Yoga for Your Moon Time (Video)

When I was teaching a women's yoga workshop in China a couple of years ago I learned that it's not uncommon for women there to get the first few days of their menstrual cycles off from work. Lucky ladies! Since then I've started my own personal revolution by taking a "wellness day" on the first day of my cycle to rest.

I think that every woman deserves the same. Our menses are a time for rejuvenation and tapping into our inner wisdom. It's not a time to be exercising vigorously, cooking for our families, or buzzing around town doing errands. We need to use these days to stay home and slow down; for a major ingredient in women's happiness is making sure we're well rested. When our batteries hit "low" we're of no use to ourselves, much less to others.

Here's a mini yoga practice that any woman can do during her moon time. I've chosen the two essential postures that will help you to rest and ensure a healthy menstrual flow. They're practical -- meaning you can do them at work during your lunch break, when your children are napping, or on your bed before you go to sleep at night. No previous yoga experience is required!

I hope that they serve you to recharge during your moon time; and, as always, leave a comment below to let me know how it goes!

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Comments

[alahnar]

03:23 PM on 07/29/2010

Thanks for sharing! I really appreciate this. Our culture is so masculine, any "yin" or female energy is often perceived as weak or less-than. To re-charge and slow down during our cycles is a gift, not a curse, and I'm glad other women are waking up to this reality.
Namaste!

[kapalabhati]

12:02 PM on 07/28/2010

I have to respectfully differ from the premise that women need down time during their menstrual cycles. This premise is akin to Victorian women having the vapors. I and many like me have worked too hard to overcome the concept that anatomy is destiny. We've come a way, but not a long way.

I certainly agree that in order to remain healthy and adjusted, mentally, physically, and spiritually, we all need down time. It just doesn't have to coincide, nor be associated with menses.

Shanti, peace, namaste.

[Sara Avant Stover]

02:13 PM on 07/28/2010

Thanks for sharing and that's a completely valid viewpoint! I used to feel the same way. For me now it's a shift in what I value. I value rest and don't see it as something bad or "less than" action and busy-ness. For me rest is a welcome treat and a time to let other parts of myself come forth that don't get a chance to when I'm always on the go. I'm so grateful when my moontime comes because it gives me an opportunity to slow down--a real gift of the feminine that the world could learn a lot from right now.