Embrace your seasons. Period.

By Lily Sahaguian, LPC

I’ve mentioned in blogs past that there is something about seasons changing that ignites my interest in connecting with my environment (i.e., leaves changing colors, wardrobe changes, epic sunsets and sunrises). You know the gist. But what about connecting with what’s changing internally? What if I didn’t have to wait for seasons to change to notice internal shifts? 

Maisie Hill’s Period Power offers insights on how to connect with your inner world through your menstruation cycle in a way that’s more present, mindful, and gentle. She highlights the importance of cycle awareness through tracking (i.e., noting your emotional and physical state of being) as a means of connecting with yourself and those around you. 

Hill’s book divides the two menstruation phases (follicular phase and luteal phase) into four seasons that each offer their own superpowers and setbacks. Winter (time of menstruation), Spring (pre-ovulation), Summer (ovulation) and Fall (pre-menstruation). 

Even if you’re someone who isn’t menstruating, the importance of tracking brings the rhythm of the four seasons in your life. It increases predictability (meaning you can begin to predict your mood and energy down to the day), improves body literacy, and fosters a mindfulness practice which grounds you into checking in on yourself.  

I often tell friends/clients: “...What if you didn’t have to be ‘inconvenienced’ by your menstruation cycle?” or  “...What if we had a different way of talking about our cycles that empowered us?”

When you get a feel for what typically goes on in each phase of menstruation you can understand what’s going on internally and go easy on yourself. 

Inner stability and flexibility allows you to be kind toward yourself.

Learn more about cycle awareness and tracking by picking up a copy (a must have!) of Hill’s book here .