Living with the cycles of nature
23.3.2020
Translation: machine translated
Pictures: Pia Seidel
What the lunar and seasonal cycles have in common with the female cycle and how you can make positive use of the four phases of your cycle.
Nature goes through four seasons, the moon changes in four phases and the female cycle also has four phases. If you take nature's cycles as a mirror image for your menstrual cycle, you can identify certain characteristics, benefits and also challenges that you can integrate into your everyday life - and thus go through the month in a more balanced way.
Phase 1: Menstruation
If lunar guides are to be believed, then before hormonal contraception, women all had their period around the new moon - i.e. at the same time. This is why the menstrual phase is still associated with the new moon today. Even without this connection, I was able to draw many parallels with nature.
Nature: winter / new moon / resting phase & regeneration
The first phase of the cycle, like winter, is a time of reflection and regeneration. During this time, I should come to rest and leave projects behind. How do I prefer to spend an evening in winter? Perhaps snuggled up on the sofa with a cup of tea. That's why cosy activities at home are good for me during this phase, such as stretching or yoga nidra, also known as sleep yoga. I stay in certain positions for a few minutes. That relaxes me.
Tip: This phase is a good time to reorganise your life. Write down plans and goals that you want to tackle in the second phase. Or write down your thoughts and feelings and review the past month. You can find more reading on this topic here:
Phase 2: Follicular phase
The follicle grows, the uterine lining slowly rebuilds and oestrogen levels rise.
Nature: Spring / waxing moon / growth phase
According to moon guides, I am slowly waking up from hibernation, just like nature in spring. I actually feel more energised again during this phase, I'm optimistic, curious, motivated, social and full of drive. This is the ideal time for me to tackle new projects and to network. I work off any excess energy with indoor or outdoor power workouts.
Tip: Have you been talking about a blog you want to start for a long time? That Spanish course you want to take? Or a new apprenticeship you want to complete? Come on! Now is the right time to take the next step and take action.
Phase 3: Ovulation
Testosterone, serotonin and dopamine levels as well as oestrogen levels are at their peak
Nature: summer / full moon / activities & realisation
My mood shines like the summer sun during this phase. I am full of zest for life and feel most energised at this time. Perhaps I am also more daring than usual and smells and colours have a more stimulating effect. If I am to believe the books, many women feel most comfortable in their bodies during this phase - and I radiate this now too. The best thing is that whether it's work, sport or my private life, I have enough energy to be creative in every area.
Tip: You are fully in touch with yourself and know how you can best utilise your strengths. Use this time to conduct important negotiations or discussions at work or to present projects.
Phase 4: Luteal phase
In the fourth phase - also known as the luteal phase - the corpus luteum (luteus) in the ovaries produces a lot of progesterone. This stimulates the growth of the uterine lining so that the egg can implant more easily in the event of fertilisation. This can lead to a greater appetite as the metabolic rate increases. Progesterone also acts as a relaxation booster in the body. Skin blemishes can also increase because progesterone stimulates sebum production.
Nature: Autumn / waning moon / retreat phase
After an active and demanding phase, I am now coming back to myself. I feel more tired and listless, but at the same time I sleep longer and better. My hormones are reorganising, my emotions are being shaken up and my inner wisdom is suddenly very loud. This sometimes feels uncomfortable and overwhelms me. I meditate a lot during this time to organise my thoughts and feelings.
Tip: Listen to yourself during this time to give up everyday burdens or bad habits. Also use this phase for monotonous tasks such as bookkeeping, tidying or clearing out.
When I consciously adapt my active and passive phases to my cycle, I not only feel more balanced, but I can use my strengths and energy each month where they are needed.
Do you feel the four phases of your cycle and can you use them in your everyday life? Tell us about your experiences.
In the mornings, meditating is part of my morning routine, in the evenings I cultivate a distinct Cüpli culture, and in between I try to find the unusual in the ordinary.
Health
Follow topics and stay updated on your areas of interest
