Menopause: the end of everything joined to a new beginning
As we move through perimenopause towards menopause, we have to harvest the essential materials to sustain us into our next chapter.
In Native American lore this woman is represented as a gatherer who walks the woods with patience and devotion and is said to walk in a sacred manner with beauty and balance.
This time of life in Chinese Medicine is attributed to autumn, when, like the trees, we shake our headdresses and let go of our unwanted leaves. Sap retreats from the stems and leaves and goes instead to nourish the core of the plant - the roots.
The symbol of autumn is the seed. Wrapped in its dry husk lies the potential for new growth and expansion. We must focus on nourishing ourselves with the same care that nature bestows on the humble seed. Picking over the harvest, searching for the essentials to keep, and giving away what no longer serves our purpose.
In this autumnal phase we are encouraged to grow our soul muscles of perception and intuition by asking and reflecting deeply on questions like who am I, what changes will need to take place and who have I yet to become?
In the Five Element theory of traditional Chinese medicine, the autumn of our life is ruled by the Metal element, which is associated with the Lungs. If you practice breathwork you are most probably aware of the power that comes with the inhale and exhale. And yet at this stage, we often find ourselves unprepared for the sudden shifts in energy (Qi) that occur and become imbalanced.
Imbalanced lung Qi is associated with grief. We can find ourselves caught in a spiral of grief that shows up as a chronic disappointment and regret where our inner critic has the upper hand. And we oscillate between longing and loss, unable to focus on the present and feeling grateful. In my work with perimenopausal women, I notice how hard it is for them to settle into meditation and be fully present.
I find that somatic practices like Qigong and simple breathwork are excellent ways to restore balance and focus. Practices centered around the Lung system support our ability to let go of stuck emotions, habits, and ruminating thought patterns, and even to support vital shifts in our relationships.
One of my favorites comes from the Radiant Lotus Women’s Qigong where we have a form called The Phoenix, which emphasizes broadening our wings, freeing ourselves, and standing in our power. Drawing on the Yin energy of the earth we can release the trapped grief, gain perspective on it, and release it to the earth while drawing down the radiance of heaven to light the pathway before us.
As we progress into post-menopause we have the capability to mature the seeds of the soul, perfectly poised between the beginning and the end, creating ourselves anew.
Things That Caught My Attention This Week
I was thrilled to see Nina Cheng of the Eastern Philosophy share our new book on Chinese Medicine for the Mind that is coming out this Tuesday - I have ordered it as my Christmas pressie for myself.
One of my most influential teacher is Master Herbalist David Crow who has released a free mini course based on his Listening to the Heart Meditation work beautifully blending TCM and Ayurvedic traditions to help us come to ground and strengthen our heart energy. You can learn more here
I leave you this week with a short passage from Tao Te Ching
Act without doing. Work without effort. Think of the small as large and the few as many. Confront the difficult while it is still easy, accomplish the great task by a series of small acts. The Master never reaches for the great, thus she achieves greatness. When she runs into difficulty she stops and gives herself to it fully. She doesn’t cling to her own comfort. Thus problems are no problem for her.
Until next time
Clarissa x