Harmony & Nourishment: Aligning my Business to my Cycle
I choose to align as much of my schedule as possible with my “moon cycle” for greater harmony and ease.
In this post I’ll share how I do this and why it may be beneficial for you to try this too if you have a menstrual cycle.
First things first, I’ll share the tools I use to track my cycle.
I use both an app and a bracelet to track my cycle. I like having both instead of just one or the other. The tech helps me but I don't have to be fully reliant on it because I also have my analogue option, the cycle tracker bracelet.
As far as tech goes, I use the free version of the Clue app on my phone (not sponsored).
It allows me to track the different phases of my cycle and also a ton of data points. It's free to download and I originally heard about it from my sister. I have been using it for some years now and I find it to be a helpful tool. Again this isn’t sponsored, I just really appreciate this tool.
Each month at the beginning of my bleed I track my cycle in the app and it approximates the phases (follicular, ovulation, luteal, premenstrual, bleed) for me, which allows me to plan ahead and know where I am each day. Each phase of our cycle holds a unique energy and has unique needs so I find it immensely helpful to know where I am in my cycle.
The other way I track is by wearing a special bracelet.
Depending on your personality this method may work better or not as well, I suppose that’s true for all methods though. I have a cycle tracker bracelet that a friend made and another friend got me for my birthday.
Each day I shift a charm on the bracelet to know where I am in my cycle. The different phases of the cycle are represented by different beads so you always know where you are. The bracelet also comes with a handy pamphlet to tell you about the different phases and where to focus your attention and energy.
These two methods combined allow me to know which phase of my cycle I’m in and help me to prioritize my needs so that I can better show up for myself and others in work and play.
Becoming conscious of my cycle is the first step. Once I am, I can plan and intend some of my schedule around this and that’s what I’ll talk about next.
Mid month I usually find myself getting organized for the upcoming few months.
I plan most of my events 1 - 3 months ahead. I use a combination of calendars to plan events and find this helps me immensely. When I have the most energy I can serve the best and when I have less energy I can go into my cave and focus on self nourishment.
First I look at the lunar calendar and select dates around the lunar cycle.
I like hosting events around the new and full moons so I’ll start there.
I then overlay my own cycle calendar and see which lunar events are closest to my follicular and ovulation times because this is when I’ll have the most power.
I select dates that match both of these times for the highest good of all involved.
I then also take into consideration any other prominent dates like equinoxes, solstices and national and internationally celebrated days (for example, in September there will be a noteworthy gathering on International Day of Peace).
I pray to the universe that the folks who are meant to be there are in attendance and set the dates in my calendar.
Once I have all of this information and my dates I begin the next phases of planning. I set the events up on my website when they’re ready and go from there. When the events roll around I feel calm and prepared.
Before I did this practice of cycle tracking I wasn’t able to maximize my energy as well and I wasn't as efficient with my sacred time and energy.
Now I am so glad I’m able to plan some of my schedule around this and also have an awareness of the different needs throughout the “month”.
I am easier on myself at times and it explains another layer of why sometimes I’m able to do so much and other times I need more support.
If you happen to have a “moon cycle” you may benefit from knowing which specific phase you are in as well (again follicular, ovulation, luteal, premenstrual, bleed). It can give you an awareness of your body's unique needs and why you may be feeling a certain way.
All of us may not be able to plan our whole schedule around this, myself included, but having this awareness can bring about small changes that can contribute to you coming into more balance holistically throughout your month. It can lead to less burnout. Also this practice of cycle awareness can contribute to deeper self understanding and can help you to “keep your side of the street clean” by first knowing and then meeting your own needs a little better at a time.
If you have a cycle do you track it? What tools do you find helpful? Leave a comment below.
Photo credit: Milly Sime (@millymoose7)