Isn't a woman's monthly cycle fascinating? Not only is her body preparing physically to conceive, but emotionally and physiologically she is also preparing for what Motherhood will bring.
I started to chart when I had been breastfeeding my firstborn for six months. Knowing I planned to breastfeed for as long as my daughter was interested, I had no desire to take birth control pills and the thought of my husband using a sleeve wasn't appealing either. I searched the nearest Chapters to find a planned parenthood book and found one published by the Catholic church. I am not catholic, but was interested in reading more. As it turned out, my breasts were the source of comfort, food and entertainment for my daughter, so I had plenty of time to sit and read.
In the beginning, the thought of charting was a bit daunting. Checking my cervical fluid for elasticity, knowing whether my cervix was high or low, taking my temperature every morning...ew, who does that?! Not committed 100%, I charted on and off for a few months until my daughter was nearing one year old. It was when I wanted to conceive another child I dove head first into daily charting. I knew my daily waking temperature, the day my period would start, the day it would end, when my cervix was low, firm and closed or high, soft and open, what my cervical fluid was like, how it looked and the exact day of my ovulation. My husband was not interested to hear any of the details, just wanted to know when we'd have sex.
Charting worked like a charm, we conceived our second child and eventually our third child. I no longer chart, but because I spent so many years tuned into my body I still know what part of my cycle I'm in. Once tuned into my body, I could even feel the egg bursting out of my ovary! Amazing.
Ovulation is a beautiful thing! Emotionally, I can take on the world when I'm close to ovulating and the days following. I am on a natural, albeit hormonal, high. It's my best time of the month to try new things, dare myself to change and have incredible intimacy with my husband. I feel vibrant, sexy and all of my senses are heightened.
I often wonder if other women feel the emotional changes. Are they tuned in to their body to notice the change? Many women notice the emotional changes the week preceding their period, the negative energy, the intensity of sadness, anger, frustration. I notice my self-confidence is a bit shaky and my critical inner voice talks a little bit louder.
By tuning in to the positive energy I feel during ovulation, I am now able to balance the negative that sometimes comes with my period. I know that during menses I need to be easier on myself. I remind myself the critical voice is only my ego, and if I place the voice in my heart center, it becomes soft and loving.
Yes, ovulation is a beautiful time in the monthly cycle....I wonder if I will feel the same when my daughters start their cycle.
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