Women’s Business
Despite the medical advances in the Western Hemisphere, there is so much about women’s cycles that are not understood.
All too often we hear women saying that they feel lost and isolated when it comes to their relationship with their cycles; that they are looking for wisdom and support.
Below we offer some resources that we have found to be immensely powerful in reclaiming a healthy loving relationship with our bodies and cycles. We hope they will be of help to you.
Red School
Alexandra Pope and Sjanie Hugo Wurlitzer have made it their mission to activate the vitality, creativity and leadership of a million people, through the magic of menstrual cycle awareness and a conscious menopause.
On their site you can access their blog, programs, and shop for their books, Red Power Cards, and more.
WISE POWER – Book
A transformative guide to menopause, filled with nourishing wisdom and practical advice to help you thrive as your empowered, confident self.
It’s time to redefine menopause. This pivotal time of life is often mistakenly viewed as a health crisis that is ‘suffered from’ or ‘coped with’ — but we need to start recognizing that menopause is a sacred rite of passage and an initiation into leadership, power and transformation. This trailblazing book illuminates the potential and power of menopause,and explains why we need to embrace this calling for the sake of the world.
The pioneers of the menstruality revolution and founders of Red School, Alexandra Pope and Sjanie Hugo Wurlitzer, have over 40 years of experience working with and empowering women. Wise Power is packed full of accessible, practical tools and techniques for awakening your authority and provides a positive and revolutionary roadmap to unlocking the power of menopause. You’ll discover-
the five phases of menopause and how to navigate them
chapters on perimenopause, relationships and post-menopause life
menopause self-care resources to nourish and support
how to make a difference in the world with your hidden power
This is so much more than a guide to menopause. It’s the catalyst for deep transformation; a source you’ll keep going back to, time after time.
WILD POWER – Book
Unprecedented insight into the feminine body and on using its natural rhythms to heal, find balance and reconnect to our emotions.
Your power lies in the rhythm of your menstrual cycle. Connect with your body on a deeper level to find healing, balance and wholeness.
The menstrual cycle is a vital and vitalizing system in the female body, yet our understanding of and respect for this process is both limited and distorted. Few women really know about the physiology of their cycle, and many do not see it as an integral part of their health and wellbeing, let alone as a potential guide to emotional and spiritual empowerment.
Wild Power tells a radical new story about feminine power. It reveals:
– Your inner architecture and the path to power that is encoded in your body
– How to tune in to the rhythm and changes of your menstrual cycle to realize the fullness and beauty of your authority
– Three ‘maps’ to guide you through the energies, tasks and challenges presented as you journey through each cycle
– How to work with your Inner Seasons to pace your energy, calm your nervous system and gain insight into your overall wellbeing
– How to work with your cycle to channel spiritual forces, affirm your expression in the world and achieve a deep sense of belonging
Written with humour, tenderness and practicality, and packed with women’s stories and quotes throughout, Wild Power will restore women to wholeness and reinstate the full majesty and grace of the Feminine.
Moon Cycle
Calendar
The simple act of plotting our cycles with the Moon Cycle Calendar can have quite a profound effect on our health.
It brings us in touch with the dynamism of the body and our cyclical natures. The Moon Cycle Calendar wall chart is a simple tool that allows you to see, at a glance, the moon phase on any date with astrological data. You can use this calendar to track your cycle, or to track your dreams, sleep cycle, or other cycles alongside the moon.
The Moon Cycle Calendar wall chart shows the months in 28 day columns, enabling comparison between your cycles and that of the Moon.
Natural Health, Herbal Medicine and Spirit Healing
Sussan Weed is a well respected, world renowned wise woman with extensive knowledge of herbs and natural health for women.
Advice: Herbs and plant medicine are powerful, so before using any herb or supplement, please check for contraindication against medication you may be taking, and/or existing health issues.
A Few Words on Menopause
Hot flushes are synonymous with the initiatory journey of menopause. A hot flush is a rapid onset intense wave of internal heat that rises through the body – feet to head. A woman may feel she is about to spontaneously combust from the inside out. It may be accompanied by faster heart beats, and a need to pee due to its connection with the adrenals. You will know if you’re having one, it is not just feeling hot.
Hot flushes are synonymous with the initiatory journey of menopause. A hot flush is a rapid onset intense wave of internal heat that rises through the body – feet to head. A woman may feel she is about to spontaneously combust from the inside out. It may be accompanied by faster heart beats, and a need to pee due to its connection with the adrenals. You will know if you’re having one, it is not just feeling hot.
“Menopause is a pause in normal life when you’re called to reflect on the life you’ve lived so far.”
“This pivotal time of life is often mistakenly viewed as a health crisis that is ‘suffered from’ or ‘coped with’, and misinformation and myths around menopause can leave you feeling ignored and misunderstood.”
~ Alexandra Pope
Here is a pdf of an article written by Red School titled “How Menopause Changes Your Relationshps (and What to Do About it)
Hot Flush First Aid: Ideally, stop whatever you are doing, sit down, and take these few minutes for yourself – during a hot flush the probability of making mistakes, hurting yourself, dropping things, and just not being able to think clearly increases dramatically. Breathe slowly and deeply, sip some water if you have some handy. Secondly, to avoid overwhelm and preserve your continued good relationship with others, we suggest you do not attempt conversation or to answer questions during a hot flush (you might think we’re kidding – well, maybe a tiny bit ). And please don’t try to make decisions, even small ones, it can feel very stressful, and may leave you feeling cranky and resentful! Best advice? Ask people to leave you alone for a few minutes. Sometimes, a trip the the loo for a pee and some peace and quiet may be the best solution. We understand this won’t always be possible, but hopefully you can use it, and the strategies that follow to find your own first aid solutions.
Strategies: Wearing layers so you strip off the outer layer is a great idea. Carry a fan with you. Many women find that caffeine, alcohol, spicy foods, chocolate (sorry!), and stress will trigger hot flushes. And most women find there are also triggers unique to them.
Both allopathic medicine, and alternative medicine have supports for women journeying through menopause. Herb teas, such as sage, may be helpful. But please always check that it is not contraindicated for you.
Menopause has a way of forcing women to stop, to take time to reflect, turn inward. It is often seen as the ultimate journey of self discovery for women, which continues and deepens post menopause. Many, if not all, women report that their tolerance for BS and game playing drops to zero. The best way to support this initiation is to be gentle with yourself and allow yourself space and time to discover your path within it. We encourage you to talk with your friends who are going through it, compare notes, laugh, and celebrate. And if it feels like shit now, we promise you it will get better.
Without all the ‘white noise’ of the ups and downs of monthly hormonal changes, you will eventually experience a greater emotional equilibrium, and your intuition will be easier to discern. Post menopause can be a time when you really come into your own, and find a new joy in living.