For many women, taking time to rest during their cycle feels nearly impossible.
Between work, family responsibilities, and society’s constant demands, it’s easy to feel like there’s no time to slow down. We’re often expected to show up the same way every day, no matter what’s happening in our bodies.
But here’s the thing: women’s bodies are naturally cyclical. Our energy and focus shift throughout the month, especially during menstruation. Ignoring these natural rhythms and pushing through when our bodies are calling for rest can leave us feeling exhausted, disconnected, and stressed.
Why do we do this? Because we’ve been taught that rest isn’t important. We live in a world that prioritizes doing over being and sees rest as a weakness instead of a necessity.
In this blog, I’ll explore why embracing the menstrual cycle as a time to pause is so important.
Additionally, I’ll share how gentle practices, like Yoga of Embodiment, can support us in this process.
The Sacred Invitation of Menstruation
Menstruation is so much more than a biological process. It’s a powerful time for renewal and reflection. Each month, our bodies invite us to slow down, listen to our inner voices, and reconnect with our deepest selves.
But are we giving ourselves the chance to embrace these gifts?
For many women, the answer is no. From my years of working with women, I’ve seen how menstruation is often viewed as a burden rather than a blessing. But with practice, this perspective can shift.
The truth is, our culture doesn’t make it easy. We live in a society that’s deeply rooted in values of constant productivity, leaving little room for rest or introspection.
The natural rhythm of the menstrual cycle, with its ebb and flow, directly challenges this “always-on” way of life. When we push through our periods without honouring our need to slow down, we risk more than just our physical health. We miss the chance to truly connect with ourselves and the wisdom our bodies are offering.
What if we allowed ourselves to rest?
To embrace this time as an opportunity for self-care, reflection, and renewal? By doing so, we reclaim not only our energy but also a deeper connection to who we are.
The Struggle for Rest in a Patriarchal System
For many women, taking time to rest during menstruation feels like an impossible luxury. The demands of the workplace, family combined with societal expectations, often leave little room for self-care.
Moreover, the patriarchal system, with its emphasis on constant productivity, often fails to accommodate the cyclical nature of women’s bodies. As a result, many women feel pressured to push through their menstrual periods, even when their bodies are calling for rest. Unfortunately, this can lead to burnout, hormonal imbalance, increased stress, and a disconnection from the body’s natural wisdom.
However, when women finally give themselves permission to rest during their periods, something profound happens. By slowing down and honouring their bodies’ natural rhythms, they often find renewed energy, clarity, and focus.
This period of rest becomes not a sign of weakness, but a source of strength and wisdom. In embracing this natural cycle, women discover the power of reconnecting with themselves. They realize that rest isn’t a luxury—it’s essential for their well-being.
Yoga of Embodiment Practice for Menstruation
It is safe to Slow down
One way that I love to support my body during menstruation is through gentle embodied yoga. Movement can be incredibly beneficial during this time. It helps alleviate cramps, reduce stress, and promotes relaxation. However, it’s important to listen to your body and choose movements that feel nourishing and supportive.
I’ve created a 20-minute Yoga of Embodiment class specifically designed for the days when you are bleeding.
This class focuses on gentle movement that helps you connect with your breath, ease tension, and cultivate a sense of inner calm. The practice is slow and mindful, encouraging you to honour your body’s need for rest while still experiencing the benefits of gentle movement.
This Yoga of Embodiment practice is not just about physical well-being; it’s about creating a space for yourself to pause and reconnect with your inner wisdom. By taking the time to slow down and nurture your body, you are also nurturing your mind and spirit.
You can access this free practice here below.
Let this practice be a reminder that your body’s needs are not a burden but a source of strength and wisdom.
By honouring the natural rhythms of our bodies, especially during menstruation, we can begin to break free from the pressures of a patriarchal system that often ignores our need for rest. Slowing down during this time is not just an act of self-care but a radical act of reclaiming our connection to our bodies and our inner wisdom. So, the next time you find yourself bleeding, remember: it’s okay to slow down. Your body, mind, and spirit will thank you.
