A Reframe of Menopause

I had a dreadful experience of menopause. Looking back I believe I had a major disconnect between how my body was asking me to live versus the life I insisted trying to maintain. Here's how I look at the transition now.


Perimenopause or menopause as we know is not some kind of unfortunate medical condition but rather a natural milestone of life.


Consider this.

A plant is not unhealthy or unimportant in nature, in the forest or the field just because it stops flowering, which is the plant equivalent of no longer reproducing. This is nature and it's normal in the progression of a plant, even if it lives many years, to eventually come to the point where it does stop flowering.


If you observe nature, what you'll find is that without the energy expenditure of flowering, a plant can spread broader leaves, can grow taller and become more vibrant.  It can dive deeper into the soil and form even stronger roots. It can help anchor the soil and bring nourishment and water to neighboring plants.


There is also the possibility that the strength of that focus can naturally help to repel the pests that might threaten an entire species. The possibility that the plant has no less power, but it's simply channeled into a new role. So rather than focusing on reproduction of its individual genome, the plant can begin to focus on survival and thriving as a whole for its species.


And so, what is the role of women when they move beyond their fertile years in society?

I think we're in a wonderful place in history now where we' can look to indigenous cultures and start to see so much of how wise women, older women, the elders, the medicine women, the tribal leaders, those with greater experience, those without the burden of reproduction have supported the species with their wisdom.


Nature is offering an opportunity for change and growth, and we would be wise to accept this invitation and allow ourselves to adapt and evolve in a new way, rather than trying to resist it and maintain our old identity. Let's embrace the transition and allow ourselves to flourish in a new form.


One that brings a lot more freedom, a lot more leadership, and a lot more focus on serving at a higher level. 


I believe that menopause is a new beginning. A reinvention of ourselves.  It's not an ending at all. It's a fabulous rebirth, and I believe that the body, purposefully, gives women a generous window of time to ease into, accept and adapt to this transition gradually.


Yes, we may struggle, we may not go into it willingly, we may resent it and fight it.  As with anything, just like an tired, irritated, frustrated child - with enough patience and persistence, there can be a surrender and finding joy and peace in accepting.


What I also know is true is that nature will win. Menopause will happen whatever we might do to try and delay it or postpone it. I think that there's an opportunity to begin to accept and adapt to the transition so that it's less painful.


I believe nature is pushing us to have a greater awakening to our body's experience, greater self-awareness, and a larger honoring of our own self-care. 

A powerful time of transition.