Embracing the Wheel of Life: Movement Through the Mother Season
As women, we embody a unique and sacred rhythm throughout our lives, particularly during the profound transformation of motherhood. The wheel diagram serves as a powerful representation of the many cycles we experience, reminding us of the interconnectedness between the seasonal, lunar, and monthly rhythms that shape our lives. This awareness can significantly influence our movement practices and overall well-being, allowing us to navigate the beautiful yet challenging journey of motherhood with grace and intention.
Understanding the Wheel of Life Cycles
The wheel illustrates the various stages of the female experience, centering on how we can honour the changes we undergo during different life phases. By recognising the energies associated with the new moon, waxing moon, full moon, and waning moon, we can align our movement practices accordingly.
1. Connect: The energy of the new moon represents the time for introspection and rest, echoed in the bleed phase and postpartum period. It is important to approach movement during this phase with gentleness, allowing for grounding and restorative practices that nourish our bodies.
2. Awaken: As we transition to the waxing moon, we enter a phase of emerging energy. This is a time for dynamic movement—encouraging us to embrace our growing families and the energy of life flowing around us.
3. Empower: The full moon embodies peak energy and ovulation, inviting us to unleash our full potential. It’s a time for more vigorous practices that tap into our strength, resilience, and inherent power as nurturers and providers.
4. Honour: In the waning moon, we begin a journey inward, honoring the natural decline of energy during the luteal phase. It’s crucial to allow ourselves space to reflect and rest, differing from the demands of a nurturing role during motherhood.
Moving with Our Cycles
By attuning our movement practices to the rhythms of our bodies, we can cultivate deeper self-awareness and honour the natural ebbs and flows of energy. Each phase presents an opportunity to move intentionally:
- Menstruation (Day 1-5): Slow, grounding, and introspective practices that support the body's natural healing processes.
- Follicular (Day 6-12): Transitional movement that builds energy and dynamic practice—twists and inversions encouraged.
- Ovulation (Day 13-16): Strong, expressive practices that tap into peak energy—explore backbends, inversions, and balancing postures.
- Luteal (Day 17-28): Winding down with a gradual transition to gentle, restorative movements, creating a dance between energising and grounding practices.
A Sacred Transformation: Matrescence
The journey into motherhood is marked not only by the birth of a child but also by the significant transformation of the mother herself, a process known as matrescence. This profound shift requires acknowledgment of the major hormonal and emotional changes women experience, and how they stretch beyond the immediate postpartum phase. Movement during this time may resemble that of the menstrual phase—slow, calming, and nurturing.
A Guide, Not a Dictate
It is essential to recognise that various factors—including hormones, sleep, nutrition, and stress—affect our energy levels. The practices outlined above should not be treated as rigid guidelines; they serve instead as an invitation for women to tune in and honour their unique needs throughout their cyclical journeys.
“we can’t access our full potential when we’re living by someone else’s rules and not listening to the wisdom within.”
― Alisa Vitti
No Menstrual Cycle? No Problem!
For women who do not, or are not currently menstruating, the lunar cycle provides a beautiful alternative for aligning movement practices. The phases of the lunar cycle closely mirror the menstrual cycle, offering an opportunity to connect with the earth’s natural rhythms.
- New Moon: Align with the energy of menstruation, embracing gentle and restorative movements.
- First Quarter: Embrace the dynamic energy of the follicular phase with more vigorous practices.
- Full Moon: Tap into the peak of ovulation with strong, expressive movements.
- Third Quarter: Honour the energy transitioning into rest, mirroring the luteal phase with grounding practices.
Conclusion: Honoring the Mother Season
As we navigate the multi-faceted journey of motherhood, embracing our unique female physiology allows us to thrive. By attuning our movements to the natural rhythms surrounding us, we can reclaim our power and autonomy, stepping away from patriarchal expectations. Together, let's celebrate the beautiful, cyclical nature of womanhood.
