Hear the Divine sing

Feel Her dance 

Be embraced by Her love

Through you ~

But first, one must drop within & surrender,

 in order to receive ~

Jai Ma!

blood flow blessings

October is here. Fall is here. Transition is here. My blood flow is here.      Somehow these all feel very intertwined for me at this juncture, though I am not sure why.  Perhaps it is that the inner pull of menstruation feels amplified, as we have entered the season of shedding. 

In my younger years, my cycles were very irregular.  I feel much of that was due to a very emotionally stressful life and other 'bad' habits that filled my days and nights.  I never felt very in-tune with that aspect of my body.  I have a close friend, who in our early 30's she complained about the strong desire to hide away from the world when her flow began and did not want to be around the male race.  Another friend endured cramps that had her in bed and in pain. Other friends experienced the 'big meanies' when PMS set in.  I on the other hand, had very few physical symptoms and since I was pretty moody to begin with, I only noticed a slight building in the moods ~ though my partners may have another version of that story!

It never occurred to me that there was a whole relationship to be cultivated with 'that time of the month', until I hit my 40's.  As my life became more balanced, my cycle followed suite. My sensitivity began increasing. My body began feeling. My moods were recognized more acutely sharpened.  Though on one hand, I wasn't pleased with the on-set of cramps, along with the tenderness, some water retention, and the eruptions screaming to come to the surface, something in my began to deepen.

I stumbled onto books, stories, hints of a new way to be with the time of bleeding, of cleansing.  There is a realness that I get in touch with when I bleed.  When I allow the time, I can feel that my mind isn't interested in 'thinking' or my personality is not interested in 'doing'.  Over the years, I do my best to heed the call to the inner.  What used to be called 'the curse' by some, is more of a blessing.  There is a natural quietude that settles in.  I feel like I can communicate more authentically, that I can remain more grounded, humble, reflective and receive guidance.

For me, when the river of blood runs, I appreciate the gentleness of being.  It has become painful when I see tampon ads and commercials with messages of disconnect from this time of honoring a deeper part of our woman-hood.  Instead of a time of rest, which allows the body to truly cleanse and balance, we are taught to continue on through our moon-time, as if it is only the sun-time which is important.

According to Ayurveda and Bri. Maya Tiwari in 'A Path of Practice,' "all disorders relating to the womb - premature puberty, irregular menstrual flow, premenstrual syndrome, infertility, vaginal infections, reproductive organ cancers are linked to the monthly cycle. As much as possible you should slow your pace, reduce activities so that your body receives the least degree of stress." She shares beautiful practices to align with the rhythm of the moon, gradually bringing our time of flow to coincide with the full moon.

It took me a long time to realize the value of bleeding.  Today the gifts of this inner connection sent me clear messages of diet change, an odd choice of tea to drink, and the reminder that the puzzlement of my thoughts keep me from 'doing' too much! Yet on the other side of that coin, I love to share when I am dropped into my core. I appreciate the realness from this place.  So I follow the musings that show themselves.  And like the fall, see more and more that needs to shed, to be transmuted.  I am grateful to the space I have learned to create for my self, nurturing, reflection and deeper listening. 

And now, some music, tea, and maybe a mid-morning  nap ~

Blessings ~