Let's talk about cyclical living - what does it mean and how can we embrace it?
We have been disconnected from our cyclic nature for so long, that we don’t even realise there is a disconnect. We are surrounded by so many cycles, each with its own wisdom, each with its own varied energies, providing opportunities to look within, to grow and learn.
Over time, we have chosen to live unconsciously to these rhythms. Forgetting that we are not separate from nature's ebbs and flow, but woven throughout. We are intertwined.
Our human nature moves us through life's patterns and rhythms, birth and death, darkness and light. It is a dance of energy. Those that menstruate experience this every single month. There is no denying the very essence of our existence linking us to that of a cycle.
When we truly understand this, when we embrace it, we feel a sense of connection to the wisdom that resides within us. It is not new information being learned, it is a remembering.
Cyclical living is a practice, an opportunity, a gentle reconnection to living our lives in harmony with the natural rhythms and cycles that surround us. It allows us to embrace the shifting nature within, moving with the flow rather than resisting.
Through cyclical living you:
Get to know yourself in a new light, taking in the full spectrum of your experience.
Show up for the self, instead of constantly putting yourself on the back burner.
Pay attention to and acknowledge the inner and outer self. Noticing what is showing up for you within and opening the space for meeting yourself where you are at.
Understand why your energy shifts and changes and to notice the patterns of when these shifts occur.
Have a newfound gentleness with yourself, moving through moments with surrender, and giving yourself grace.
Nourish your inner eco-system and fuel your mind, body, and spirit with what serves you.
Work alongside your inner thoughts and feelings, acknowledging them completely rather than pushing them down.
Can better show up for others because you are showing up for yourself. It also helps you to understand the overall human experience, which can lead to less judgment, more empathy, and an invitation for others to turn within.
I can go on forever, there is so much that can be offered by embracing our innate cyclical nature.
So what are some of these cycles I hear you ask?! When I list them below they are going to seem so obvious to you, you will already be familiar with them. But perhaps now, you can look at them from a new lens, knowing that each cycle can spark insight into our experience of life right now.
The cycles that surround us:
Image of the varied cycles we are surrounded by.
The Lunar Cycle
The lunar cycle consists of 8 main phases, each made up of its own energy, each unique in what it offers us. We are more connected to these shifting phases than we realise because we are impacted by the gravitational pull of the moon.
Your energy, your emotions, and your hormones, wax and wane, much like the moon waxes and wanes.
When you think of Waxing energies, think of action, intention, motivation, commitment, expanding, and outward energy.
When you think of Waning energies, think of slowing down, going within, deep reflection, boundaries, releasing, and gratitude.
We can utilise the ever-shifting energy of the lunar phases to help guide our days and what we tap into/do.
If you are feeling the call to learn more about the lunar cycle and how we can embrace its energy, check out my “Cyclical Living and the Moon” guide here.
The Menstrual Cycle
Those that menstruate move through a monthly (ish) hormonal cycle. This cycle flows alongside the shifting hormones that aid in 2 key events within the body, ovulation (the release of an egg) and menstruation (the release of the uterine lining).
As we experience these hormonal shifts we observe the 4 phases of the cycle: menstruation, pre-ovulation, ovulation, and pre-menstruum.
Each phase presents its own shadows and joys, its own opportunities to hold space for the self. Each phase showcases different sides to the self.
It is much like receiving all the pieces of a puzzle, providing us with the information that will allow us to truly understand the self.
When we learn to work with our body rather than against it, we can shift the flow of our entire life. Accepting our full selves, and understanding the varied shifts we experience. It is in its own way, a permission slip to take off the mask we wear and step into who we truly are.
If you feel the call to connect to your womb wisdom and the experience of your menstrual cycle, my womb wisdom container is for you.
The Circadian Rhythm
Your body's circadian clock moves with the natural ebb and flow of light and dark. Rising with the sun and winding down with the moon. A signal in a way, alerting the body of what is the day, a time to be awake and alert, and what is the night, a time to slow the pace and rest.
It is the 24-hour cycle of the day, which interestingly enough mirrors the male hormonal cycle as well.
A whole heap of natural processes occur within the body during this time, getting to know them helps us to support the self. Helps us to pre-plan and set up the day to best serve the types of energies we know we will be phasing in and out of.
The Breath Cycle
We can’t underestimate the power of the inhale and exhale, constantly fueling our body, and allowing us to reconnect to the present, on a moment-by-moment basis. Taking us out of the cloudiness of our minds and reminding us of what is important- the here and now.
Natures Seasons
Spring, Summer, Autumn, and Winter. Each with its own seasonal energies, and its own powerful impact on the earth's functionality.
Nature's seasons have guided societies and their way of living for centuries, it is never too late to tap into our roots and reconnect with that way of life.
The Archetypes
Maiden, Mother, Enchantress, and Crone, the archetypal energies are a part of our collective consciousness, they reside within us all. Existing at the same time, and guiding us on our paths, offering gifts along the way. Although we hold all of them within, they emerge with a heightened presence during particular ages within our life journey.
The energy of each archetype can help us to unpack how our personality shows up in each phase of our cycle, it can also help us to understand and embody the energy of each phase of our life, the eras we shift through as we age. . .
If this is calling to you and you would like to learn more about archetypal energies, find my “Exploring the Archetypes” PDF here.
All of these cycles can work as frameworks for us to receive insight. A beautiful opportunity to rebuild the connection with self, to further explore and understand your experience. I encourage you to tune into what cycles are calling you. Which resonates with you? Which pulls at your curiosity?
Trust that curiosity and follow it, explore it, read more, lean into reflection, and allow yourself to be guided.
Cyclical living really is a homecoming, a sense of belonging, an acceptance of self. You never know what you will discover.