Patriarchy is a linear, male dominant system therefore, in order for women to thrive we became expert in embracing the masculine energy in order to have a place of respect and recognition in modern society. Not only women repress and suppress the divine feminine energy but also men. We all have within us the feminine and masculine energy and somehow during our evolution, perhaps devolution, we lost touch with the feminine half. This imbalance can be witnessed clearly by just observing humanity’s relationship with nature and the earth.
I believe that when the majority of women on a global scale tune in with their powerful nature the social structure and dynamics will naturally change and hopefully for the highest good of all.
This all begins with women! Getting to know your menstrual cycle and how to properly navigate through it is a huge first step. Trust and respect your own needs and learn your body’s language. Our body is constantly speaking to us, and the information it give us is gold. When you fully understand your own flow and rhythm you are empowered and you will live to your fullest potential.
During our menstrual cycle there are four primary reproductive hormones: FSH, Estrogen, LH, and Progesterone. They fluctuate throughout the cycle creating two very distinct phases, the Follicular phase and the Luteal phase. For the purpose of this blog post we will explore the Follicular phase and leave the Luteal phase for the next post.
The follicular phase begins with the first day of our bleed and lasts all the way to ovulation. The predominant hormone is Estrogen. In order to bleed, Estrogen and Progesterone levels are low, then from the second day of our period Estrogen levels start to increase and they will rise until just before ovulation takes place. Every month, after we stop bleeding the Follicular process takes place: a few follicles in each ovary begin to mature under the influence of the hormone FSH (Follicle Stimulating Hormone). This process can take between seven to ten days. (Roughly. Every women is unique with her own rhythm and flow.) Each follicle contains an egg and the maturing process of the follicle can take up to 100 days, this means that the maturing process of egg that will be released during our current cycle most likely started up to 100 days ago.
Estrogen is released by the follicles and is an essential hormone for ovulation to occur. Eventually when Estrogen levels reach a peak, the hormone LH (Luteinizing Hormone) is released and ovulation occurs. One of the ovaries releases an egg from the dominant follicle (the largest and most mature follicle). Ovulation can take up to 4 days.
Well in this section is where all the the follicular theory converts into magic: From ovulation you go into the Luteal Phase or Autumn Phase, followed by your winter or new moon with your period and then into the spring or waxing moon of the Follicular Process then you experience summer or the full moon with ovulation all over again.
Reflect upon the different energy during winter, spring, summer and fall and the more subtle energy from new moon to full moon. These energies are experienced within our own cycle; tune in and journal your feelings, thoughts, emotions ideas, desires, ambitions, dreams, visions, etc. and track your cycle. After the first day of your period you may find you have more and more energy, lightness, vibrancy, positivity, playfulness… day by day until your ovulation.
During your spring/waxing moon (the follicular process) is the time to bring in a new habit, to plan your month ahead, to have some fun and enjoy your time filling it up with what you love. This is the time for a more intense yoga practice, and building physical strength. During Ovulation is a great time to work harder in any area of your life or project. It is the time to celebrate and socialize. From menses to ovulation you are rising energetically, expanding, closer to Ovulation you are naturally more extroverted.
When we don’t understand our body’s language we miss out on these powerful energies which leads us to complete disconnection. Disconnected, we are giving up on our responsibility to take care of our selves effectively and giving away our power to the system, others, and life’s challenges. When we don’t know our own rhythm and flow we are more susceptible to imbalances and we are naively susceptible to bad choices. Ex: From the age of 15 to 22 I took the pill because, due to certain health issues, the doctor told me that was the only solution. If I knew what I know now, not in a million years would I say yes to the pill. Because I wasn’t taught how to tune into my cycle and I didn’t have the awareness and knowledge that I have today, I easily sold myself, gave my power away to a pharmaceutical product.
I will do a all blog post about what actually happens hormonally when you take it. If you are not on the pill and you aren’t felling the follicular phase good vibes then perhaps do a quick life check:
Are you stressed? Overworked? How is your diet? Any present health issues physical, mental or emotional?
Unfortunately is easy to get out of balance, hormones fluctuate and if your nervous system is sensitized then hormonal interplay during your cycle gets easily affected. Here is where a solid consistent yoga practice can work wonders. It helps you become resilient to life’s situations and have strength and clarity physically, emotionally and mentally so that even during challenging times it is easier to keep your power and balance. Checkout the yoga practice bellow, it’s a great one to practice from from day ten of your cycle (five after you stop bleeding) and can be practiced all the way to just before your next cycle begins.
Track your cycle.
Journal your feels, moods, thoughts, emotions, dreams, visions.
Ditch pre-made, prepackaged processed foods, embrace whole fresh foods.
Learn to pay attention to your biology: when you need to fart, pee, poop and burp do so straight away. When you are hungry, eat, When you are tired, rest. If you get tired during work hours simply acknowledge it and breath, if you can take a one minute break, do so. This is roughly twelve breaths. Close your eyes, lengthen your spine and observe your twelve breaths. If you are at home and tired, please rest at least ten solid minutes. Try out switching coffee or other stimulants for a shavasana, child’s pose or legs up the wall.
Insert joyful activities into your schedule.
Seed cycling. *
Daily self care.
* Seed cycle by adding two table spoons of freshly grounded flax and pumpkin seeds to any of your meals once a day durning the Follicular Phase (waxing phase up to Ovulation). Add two table spoons of Sunflower or Sesame once a day during the Luteal (waning) Phase.
During the follicular phase to support the hormonal interplay add into your diet: Cruciferous vegetables, cold pressed juices, smoothies, oats, barley, healthy fats and protein.
Stay hydrated and keep refined sugar to the minimum, ideally none. Eating the right foods will transform your experience throughout your cycle.
Any questions or requests please email me at [email protected] or leave a comment below =)
Much blessings, light and love.
*Please consult your physician before engaging with any yoga practice with Moon Yoga and Jaya. By participating in any yoga practice and information provided by us, you assume all risk of injury to yourself and release and discharge moon yoga and/or Jaya from all claims or causes of action known or unknown, arising from use of this video or information therein.*