The four weather forecasts of the premenstrual Inner Autumn
Image: Danny G via Unsplash
How many different types of autumn weather can you name? What does autumn feel like for you? The Inner Seasons are an amazing framework for relating to and describing how we feel across the cycle. They provide a language that most people can relate to, whether they have a cycle or not. But their simplicity can sometimes overlook the rich complexity that can be at play within them.
If the inner seasons act like a weather radar for our cycle, then each day deserves its own forecast.
Of course there are certain characteristics of each season: summer is hot, winter is cold, spring is wet and autumn is windy - just as an example. But by fine tuning into your cycle, you’ll likely start to realise that the days have a different quality to them. The weather at the start of autumn is different at the start of the season as opposed to the end. And you may well find that how you feel as you progress from the start of your premenstrual phase and head towards your period changes too.
Why does this matter?
Because being able to name and identify how you’re feeling can go a long way to start dealing with your PMS.
The truth is, that many people don’t actually know what they’re feeling, and can’t find the words to describe it. Tuning into something as seemingly abstract as weather can help you start claiming your Self back from the depths of PMS. These four weather patterns came to me as I was in my premenstrual phase last week, so this is my language. You’ll probably have your own, which you can start to develop by taking a few moments each day (perhaps even multiple times a day) to ask yourself how you feel, and feel free to look outside the window for inspiration, no matter which season you’re in.
Forecast 1: Sunny Skies and clear thoughts
With the hormonal event of ovulation over and done with, many people (myself included) feel grounded and can have that inner feel good vibe, despite oestrogen having dropped off. Think of a sunny autumnal day. The sky is blue, the sun is shining brightly and perhaps still a little warm on your skin, and the air is crisp. This is the back to school energy that sees people starting to prep for the colder months after all that summer fun.
Forecast 2: Dense fog and mentally unclear
On the other end of the spectrum, progesterone can have some people feeling disorientated and confused. Increased tiredness is common, as well as craving for carbs which, for some, can lead to what feels like a sluggish brain. Think about a day where there’s a heavy cloak of fog in the air. The environment can feel heavy and visibility of what’s ahead minimal.
Forecast 3 - Never-ending rain with plenty of tears
There are days in autumn where it just seems to rain constantly. A mental image I often have for this time of year is a rain-flecked window (preferably from the perspective of being cosy inside with a soothing cup of chai). Swathes of women feel emotionally tender with their PMS, feeling teary and sensitive with things on TV, news or ill-chosen words from loved ones. Things can feel too much, dragging and heavy - think of a sky thick with rain clouds, ready to burst open at any opportunity.
Forecast 4 - Gale force winds and howling rage
The premenstrual phase can bring PMS that’s heavily tainted with anger. This place in the cycle tends to bring the critic with it, and a voice that tells we’re not good enough, and neither are the things around us. We can feel angry at the world for being held back from what we really want, and unresolved issues and traumas can surface. Think about an autumnal night where the wind whistles through the empty tree branches, makes the garden gate bang on its hinges and tips over the dustbins.
The good news is, once we know the forecast, we can choose to dress accordingly! By starting to understand the feelings your’e facing, you can then decide what (if anything) to do about them. This is how you can start to actually embody your cycle and take authentic, aligned care of yourself.
Find out how coaching can help by scheduling your free 30min call with me or checking out my menstrual cycle coaching space.