Have you been feeling a bit sluggish this year? Like you want to get going (and you are) but you don’t have your teeth in the game fully?

Well you are not alone. From girlfriends and clients:

“I started the year with a heaviness”

“I was in a cocoon all of January”

“I’m not ready for activity yet”

Our culture demands we move at the same fast pace throughout the year. We are in reality a reflection of mother nature. Andy Goldsworthy says:

We often forget that WE ARE NATURE.
Nature is not something separate from us.
So when we say that we have lost our connection to nature,
we’ve lost our connection to ourselves.

Winter is a time of hibernating, slowing down and letting go. When we force ourselves to stay in summer all year long – active, we exhaust ourselves and aren’t able to spring into action when the seasons change.

A woman’s body, like the seasons, goes through four main phases in each cycle of 28 days that correspond with the cycles of the moon. Each phase brings with it a unique set of hormonal, physical, emotional and psychological gifts. When we understand these cycles and eat, work, love and play according to our natural flow, we get better at working with our feminine power and not against it.

Our summer season is when we ovulate with an eager egg awaiting fertilization. High on energy, light and confident we are like magnets at home and at work. Our energy levels peak during this time.

Fall season for our cycle is when we begin our luteal phase. Our physical energy levels start to dip halfway through this cycle (PMS anyone?) and emotionally we experience an enhanced awareness and attention to detail.

Then we enter our winter phase where, like the trees, everything sheds. Our uterine lining begins to shed and everything is quiet and dark. Our physical energy is at it’s lowest and it’s a time of introspection and release.

Finally we enter our spring season with the follicular phase, right after menstruation when a new egg is released into the uterus in anticipation of being released.

Of course a lot goes in in the body, mind and heart of each woman during this time but this week I want to focus on spring. Here are the qualities and gifts of your spring cycle.

In the body

Our energy levels are very high as we experience an abundance of stamina and physical strength during this dynamic phase. It’s a great time to undertake physically strenuous and challenging activities. Because we feel light and vibrant during this phase, we can support this vibrant and light experience in our body by feeding her foods that are vibrant and light. Think bowls of greens and vegetables, eaten raw or lightly sautéed.

In the heart

We experience an enhanced sense of confidence, social skills and an upbeat mood during this phase. We also have a deeper desire to engage and mingle in social settings. It’s a great time to attend social gatherings, events and parties and try out new outings, date ideas and adventures with loved ones.

In the mind

Our sense of power, creative energy and ability to take risks are at high levels during this phase. It’s a great idea to ride this cycle of high energy, clarity and focus to embark on new projects and ventures. At work we can use the energy of this cycle to plan, strategize, research, learn new concepts and communicate them clearly and powerfully with our colleagues, team members and supervisors.

Which season is your menstrual cycle right now? A great way to find out is to tap into your feelings, food cravings and overall energy levels. If you start tracking these seasons of your cycle, pretty soon you will not be in conflict with your inner nature. And from there, only beautiful things will unfold.