Mother nature is our greatest teacher and the season of Autumn has many lessons to teach us. Here are 3 life lessons we can learn from Autumn

Thanks to my menstrual cycle awareness and yoga practices, there are 5 simple (and free!) practices I always come back to that ground me. These are my non-negotiables ~ they bring me back into balance, back into my body and back into connection with myself. Here are my 5 summer self-care essentials…

What's happening in your body?

Your progesterone level continues to rise before falling, along with oestrogen if you're not pregnant. Much like the season of Autumn, this is a time of harvesting, editing and letting go. Just as the animals prepare for winter during this season, our bodies are preparing to bleed. You may notice that your energy levels begin to fall as your awareness turns inwards. You may feel less social and favour alone time.

What's happening in your body?

Your oestrogen levels peak and an egg is released. Your testosterone levels also peak. After ovulation occurs, progesterone is released. Much like the season of Summer, this is a time of celebration, joy and gratitude. You may notice that your energy levels are at their highest point and you feel ready for action and adventure. Alternatively, with the peaking of your hormones, you may feel overwhelmed and frazzled. (Remember there is no right or wrong, there is just your experience of how you feel)

What's happening in your body? Your uterine lining begins to thicken as your body prepares for ovulation. With the gradual increase in oestrogen, your energy levels begin to rise again. Plus testosterone increases on the last few days of this phase. Much like the season of Spring, this is a time of new beginnings, fresh perspective and possibility/potential/hope. As our energy levels begin to grow, we feel like going out into the world more.

Your hormones are all at their lowest levels during this phase as the uterine lining breaks down. Much like the season of winter, this is a time of slowing down & hibernation, of rest & stillness, of reflection & release. How I feel: Since I started tracking my cycle, I look forward to being on my period. I never thought I would say that but it's true! During the first few days of my period I feel tender, soft and slow. I am acutely aware of my body - especially my womb space. I rest as much as I can and when that's not possible (because ya know - life!) I do only what's absolutely necessary - slowly. Very, very slowly. How I support myself: My rituals during this phase ~ an ending of one cycle and the beginning of the next ~ are some of my favourite.

How many moments in your life can you look back on and say "that's the one that altered the trajectory of my life in the best possible way"?

A collection of journal entries from the bleed phase of my cycle.

Hatha yoga teaches that we each have a feminine and masculine side. The right side (ha) is the masculine side and is represented by the sun and the left side (tha) is the feminine side and is represented by the moon. The purpose of yoga is to balance both of these energies to create harmony.