Forage & Gather-Navigating the Sacred Labyrinth of Menopause
Plus introducing a terrific new Menopause community and a Refreshing Strawberry Soup recipe!
Blessed Summer Solstice to all! As we celebrate this day of abundant light, let’s reflect together on the journey of growth and transformation, akin to walking a labyrinth—each turn and twist offering a new lesson and perspective. As we welcome the enchanting glow of the Summer Solstice, we are also graced with the radiant beauty of the Strawberry Moon, also called the Mead Moon—an auspicious alignment that infuses the longest day of the year with the full moon's mystic energies. The Strawberry Moon, named by the Algonquin tribes for the season of ripening strawberries, symbolizes fertility, abundance, and renewal.
This celestial event invites us to embrace the fruitful abundance around us and within our lives. As the moon casts its full, luminous light on the night of the Solstice, it offers a powerful moment to set intentions for growth and renewal, magnifying the transformative energy of menopause. This rare convergence of the Strawberry Moon and the Summer Solstice provides a profound opportunity to reflect on our journey, celebrate the fertility of our creativity, and nurture the seeds of change we wish to cultivate in the coming cycle.
Today, I share with you a journey that has been deeply personal and transformative—navigating the Sacred Labyrinth of Menopause, a path that unfolds uniquely for each who walks it.
The labyrinth serves as a profound symbol for a woman's journey, especially during transformative periods such as menopause. Unlike a maze, which confounds with dead ends and trick turns, a labyrinth has a single, clear path that leads to the center and back out again, symbolizing a journey to the inner self and back to the world with renewed understanding. For women, walking a labyrinth can mirror the intricate, introspective journey through life's phases, offering a space for meditation, reflection, and the discovery of inner truths. It encourages a rhythmic pace and movement that soothes the mind, allowing walkers to shed worries and distractions as they delve deeper into the core of their being. Emerging from a labyrinth, a woman might find herself more grounded, carrying clarity and the strength gained from introspection, embodying the wisdom required to navigate life's next chapter with grace.
As I entered this symbolic but ancient maze, my steps were met with unexpected twists: sudden aches and pains sprouting like weeds along the path, reminders of a body changing with the seasons. My years as a competitive rider had acquainted me well with pain yet the dance of menopause brought a new rhythm of discomfort, fueled by the ebbing tide of estrogen. This vital hormone that once coursed through my body, suddenly waned without warning, leaving my joints devoid of their natural lubricant and more susceptible to the thorns of pain and stiffness. Hot flashes swept through like sudden gusts of desert heat, intensifying each sensation.
In search of relief, I walked deeper into the labyrinth, guided by the healing wisdom of nature. I embraced a diet rich in anti-inflammatory foods such as turmeric, known for its potent curcuminoid compounds, and ginger, which offers powerful anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. Omega-3 fatty acids found in fish like salmon and in flax seeds also became staples, helping to reduce inflammation throughout the body. Dark leafy greens, nuts, and seeds, abundant in antioxidants, further supported my journey, reducing oxidative stress and inflammation.
Herbs also played a crucial role as my companions through this labyrinth. I incorporated herbal teas made from willow bark, a natural source of salicin which the body converts into a pain-relieving and anti-inflammatory compound. I also used nettle, which not only reduces inflammation but can help support hormonal balance and alleviate menopausal symptoms. Boswellia, often used in traditional medicine for its excellent anti-inflammatory properties, became a regular part of my regimen, helping to ease joint pain and stiffness. Ashwagandha and Maca were helpful and powerful allies for navigating the tumultuous waters of my menopause. Ashwagandha, a revered herb in Ayurvedic medicine, is known for its remarkable adaptogenic properties, helping the body to manage stress and balance hormones. It soothes the nervous system and enhances endocrine function, which can be particularly beneficial in alleviating some of the common symptoms of menopause such as mood swings and sleep disturbances. On the other hand, Maca, a root native to the Andes, is often referred to as "Peruvian Ginseng." It works as a natural energizer and is celebrated for its ability to increase stamina and combat fatigue. Rich in minerals and essential fatty acids, Maca also supports hormonal balance, providing a natural boost to the libido and improving overall vitality. Used together, Ashwagandha and Maca offered me even more relief addressing both the physical and emotional aspects with their healing properties, and creating a synergy that fosters resilience and renewal during this transformative phase.
Movement became an essential part of my journey through the labyrinth. Each step, whether in gentle stretches at dawn or through strength-building exercises, helped to smooth the path ahead, easing the stiffness that menopause brought along. Embracing the dynamic flow of Gabrielle Roth's Five Rhythms, I found a profound way to express and explore the shifting landscapes within. This practice of moving meditation, through flowing, staccato, chaos, lyrical, and stillness, allowed me to physically manifest and work through the emotional and spiritual challenges of menopause. It became not just exercise, but a dance of liberation and discovery.
