Grounding in every phase
How do we ‘ground’ ourselves when our bodies are constantly moving through different phases?
Feeling grounded, stable and finding routine can be difficult when our internal world is ever-changing. Keeping up with what is going on inside our complex bodies can seem impossible to navigate at times, and quite frankly, frustrating. But coming to terms with our natural cycles can be extremely freeing.
The menstrual cycle is managed by hormones, in particular to the menstrual cycle, the female sex hormones. Many factors influence how our internal world is responding and every hormone plays a vital role in keeping things flowing properly.
There are four main phases in the menstrual cycle, the menstrual, proliferative, ovulation and luteal phases. However, it's also worth noting that our bodies are constantly changing and they are not limited to changes from phase to phase. Leaning into our own rhythms is a great place to start to discover our own personal cycles and how we can use it to our advantage.
Every phase has a general pattern in most women, however sometimes it is more useful to feel into each phase yourself, note how you feel and embrace it. Rather than being told what each phase should be like. Once you know your phases, you might like to align a creative project or a girl’s night out with your cycle, so your mood matches your plans.
Menstrual Phase
During the menstrual phase, generally energy levels are lower, we look inwards more and our skin tends to lose some of its plumpness. Some ways we can ground during this phase of the cycle are to take a bath, journal and spend some extra time giving our skin some love.
Proliferative Phase
This phase is after the period is over, but before ovulation. Our energy is beginning to slowly bounce back and we have more desire to get out into the world. Now is the time to take a walk in nature or to take a yoga class in order to feel more centred.
Ovulation Phase
Around the time of ovulation, there is a 6 day window in which conception may occur, the 5 days before ovulation and the day of ovulation. This is often referred to as the Ovulation phase, although ovulation actually happens at one point in time. Our energy levels are at their peak during this time, skin can feel clear and vibrant, we can feel more confident and sexy. Feeling balanced here may look like socialising, taking a sensual bath, or using this time to express what feels right to you.
Luteal Phase
The last phase of the cycle, the time after ovulation and before the next period, can be quite varied, the start can feel outward and expressive, the end can feel more creative and inward. It may be a time to allow your creative juices to flow.
Journaling, using a tracking app or a calendar to track your cycle is great to compare your phases and your cycles, so you can note any subtle or major shifts. As patterns emerge, you can feel safe in the knowledge that you alone have the power to choose how you honour your cycle.
