Living in connection with our menstrual cycle is a spiritual practice that elevates our lives and deepens our capacity to be present to our experience. It is a tool for self-compassion and self-understanding, and the awareness it fosters ripples out into all areas of our lives. The benefit of this work lies in the strengthening of our capacity to be with, accept and love ourselves wholly.

Hormonal contraception is a charged topic. I understand that for some, it is the best current option and I honor that choice. My intention in this article is to share my research on hormonal contraceptives and their impacts on the body and female cycle. This is the information I wish I was given before prescribed the pill at 16.

Perhaps the most urgent antidote to our failing system is a compassionate and loving presence with the harmful energies at play within our own psyche. When we practice this in our individual lives, we directly participate in combating the toxicity of our culture. We learn the wisdom of a different and more loving way of relating. Compassionate witnessing will necessitate both our individual and collective healing, liberation and peace.

When we adjust our yoga practice to our menstrual cycle, we practice deep listening with our bodies.

Our menstrual blood is far from waste. We can affirm this truth by making conscious and respectful choices when it comes to the products we use at this time.