From First Periods to Menopause: A Journey to Empowerment
I’ve been mulling over something lately: my first period, that excruciatingly cringeworthy day I still remember, forty-six years on. If you were born with a womb, chances are, you haven’t forgotten yours either.
Navigating the Path of Self-Recognition
In Western culture, this right of passage is a pretty weird experience. We’re girls, becoming women, kids, becoming adults. So much swirls about us as we cross this threshold and step onto the path of self-recognition—individuating and acquainting ourselves with our unique essence.
Well, that’s the hope, anyway.
My dive into the teachings of Red School sparked this reflection. Their perspective on menstruality mirrored so many of my own ideas. For those who haven’t checked out their site, it’s a wellspring of insight into the transformative power of our cycles.
Embracing Menstruation and Menopause: A Journey of Power
I don’t fancy myself a menstruality guru, nor do I aim to be. My goal is to bolster women's personal and spiritual growth as they navigate the complexities of aging, helping them seize the power woven through their life-long journey of self-discovery — power that, perhaps, went unnoticed. But truly, how can we talk about stepping into our power without acknowledging the milestones of menstruation and menopause?
What I’ve sensed deep down, and what was echoed through Red School’s teachings, is this: menstruation marks the onset of our journey to self-awareness, with menopause heralding the zenith of our power. These are pivotal chapters in the narrative of womanhood.
Yet, for many, this monthly cycle meant to steer us toward self-awareness and empowerment veers off course. Decades ago, no one taught us that the essence we embodied at 14 should be nurtured and claimed as our power ebbed and flowed with the lunar month. Instead, we learned to curse the arrival of Aunt Flo. And from what I’ve observed, even among friends who embraced their menstrual cycle as a ‘sacred time,’ the deeper significance was lost. They stand at 60, just as bewildered as the rest of us. Hopefully, the path paved by Red School is enlightening younger generations, offering a practice for newfound self-awareness.
And for us, Crones? It’s time to play catch up.
A recent podcast episode from Red School hit home, discussing menopausal rage. The anger not only stems from feeling invisible and undervalued but also from a deep-seated psychic upheaval tracing back to our first periods — an upheaval that stripped us of recognizing our unique strengths and essence, compounded by a lack of societal acknowledgment. This frustration, simmering beneath the surface, erupts as menopause transforms us once more, thrusting us into an intensive course of seeing ourselves fully.
Reflecting on Self-Perception
Reflecting on my entry into adulthood and the world around me at that time, I ponder: How did I perceive myself? What qualities were distinctly mine? What energetic currents could have guided me had I been listening?
The answers to these questions are reshaping how I embrace my post-menopausal life and claim my crone wisdom.
I share these reflections to inspire you to examine your own journey. How did your first period influence the woman you’ve become? How does menopause, or its anticipation, shape your understanding of your power and wisdom? This isn't just about reminiscing; it's about recognizing the rich tapestry of experiences that guide us toward our crone years, armed with insight and a sense of purpose.
Let’s fully engage in this exploration. Who are you at your core? How can you more authentically embody and express that truth, standing in your power as the incredible woman you are?
Sometimes, these questions unfold in solitude. Other times, clarity emerges through dialogue. If you’re looking for a gathering of women to help you rediscover your power, connect, heal, and thrive, I think you’ll love my monthly Makers’ Circle. You can check that out here.