In a world where the always-on mentality permeates not only our everyday working lives but also our private lives, stress and excessive demands are pre-programmed. Constant accessibility and the pressure to always be productive often lead to a feeling of alienation from ourselves and our environment. The concept of Cyclical Living can offer a way out of this hamster wheel and help you to live more in harmony with your self, your body and nature.
Cyclical Living represents a lifestyle that connects the natural cycles of time, the environment and your body. It encourages you to create space for rest, relaxation and retreat alongside periods of activity and growth. Our ancestors lived in harmony with nature for thousands of years. They aligned their lives with the sunrises and sunsets, celebrated the changing seasons, and recognized the importance of the moon for agriculture and fertility. In the healing teachings of Ayurveda, the change of seasons and thus the different doshas that dominate in the different phases play a fundamental role. With the progress of technology and industrialization, many of these ancient cycles have been forgotten.
Cyclical Living for Women
The concept of Cyclical Living is about rediscovering and consciously incorporating the seasons, the lunar cycle and the menstrual cycle into your everyday life and choices. Women in particular are endowed with a unique gift in terms of cycles - their period. All too often, however, we view the female cycle as an annoying given and fail to recognize its transformative power. Just as you can consciously use winter for rest and reflection in order to regain your strength and creativity in spring following the natural rhythm, you can also use the different phases of your cycle to unfold your full potential and live in harmony with your feminine nature. Instead of fighting the side effects, you learn to appreciate the unique qualities of each phase of your cycle.
The four phases of the female cycle
- Menstruation (winter): This phase represents renewal and new beginnings. It is a time for relaxation, introspection and self-care. By allowing yourself to calm down and shut down during this phase, you lay the foundation for the rest of the month.
- Follicular phase (spring): In this phase you feel your energy and creativity rising again. The follicular phase is a time of growth and new ideas. You can use this phase to make new plans, start projects and express your creativity.
- Ovulation phase (summer): In this phase your energy reaches its peak. You feel alive and radiant most of the time. Now is the perfect time to put your plans into action and nurture relationships.
- Luteal phase (autumn): In this phase you turn your gaze inward and should take time to reflect. It is a time of integration and preparation for the coming menstruation.
By listening to your body and your needs in the different phases of the cycle and adjusting your diet, exercise routines and sleeping habits, you promote your health and your general well-being. Through awareness of your body's cycle, as well as the cycles in nature, you learn to be more mindful of yourself and your environment. You realize that there are times for activity and space for rest - and that both are equally important. Cyclical Living also promotes the concept of concentrated work phases followed by conscious rest periods in your daily work routine. This allows you to work more creatively, more focused and ultimately more efficiently, and to recover better in your free time.
You want to slow down your hectic lifestyle and learn to live more consciously in the rhythm of nature and your body? Then the European Ayurveda® Balance Cures are the right thing for you!
