As you move through your twenties, thirties and forties you inhabit what we call a wombing process, held within a predictable pattern — the rhythm of your cycle — which, over your menstruating years, forges a feeling of containment that we liken to being held by a womb.
Through the wombing process your cycle helps you to work through and integrate your history and life experiences. It turns the grit of your life — the challenges, disappointments, heartaches and struggles — into the gold of your power.
For some, this phase includes parenting and the almighty initiation of matrescence. In today’s article, we want to share some cycle-aware resources for life as a parent or caregiver, as well as resources for those trying to conceive or if you’re childless-not-by-choice.
For mums, parents, and caregivers: there’s such a thirst, a desperation, for parents and caregivers to be resourced and held. And whilst it’s true that we need community care and outer holding for the hugely demanding practical and emotional undertaking, we also need inner holding, which is where cycle awareness comes into its own.
Just like our young ones, we parents need rhythm in our lives. And a deep connection to the cycle can be an anchor into a steady, sustainable, grounding and nourishing flow which can hold us through all the twists and turns of parenting life.
For trying to conceive: If you’re wanting to become a mum, and it’s taking longer than expected, this episode with fertility coach Jennifer Robertson offers solace and guidance drawn from her own seven-year journey to motherhood. And if you’re healing from pregnancy loss, Sophie’s recent conversation with Iris could be supportive.
For you if you’re childless not-by-choice: despite a desire to have children parenting hasn't happened for you, this conversation with the brilliant psychotherapist and founder of Gateway Women, Jody Day, explores the challenges of involuntary childlessness, as well as how to how to find meaning and hope when looking towards a future without children.
For inner mothering: and lastly, wherever your wombing process years take you, menstrual cycle awareness can become a powerful way to mother yourself, guiding you to connect with and tend to your inner child or inner teen parts. In this conversation with Bethany Webster we explore how cycle awareness can help us to become our own inner parent.
