Menopause is not an illness.
Some may even experience it as a time of great liberation.
But around the time of menopause and even beyond the end of the menstrual cycle,
Some may experience great discomfort and extensive changes in the physical body,
Emotions,
And thought processes.
The symptoms vary for each individual and the timeline is different for everybody.
But because menopause may impact a person's quality of life,
It's common to seek answers from experts and to turn to new medicines for solutions.
For some,
The search isn't easy and may become an extensive process,
Almost like taking on another job during this time of vulnerability and pain.
Introspection is equally important during this time.
Self-reflection can be as powerful as medicine,
Helping you to navigate the present and shape the future with both wisdom and skill.
It requires powerful participation,
But not through qualities like force and exertion.
You'll feel whole through rest and surrender.
The Chinese philosopher Lao Tzu said,
Whatever is fluid,
Soft,
And yielding will overcome whatever is rigid and hard.
We can shape our experience as river water carves stone with a gentle and consistent effort.
Discover your most comfortable position now,
Seated or lying down.
You have a natural sense of comfort that will lead you to become perfectly still.
Place both hands just below your navel and allow your natural movement there.
As you breathe,
Witness the nuances of your breathing through your hands.
Feel the length of each breath.
Notice its pace,
Its rhythm.
Now release your hands and note the feeling of breath in your body.
Fullness,
Emptiness,
Pressure,
Size,
And shape.
Your breathing continues like an ocean wave gently washing against the shore.
The gift of breath is always with you.
Offer yourself a deep inhalation and hold at the top for a few heartbeats.
Now release your exhale all the way to the bottom where you'll find a little comfortable pause.
As you become more and more relaxed,
The space at the bottom of the exhale becomes longer and longer.
The air moving in and out of your nostrils becomes thinner and thinner.
You become very quiet inside.
If during this time you've been enjoying only ease and comfort,
The simple pleasure of a soft cushion or warm blanket,
Or just the feeling of the body at rest,
Let your awareness live here with joy.
If you're experiencing any discomfort right now,
Loosely scan your body and notice any muscles that might organically release as you mentally touch them.
You may be used to resisting instead of listening,
Which is normal,
Especially on a new and often uncomfortable journey.
Take another deep breath in and as you exhale soften your experience.
Rumi said,
The soul has been given its own ears to hear things the mind does not understand.
I'd like to offer you some quiet time to experience your own inner journey.
You might tune into the waves of your breath or the feeling of ease and comfort.
If you hold discomfort right now and you're feeling ambitious enough,
Stay with it for now.
Melt into the role of an observer.
Witness your experience of committed rest.
Gently wiggle your toes and fingers.
Refresh yourself with a deep breath,
A twist,
Or a stretch.
Do the things that help you softly emerge into your day.
Come to a seated position like a meditation seat.
Give yourself a few moments to be still.
Inner stillness is the key to your strength.
It's easier to hear when you're not moving.
Regardless of what you felt,
Trust the inherent value in your time well spent in this session today.
You practiced inner focus and took rest.
You found comfort and relaxation,
A valuable skill amidst the modern day message of pushing,
Forcing,
Doing,
And producing.
You were willing to listen to yourself.
Offering time and space for your inner growth can be difficult,
But it's an act of self-respect.
The more you do it,
The easier it gets.
Ultimately,
Your willingness to hold yourself in gentle presence will help you find meaning and spiritual growth as you navigate this change in your life.
