A few days before I was expecting my period I would schedule something nice to nourish myself, such as a Reiki session.

When menstruating, the bleeding and everything that goes along with it can be very disrupting.
Suddenly I might find myself unable to concentrate or to sleep. Or I might slowly realize that the people around me are finding me irrational or anxious.
The likelihood of this sort of thing happening increases with how busy I am. I think this might be a reason some women detest this part of their cycle – it can be unpredictable, uncomfortable and might even mess with your grip on reality.
I’ve been reflecting on when this stopped being a major inconvenience in my life. I’m happy to say that it is quite a few years ago, although I still have the occasional blip.
I recently spent a light summer evening cradling a cup of tea trying to remember what I did to bring about the change.
Now, for the most part, my monthly bleed is a time of joy. It is a time for introspect reflection, for letting go and resting. It’s a time of rebirth and renewal. But it wasn’t always so.
The single most effective thing I did was start keeping a period calendar. With Cycle Harmony’s period calendar I could also estimate the time of my next period, and herein lies the clue.
A few days before I was expecting my period I would schedule something nice, such as a Reiki session.
This meant I was suddenly able to schedule supportive and nurturing activities for myself that made it easier for me to enjoy my menstruation.
For those of you who haven’t heard of Reiki it is a natural universal energy that is taught, or given, in person from master to student.
Reiki as an organised teaching system was founded (one can’t really say invented about a universal energy) in Japan around a hundred years ago. it has many offshoots and is taught and practiced all over the world.
When I discovered Reiki I was amazed at how nurturing it felt. It is gentle and non-invasive, the therapist holds her hands above you, or touch you lightly outside your clothing.
A dear friend of mine would give me a Reiki session a few days before my period was due, and suddenly I noticed that I had more head space during my period, I was better able to enjoy the process and I felt better prepared for my bleeding to commence.
My friend agreed to teach me Reiki and became my Reiki master. Now I’m a Reiki master in my own right, and I teach others how to channel and use the healing energy.
Far more women than men are interested in Reiki, and more women than men attend my Reiki shares and classes.
Reiki is a subtle energy that gently supports a woman’s natural cycle. I use it to help prepare for my moon blood, to help manage the period pain and also to ensure I get enough restful sleep.
If you haven’t tried Reiki already, I suggest you do so that you can experience for yourself how wonderful it is. It has made an amazing difference in my life.
To learn more about Reiki, read Essential Reiki: A Complete Guide to an Ancient Healing Art, by Diane Stein
Finding the community of Cycle Harmony has made a huge difference to me. I am delighted to be writing to you from the Red Tent and hope to share thoughts and experiences you recognise, or find useful to ponder upon. I look forward to working with you all in exploring what it is to be women, and hope to hear from you. ~ Vild
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