Superpowers
You may or may not be aware that you have superpowers as a woman. Superpowers include creativity, spunk, magnetism, intuition, compassion, giving beyond what you thought possible, and many more. These superpowers are highlighted during different times in your cycle. It is one of the reasons that Menstrual Cycle Awareness can be so empowering. When women learn about their unique superpowers and can anticipate when they will show up during a month, they have control over what their days, weeks, and months can look like to optimize their overall wellbeing as well as taking care of those around them.
Menstrual Cycle Awareness teaches us that bodies cycle through physical, energetic, mental, emotional, and spiritual waves. Talents, attention, energy levels, passions, interests, curiosity, social skills, and sense of self shift each day. They shift because of fluctuating hormones, the times of the year, and the phases of the moon. These shifts happen in predictable cycles that one can learn to understand, appreciate, anticipate, and master. Empowered women learn how to balance these cyclical patterns amongst a linear culture. If you’re new to menstrual cycle awareness, I suggest reading this post first to get a lay of the land, then come back and join us!
Superpowers of the Pre-Ovulatory Phase / Inner Spring
The Pre-ovulatory, or Spring phase of the cycle starts as soon as menstruation finishes. As estrogen increases in this phase, it leads to a boost in serotonin, oxytocin, and dopamine, which can leave you feeling more energetic and creative. The spring phase is characterized by a lighter energy, more creativity, and a higher tendency towards socialization. For those not currently menstruating, the Spring phase shows up with the waxing moon. Superpowers during this phase include:
• Endless ideas
• Hope
• Curiosity
• Social skills and interest
Take care:
Along with these superpowers, there are also a few things to watch out for during this time. A rise in energy can also bring with it a tendency towards overworking. This can create a too much, too soon situation, in which temptation to leap back into the world can overload schedules and minds. The balm for this is to take things slowly. The spring is about watching ideas sprout, not expecting a full bloom. Another thing to have compassion for during this time is distraction. When new ideas seem to sprout out of thin air, it can be difficult to focus on one task or idea. Think of a child with new and exciting ideas and have compassion and curiosity around new ideas coming up, instead of self-criticism for not showing up in a focused, direct way.
Superpowers of the Ovulatory Phase / Inner Summer
Ovulation happens approximately two weeks before your next period. During ovulation, the hormones of estrogen and progesterone are both high which can mean a lot of energy in the mind and body. For those not experiencing a menstrual cycle, the Summer phase is represented by the full moon. Superpowers during this time include:
• Productivity
• Beauty
• Connection
Take care:
The Summer phase can feel exhilarating to some, and overwhelming to others. Intensity during this time can mean sexual arousal and excitement, or, especially for those who tend towards introversion, it can feel loud and bright. This may mean taking some time to retreat and care for yourself if this season feels like too much intensity. Something to be aware of is having a psychic vision to take care of yourself a few weeks down the road. During this phase, women can tend to say yes to things that the pre-menstrual version of them will regret or not be into. If you feel like saying yes, say yes. If it is for a social situation or obligation a few weeks in the future, just be aware that you may be in a different mental and emotional space during that time. One thing to have compassion for during this time is grief that can come up for women who want to conceive, but are not in the place to because of life situations or partner circumstances. For some women, ovulation can bring up grief of having another fertile cycle go by without conceiving. Hold space for yourself or friends that may feel a duality of excitement as well as grief during this phase.
Superpowers of the Pre-Menstrual Phase / Inner Autumn
The pre-menstrual phase is marked by a dip in hormones, which can cause a loss in the spunky, sexy energy of the Summer and can cause a longing to turn inwards. Reflection during this time can be soothing, or it can be frustrating at rocky. Autumn tends to take a mirror to the things that aren’t in alignment or aren’t fitting right. The lightness and brightness of the Spring and Summer energies can cover up deeper issues fairly easily. When that veil is lifted, issues that remain unresolved can surface. If treated with care, this time can be very enlightening and can help you turn towards what does feel in alignment. If you are not currently experiencing a menstrual cycle, this phase also shows up in the waning moon. Superpowers during this time include:
• Introspection
• Discernment - you don’t have time for things that aren’t important
• Organization
Take care:
If pushed too hard during other phases of the cycle, the body and psyche can revolt during this phase by bringing up a loud inner critic and spiraling thoughts. Something to have compassion for during this cycle is the thin filter women tend to have. This phase brings up truth and often there is no or very little filter to speak these truths. They may come out as harsh or overly direct. Have compassion for yourself during this time to understand when you may need to write something out or speak to a close girlfriend if you need more of a buffer, or having compassion for friends if they speak something that sounds harsh to see the truth in what they are saying and appreciate the directness that can sometimes be resisted in mainstream culture.
Superpowers of the Menstrual Phase / Inner Winter
Menstruation aka your period is characterized by the qualities of Winter. Just like winter in nature, you may feel like resting and retreating during this time. Menstruation is a time when reproductive hormones are at their lowest. This may cause you to feel fatigue, exhaustion, and even depression. If treated with deep care and nourishment, menstruation can be a time of deep honoring and respect. This is also the time when the right and left hemispheres of the brain are in the most connection which can create visions and clarity of previously confusing situations. Resting during this time can allow for visions to come through. It is also a time of great release both physically and mentally. If encouraged, it can be a powerful time of shedding old ideas and making space for new opportunities that are more in alignment with you. For women not experiencing a menstrual cycle, this energy shows up during the new moon. Superpowers during this time include:
• Ability to deeply rest
• Easily slipping into a meditative state
• Out of body visioning
• Powerful releasing abilities
Take care:
Menstruation takes place for a few short days of a cycle, if you do not take the time to rest, release, and listen to your inner wisdom, you may miss the inner guidance available to you at that time. Don’t worry, it will come back during your next menstrual phase or the next new moon, that is the beauty of women’s wisdom, but missing too many of these sacred pauses can create exhaustion and a feeling of overworking. Something to have compassion for during this time is those who may be grieving during menstruation. Those on a fertility journey may not feel celebratory during menstruation as it could mean another cycle without a pregnancy. Hold space for those who have different experiences around getting their periods.
I know, it’s a lot! You are now awakened to superpowers you may have not even known you had. Take time to integrate the honoring of these into your day and months by tracking them however you track your cycle and notice which superpowers are showing up the strongest for you in which phases of your cycle or of the moon cycle. Try asking yourself each day “what day of my cycle am I on, or where is the moon today, and what is a superpower I have today?”.
Celebrate your superwoman self.
Let’s get this knowledge woven into your life. I work with women for 3 months to optimize the cycles by which they dictate their work, family time, creativity, and social life so they can avoid burnout, and become the balanced matriarchs of their lives. Learn more about working with me.
