A few years ago, I saw the picture of Rupi Kaur on the news. She was being shamed, her post taken down because it showed menstrual blood. I was shocked, although my relationship with my periods was one of dread, I thought that menstrual blood was no different from any other blood; it had something special even.

I started learning about the menstrual cycle in a more complete way, rather than the mere biological function of the female reproductive organs, which they often diminished to. I started seeing my menstrual cycle as a compass that could guide me through life.

Cyclical living is essentially respecting your body and living with it, instead of against it. It is an ode to rest and stillness. So, what are its basics?

CHART YOUR CYCLE

The first thing to do is to make sure you track your cycle and apps like Clue help you do exactly that. One of the reasons why I love Clue so much is that it uses gender-neutral colours and it allows you to insert what type of birth control you are using to make sure you will still be able to track your moods, activities and symptoms even though you are not bleeding.

After tracking for a few months, you will be able to recognise recurrent patterns and prepare yourself to handle any symptoms better. It also allows you to recognise when you need to take some time for yourself and look inwards (usually during menstruation and premestruum) and when you can unleash your personality to the outer world.

FERTILITY AWARENESS

Another great thing is that you can measure your Basal Body Temperature (BBT) every morning as soon as you wake up and before getting out of bed, by putting a thermometer under your tongue.

During menstruation your BBT will be low due to the fall of progesterone and oestrogen, it will start increasing as soon as your menstruation ends when oestrogen will begin rising again. 

Just before ovulation, there is going to be a slight fall in temperature, followed by a rise of 0.2 degrees. You should also watch out for vaginal mucus (stretchy and similar to egg whites).

With this method, you will be able to plan your sex life to get the best results. If you are planning on conceiving, you should have intercourse just before ovulation takes place. The reason why relies on the life of the sperm which can survive inside you up to 5 days from ejaculation.

Get your calendar ready, because this is not just a way to help you conceive but also to protect yourself from unwanted pregnancy. However, this does not protect you from STIs so always make sure you are using some type of protection or that both you and your partner are clean.

LIVE ACCORDING TO EACH PHASE

Every phase of the menstrual cycle comes with its baggage of tasks to allow the body to have a smooth run. However, your period should be a moment of pure rest. Time to release all of those pent up emotions and let go. Allow yourself to sit still and look inwards, increasing your consciousness and creating new intentions for the new cycle.

Soon after your period, you will start gaining more and more energy which calls for lots of exercise and productivity. This is the time to get stuff done and never look back. However, be careful to not overwork yourself.

Ovulation will be the peak of your wellness; you will feel as though you’ve got it all. This is the time to aim high and truly achieve what you want, you are at your best. Oestrogen is peaking, and you will glow like never before. Your body is ready to find a mate (even though you don't have to). Time to be the queen that you know you are!

The Premestruum is what many hate because of PMS. However, this is a great time to start redirecting your energy towards yourself and revisit the things you have done in the previous two phases. Your critical thinking is enhanced, so editing and reviewing are the perfect things to do.

If you have female reproductive organs, cyclical living might be the key to your success and fulfilment. You will finally manage to love your body and work with what you’ve got instead of trying to make it fit a way of life that only takes and never gives.

Get yourself ready and start charting! 

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Written by Cloe Grampa

Read more at Cyclicalsoul.com