Menopause is about liberating our voices, our souls and our natural role as leaders
I gave my first public talk on menopause seven years ago in June at The Mindful Living Show in Manchester. I titled it ‘Positive Mind, Positive Menopause’ because perimenopause and menopause have always, in my eyes, been part of a biopsychosocial life transition.
Today, despite the elevated conversation around menopause, we have made a fundamental mistake about women’s experiences by concentrating on the physical changes. Just this week, I was listening to a nutritionist I respect talk about the benefits of menopause in purely physical terms—no periods or risk of getting pregnant. This is true, but it is such a narrow way to see the amazing possibilities that this transformative time of our lives brings.
We have reduced peri/menopause to, at best, a uniquely bodily experience and, at worst, to a disease. Menopause is NOT a disease, syndrome, or deficiency (yes, we must keep saying this).
We are shortchanging women by ignoring the potential for inner growth and healing this life stage can bring. Yes, diet, exercise, AND SLEEP make a difference, and MHT works for some bodies, but not all.
Menopause is so much more. It is intersectional. Cultural and gender issues are important, as is acknowledging our past experiences in determining how it unfolds. It is also about the feminine psyche and soul journey. Often, once we begin healing and beholding the spiritual, emotional, and psychological aspects of women’s midlife journey, our physical symptoms can feel less overwhelming.
Menopause can be about finally fulfilling an inner potential we have always felt was there. It is about believing in ourselves and knowing who we truly are—stepping out from behind a patriarchally-dominated culture that has monsterized women in menopause for centuries to play down the power and wisdom of older women.
A final thought: maybe we need a new word, not 'menopause' (made up in 1821) and fertility-focused when we are ALL way more than our ability to procreate or not.
I love to hear your thoughts…….