keeping a journal during your period, you may want to consider:
Consider taking the day off to nurture yourself. Consider asking your partner for help. Consider creating a place of quiet in your life. Consider your “self” with loving kindness.
These changes may feel odd at first, but eventually, they will become second nature to you.
In health and healing,
Donna
