DAY 2
I had a gut feeling that I was going to start menstruating soon, but I didn't know when exactly this was going to take place.
Even though the OB/GYN doctor here told me that we don't know where a menstruator's cycle is at when they have hormonal birth control, I held to my truth, the truth for many women and menstruators out there- we still cycle regardless of the type of birth control we're on! Many people start menstruating during the full moon or new moon, and I, for example, would have theoretically started to bleed yesterday if I was following when my follicular phase starts.
For those of you that don't know: the follicular phase indicates the two weeks of when a menstruator starts to bleed and carries on for roughly 14 days. After the 14 days, the luteal phase starts, which indicates for many, the start of experiencing Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD) symptoms. So anyhow, you can start to pick up on where you and the moon align! We are cyclical beings after all!
Listen to your body
Today I had a few cramps that were hard to ignore. I also had a gut feeling that because my follicular phase started yesterday, my period should be starting any day now, regardless of what the doctor here had told me. I took magnesium supplements to help with the cramps, and also decided to go to a Yin Yoga class at Radiantly Alive in Canggu, Bali, Indonesia. I knew that I was in need of some movement, and I also wanted to take care that it wasn't too intense.
When I walked up the two floors to get to the yoga shala, I noticed there was music playing. Hoping that I wasn't late already I finally reached the floor, and I noticed that there was a cellist playing music that was simply wonderful. I felt at peace, and ready to dive into my practice. As I was about 3/4 of the way into the class, I noticed that there was a slight contraction in my uterus that felt different. And I wondered, would this be it? A short run to the toilet after class confirmed what my body already told me- I started bleeding!
WOOHOO!!!
The end & the beginning
It was an intense, and joyful moment. It had been an entire year since I had bled due to my IUD, and for the first time in my life, I celebrated the bleed. Now that I'm writing this, it feels a little scary, thinking about all of the things I am going to have to unlearn in order to truly honor my menstrual cycle. Change is scary. However, I'm trying this new thing out where I challenge my belief systems so that I can live unboundedly.
Tomorrow I am heading to Ubud for a lovely Kinesiology workshop at the Yoga Barn, and you better believe that I am going to be indulging in a raw cacao drink!!
So cheers to me, your local (and perhaps geographically not local at all) menstruator, ready to share all of my experiences related to the bleed, reporting for duty. Where I'm here to write about anything and everything relevant to menstruating, integrating a holistic lifestyle, and living with Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD).
Did you know?
We crave chocolate during our menstruation because of the magnesium that is naturally found in chocolate, and magnesium helps relieve menstrual cramps! Food for thought- quite literally!
With love,
Nat