During menstruation, your body is at its most yin time of the month. Yin is symbolic in rest, non-activity, feminine, and in the darkest time of the night. When women bleed, our body is asking us to embody yin. To be in a state of mental, and physical state rest and relaxation.
When we soak into yin, we honor our body and what it was built to do.
During menstruation, I recommend avoiding extreme activities, major to do lists, vacations, and parties. All those prior activities are yang. They require more intense action and attention from the physical and mental form. Attending events for others is not your priority while menstruating. (I doubt you really want to do them anyway). However, doing things that honor you and your body are priority. Yes, sometime we do need to push through, but not always.
Instead of pushing through, schedule those tasks and events that you can control during another time of your cycle. For my moms of young children, explain to your child that “momma needs quiet time and rest today.” They will understand. They will feel your feelings and know that you need downtime.
While menstruating you may feel more drawn to spending time in solitude doing yin activities like gentle cleaning the home, organizing, yin or hatha yoga, walks, naps, small but frequent meals, creative projects, journaling, or reading.
You may also want to consider taking time off work around your cycle. One day or a half day off can do wonders for your body and mind. This intentional rest will allow your body to sink deeper into its natural shedding process. If you’ve had a series of uncomfortable months, consider scheduling time off ahead of schedule.
I can usually tell the week before my menstrual cycle if I am going to need extra rest. When this is the case, I schedule time off. I’ll then plan to honor my body by doing activities that supports me on that day. I’m not perfect, but when my intention is to slow down, I can figure out exactly what I need from there.
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