"Reusable pads. That's gross!" That's a comment we've heard and one we might have made ourselves before we really thought about it. But just envision your lifetime supply of used pads and tampons in landfills or washed up on a beach. Now that's gross!
The menstrual cycle is a healthy and natural process. However, in our culture we have been led to believe it is a messy inconvenience to be kept secret, or worse, a repugnant disease-like condition. We encourage you to examine your beliefs about menstruation carefully. Any embarrassment or shame you may feel could be the result of culturally inspired negative conditioning. How we perceive and interpret the feelings that accompany our cycles can have a dramatic effect on our health. Imagine the self-fulfilling destiny of the girl who hears "now you've got the curse, get ready for cramps, and a bloody mess."
In her class "The Positive Power of PMS", Nancy Conger states: "Studies show that a negative attitude about one's body and menstrual cycle is a major factor in PMS. There are times in your cycle when emotional and physical sensitivities are on high - but it is sensitivity to all emotions and sensations, both positive and negative. If your mindset is that your cycle is a curse, you may only perceive it negatively when changes occur. Some women have found relief from PMS in just changing how they value and honor their femininity."
Acknowledging the powerful shifts that occur in our bodies and spirits is tough in a society that expects us to put on our white swimsuits and hide away what is happening inside of us. The days in our cycle when blood flows is an integral part of being a woman, and viewing that openly and without shame gives us the chance to be strong, unstoppable beings. In other times, the girl at menarche received special gifts and meals. The menstruating woman was considered a powerful and honored being, as was the woman who had moved past her menstruating years. Now those are attitudes we like!
By talking about our cycles more openly, with positive images and language, we believe women can re-define menstruation as a positive and profound force in our lives.
Please share this information with other women and especially with any young girls you know who are just beginning their cycles - let's nip those negative attitudes in the bud and let the positive ones flower forth.
"Reusable pads. That's gross!" That's a comment we've heard and one we might have made ourselves before we really thought about it. But just envision your lifetime supply of used pads and tampons in landfills or washed up on a beach. Now that's gross!
The menstrual cycle is a healthy and natural process. However, in our culture we have been led to believe it is a messy inconvenience to be kept secret, or worse, a repugnant disease-like condition. We encourage you to examine your beliefs about menstruation carefully. Any embarrassment or shame you may feel could be the result of culturally inspired negative conditioning. How we perceive and interpret the feelings that accompany our cycles can have a dramatic effect on our health. Imagine the self-fulfilling destiny of the girl who hears "now you've got the curse, get ready for cramps, and a bloody mess."
Acknowledging the powerful shifts that occur in our bodies and spirits is tough in a society that expects us to put on our white swimsuits and hide away what is happening inside of us. The days in our cycle when blood flows is an integral part of being a woman, and viewing that openly and without shame gives us the chance to be strong, unstoppable beings. In other times, the girl at menarche received special gifts and meals. The menstruating woman was considered a powerful and honored being, as was the woman who had moved past her menstruating years. Now those are attitudes we like!
