Womens health has been politicised more than I have ever known in my lifetime. We are being told we no longer have autonomy over our bodies and we are being told what our bodies do isn’t natural. Lets reclaim ourselves with nature.
To me right now it feels like the world has gone a bit mad. Women are being stripped of rights in countries we never believed that would happen. We are being told magic pills will solves all our menopause issues, our weight problems, not to mention our sanity. We are approaching summer here too so the messages about getting in the gym or drinking the shakes is so high I can almost smell the protein. But what if all we needed is to go outside and connect with nature.
Yes I say this from a privileged position of living in the countryside and having free time to actually access it (I know this). But lets just imagine for a moment if all the women you knew, and all the women in just this country had free, fair and open access to be outside in nature whenever they wanted. What changes could we see?
Our Nervous Systems
Spending at least 20 minutes in nature has been shown to significantly reduce cortisol levels. If you are a women who is on the verge of burnout or is struggling with menopause symptoms that 20 minutes a day could be the difference between functioning and being stuck down with illness. Trust me. When I was at my busiest, my most productive and I wasn’t taking time to connect – I broke. On all levels I broke. I was ill every few weeks, I cried almost daily and my energy levels were so low it was affecting how I took care of my kids.
Balancing my nervous system was the biggest change and it was so simple. There were a few things I brought into my routine (and took out) but one of the game changers for me was being outside more often. I get more sunlight so I sleep better. I get more fresh air so I feel better. I understand the changing face of our seasons so I honour them (and myself better).
The Female Body, Cycles, and Nature’s Rhythms
But this isn’t a simple as getting outside more for me. This is about understanding that we live in a cyclical body, in a cyclical world and the more we deny that the more ill we will all become. I have a monthly bleed cycle, I also have an energy cycle that mirrors the seasons around me. For me trying to work with a summer energy in the middle of winter was part of the lead up to full burnout.
Through following the idea of natural cycles through reading, podcasts and eventually training in women wellness I discovered the power of your own rhythms. Being outside in all weather helped me to connect with this on a deep level. This winter just gone I was determind to rest as much as I could. I wound down the gym routine a bit, I made an effort to go out in the cold but return to my warm nest of blankets whenever I could. This Spring I have taken a slow and steady route to increased exercise, increased social interaction and I have come out into late Spring with more energy than I have had in years.
Within this I have honoured my personal cycle each month. In my pre – bleed (autumn and my) menstruation (winter) I have high self care expectations. I try to go softly and slowly. In my ovulation (summer) I can be social and work more. I have just finished a wonderful immersion course with the Red School which has further taken me into this cycle (I will be sharing more so watch this space). Hopefully you can see what benefits lye just past this cycle awareness.
Simple Ways to Reconnect With Nature & Yourself Every Day
- GO OUTSIDE! I know this sounds simple but once in the morning, once mid day and once in the twilight just go outside for a few minutes. The light changes and your body reacts to it. You will be astounded at how much better you sleep when you have been exposed to the different light of the day
- Watch for seasonal changes. Start to see how nature reacts to spring, summer etc. Take note of what the leaves on the trees do and see if you can reflect that. We are not meant to be producing all the time, there is room for stillness and reflection
- Track your own cycle. If you have a bleed then use this as an anchor and see how your month changes your energy. If you dont then use the moon – it too has a pull on how we feel!
However you choose to connect with yourself and the natural world make sure it feels right, it harms nothing and no one. Remember that this work of reclaiming ourselves is a radical act in a world that wants us numb and quiet.
If you interested in coming together for connection check out my circles and retreats coming up HERE