In moments of morning discomfort, when the path seemed most daunting, I found solace in the quiet practices of meditation and Reiki. Performing full body scans, I walked internally through the labyrinth of my being, tuning into each signal and message my body conveyed. Regular massages provided waypoints of relief and care, nurturing my body back to ease, supported by a wise doctor who understood the interconnected dance of symptoms and holistic solutions.
Dancing in the kitchen with Jim not only revived my spirit but also rejuvenated my joints, transforming each step into a joyful dance. Swimming offered a refreshing plunge into soothing waters, providing relief and buoyancy amidst the weight of bodily aches.
This walk through the labyrinth, like tending a garden through the seasons, taught me the profound power of holistic care—blending nature’s remedies with joyful movement and moments of stillness. It’s a path marked by discomfort, yes, but also rich with discovery and renewal, teaching me to tend the garden of my body with patience and grace. In every step and every turn within the labyrinth, there lies potential for healing and transformation.
Navigating the labyrinth of menopause is a journey best shared with fellow travelers who are also learning to understand its twists and turns. Finding a community of women who are also walking this path can provide invaluable support, understanding, and companionship. Together, you can share experiences, advice, and encouragement that make the journey less daunting and more enriching. Whether through local support groups, online forums, or informal gatherings, connecting with others in this phase of life can help demystify menopause and transform it into a period of empowerment and growth. These connections not only provide emotional comfort but also a wealth of shared knowledge—from practical tips on managing symptoms to deeper insights into embracing this change. Walking this labyrinth with others offers a reminder that you are not alone, and that menopause, much like any significant life transition, can be a gateway to new discoveries and friendships. I have recently joined a wonderful online group for women in all stages of menopause called The Fuschia Tent and I think you’d love it. There’s group coaching and there’s cocktail parties. There are incredible resources to help guide you through this journey! It’s a totally empowering and exciting group of women to be with and our discussions are so full of wisdom and joy. There’s a 14 day free trial to wet your appetite. Wherever you are on this journey, come and play with us!
Menopause, in its essence, is a profound alchemy—a transformative process that enlivens the very core of our being. As we navigate through this labyrinthine journey, we witness the metamorphosis of our physical, emotional, and spiritual selves. It is a period where the familiar ebbs away, making room for new strengths and insights to emerge. This transition, often marked by its challenging symptoms, is also a powerful invitation to embrace our inner wisdom and reconnect with the deeper rhythms of life. Each symptom, each wave of change, serves as a catalyst, urging us to explore and integrate the latent parts of ourselves. As we learn to harmonize with these shifts, menopause becomes not just a phase to endure but a significant life passage to honor and celebrate. It is an alchemy that refines us, leaving us more authentic and potent than we were before—a true renaissance of the spirit.
This delightful chilled strawberry soup combines the sweetness of honey with the refreshing tastes of basil and spearmint, creating a perfect summer dish to cool off during warm days or to celebrate the magic of the Summer Solstice and the Strawberry Moon. Here's how you can make it:
Ingredients:
4 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and halved
1/4 cup fresh basil leaves
1/4 cup fresh spearmint leaves
3 tablespoons honey (adjust based on sweetness of strawberries and personal preference)
1 cup plain yogurt (for a richer soup, you can use Greek yogurt, or for a vegan version, use coconut yogurt)
1/2 cup white grape juice
1 teaspoon lemon zest
1 tablespoon lemon juice
A pinch of salt
Optional for garnish:
Whole strawberries
Small basil and spearmint leaves
Drizzle of honey
Edible flowers (such as violets or additional strawberry blossoms, if available)
Instructions:
1. Prep the Herbs and Strawberries:
- In a blender or food processor, combine the strawberries, basil leaves, and spearmint leaves. Blend these until the mixture is smooth.
2. Add Liquids and Seasonings:
- To the strawberry and herb mixture, add the honey, yogurt, white grape juice, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Blend again until all the ingredients are well incorporated and the mixture is smooth. Taste and add a pinch of salt to enhance the flavors—this will bring out the sweetness and the herbal notes.
3. Chill the Soup:
- Transfer the soup to a large bowl or container. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or ideally overnight, to allow the flavors to meld and the soup to thoroughly chill.
4. Serve:
- Give the soup a good stir as it may have settled a bit in the fridge. Pour into chilled bowls or cups. Garnish with whole strawberries, a sprinkle of freshly chopped basil and spearmint leaves, a drizzle of honey, and edible flowers for a beautiful presentation.
- For an extra touch of elegance, you can add a splash of sparkling water or white wine to the soup before serving, giving it a slightly fizzy texture that makes it even more refreshing.
This chilled strawberry, honey, basil, and spearmint soup is not only a treat for the palate but also a feast for the eyes, making it a perfect dish to enjoy on a lazy summer afternoon or a special evening under the Strawberry Moon. Enjoy this sweet, aromatic, and refreshing soup as a unique start to a meal or as a light dessert.
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