4 Steps to a Flourishing Feminine
I wouldn’t plant tomatoes in winter and expect them to flourish, so why would I catch up with a friend during my winter and expect myself to flourish? Leaning into your seasons creates a more nourished and supported you!
Each phase of your cycle is a beautiful parallel to the natural seasons of the Earth. You, too, have a winter where you are drawn inward to rest and recharge from the busy summer of your ovulatory phase. By connecting to your cyclical nature, you are leaning in to a way of living that honors you and keeps you healthy and thriving.
Menstruation - Prep the soil, plant the seed
During menstruation, your body is cleansing and clearinghouse of all that no longer serves you. As a gardener, you may consider this time when you are prepping the soil for new seeds and planting. Your energy goes inward to the deeper layers of the psyche to reflect, process, and integrate the previous month so the small new seeds of inspiration can take root. Think of this as the sacred time of germination as a seed is in the darkness of the soil gathering its strength to burst forth with new life. This is the time to take space and allow yourself to gather your energy and plant seeds of vision for the next phase.
Follicular Phase - Water the seed
Slowly estrogen starts rising and your energy begins to project outward again giving you excitement and energy. You may see the first little sprouts of the idea you planted in your menstrual phase - now is the time to lay some groundwork and take some initial steps toward that new project!
Ovulatory Phase - Tend to the blossom
As estrogen peaks, so does your physical and mental energy. Ovulation is when your ideas really blossom and become established. Fortify your project and share it with your community now that it is stable!
Luteal Phase - Harvest
Now our vision has a sturdy foundation and can function while you pause and return to a state of rest. As your body starts to prepare for your next menstrual phase, you may notice your energy returning inward helping you feel more inclined to prepare for a peaceful, supportive environment. Bursts of energy are best used on tying up any loose ends so you can enter a place of restoration in the next phase. Instead of innovating, this phase can call you to do more administrative work, organizing, or other detail-oriented activities.
Remember, this is just a general framework and each woman will experience their own subtle shifts of energy throughout their phases. The best way to know what form your energy takes in each part of your cycle is to track it!
