Introduction

For too many women, the menstrual cycle remains cloaked in silence, shrouded in shame or indifference. We grow up hearing that premenstrual syndrome (PMS) is simply a part of life, that pain is unavoidable, and that there is something fundamentally wrong with our bodies. This narrative casts a long shadow, teaching us to disconnect from our inherent wisdom, as if we are somehow broken. But this could not be further from the truth.

In reality, our menstrual cycle is a doorway to profound awareness. By tuning into the natural rhythms of our bodies, we can step away from the old, tired story of pain and enter a new realm — one where we reclaim our power, our health, and our sense of self. This is not some distant dream; it’s an invitation to every woman. If you learn to track your cycle, you’ll begin to notice its subtle intelligence and how it weaves through your daily life. By embracing this practice, I moved from a mindset of Periods = Pain into the knowing that Menstrual Cycle = Magic. And I hope my journey inspires you to do the same.

A Journey of Discovery

At 18, I began taking the contraceptive pill, remaining on it until I was 32. When I came off the pill, I experienced my natural cycle for the first time in years, along with wild emotional swings. One moment, I felt certain of my life’s direction, making grand plans; the next, I felt trapped, spiralling into confusion and sadness. It was as if my soul were split in two. At times, I even wondered if I had bipolar disorder. Despite crafting a life I wanted, I couldn’t escape the extremes.

Sharing my experiences with my family helped me realise that these highs and lows were part of me but not the entirety of my being. I came to accept that I felt things deeply, perhaps more deeply than most. I leaned into the tools I had gathered over the years, trusting that somewhere within me lay the potential for balance.

A Moment of Realisation

It wasn’t until I attended a yoga workshop that everything began to click into place. My teacher spoke about the two energies within our menstrual cycle, and suddenly, the fog lifted. It was as if she had been recounting my life back to me – each season, each phase of the cycle, illuminated the emotional turbulence I had been experiencing for so long.

Tears filled my eyes as I realised I was not alone. I wasn’t broken; I was cyclical. I started tracking my cycle, jotting down my observations daily. Within a few months, clear patterns began to emerge. My extreme highs and lows mirrored the energy shifts of my cycle. It was both a revelation and a relief – I could finally understand myself in a way I never had before.

I recognised that I had been living a life that didn’t honour my cyclical nature. The constant push to perform, to be ‘on’ all the time, was pulling me away from my truth. But as I began to align with my cycle, particularly granting myself permission to rest in the lead-up to and during my bleed, the emotional lows lost their grip. I could sit with my feelings, explore them, and let them flow.

Embracing the Inner Critic

One of the greatest lessons I learned was how to embrace my inner critic—the voice that often surfaces during our inner autumn, the week before we bleed. Rather than pushing her away, I began to listen. She wasn’t there to destroy me; she was trying to guide me back to my soul’s purpose.

Her message was clear: I wasn’t living in alignment with my true self. I had a passion for empowering women, but I wasn’t honouring it fully. Once I began to heed her feedback and take action, everything changed. My lows weren’t as low anymore, and my inner critic became my greatest ally. She now stands beside me, guiding me and keeping me aligned with my truth.

A New Path

This transformation didn’t go unnoticed. Other women began asking me what had changed, and I was eager to share the practice of menstrual cycle awareness. This led me to apply for the Menstruality Leadership Programme with the Red School in 2020 – a journey that deepened my understanding of myself and my work.

Throughout the Menstruality Leadership Programme, I spent the year working intimately with my cycle. I confronted myself in ways I had never done before, taking responsibility for my healing and growth. What I learned during that time changed the course of my life and equipped me with the tools to support other women in their journey toward menstruality. Teaching and sharing this wisdom is my soul’s work. As I reflect on this journey, I no longer shy away from who I am. For too long, I played small, fearing I was too much. No more. I’ve stepped into my power, and now I’m here to guide other women to do the same.

Finding Peace

Today, I stand at the conclusion of my Menstruality Leadership journey and the end of a full year of tracking my menstrual cycle. As I sat in our final circle, Alexandra asked us how we felt. My answer was simple: peace. Not just in this moment, during my inner summer, but throughout my entire cycle. Even in moments when my inner critic reappears, I hear her message. She speaks to me with wisdom and clarity, reminding me to live in alignment with my truth.

The Cycle of Transformation

It is possible to transform emotional highs and lows into a stable, grounded energy. I am living proof. The days that once left me in a heap on the floor now pass with ease. By embracing my cycle and listening to its wisdom, I have come to realise that magic lies within it.

Every woman has access to this power, to the potential for transformation that comes from understanding her cycle. I no longer subscribe to the narrative that “Periods = Pain.” Instead, I believe deeply that “Our Menstrual Cycle = Magic,” and I hope you will come to see the magic within yourself too.

Awaken with Soraya

Are you ready to embody the wisdom of your womb and awaken the woman within? If you’re ready to embody a new way of living rooted in feminine power, deeply knowing yourself speaking your truth and being an advocate for a brighter future for all, I invite you to learn how you can work with me.