Menopause is the threshold that every midlife woman must cross. One sure thing we know about this transition—It signals the end of fertility. But do we have a purpose past childbearing?

Menopause transforms just as powerfully as did puberty. In that first transition, we went from children to adults, potential carriers of new life. In this second transition, we are poised to become women of vision and nurturers of society.

Before you groan, know this. The hormonal changes that happen at Menopause encourage a balance between our personal needs and the needs of others. If you felt like you were everyone's doormat during adulthood, take heart. As we go from adulthood to maturity, testosterone levels increase. Your newfound assertiveness may be attributed to this “masculine” hormone.

At the same time, access to inner vision opens. Dr. Christiane Northrup's revolutionary contribution to the Menopause conversation is her observation that LH and FSH, brain chemicals that regulate ovulation, also correlate to increased intuition. These brain hormones may be 1,000 times higher in post-menopausal women than in ovulating women.

What is Menopause for? Dr. Joan Borysenko replies, at midlife a woman “becomes a visionary with the heart and guts to create change.”

Learn more by attending the FREE presentation, “Everything You Want to Know About Natural Menopause,” Sunday, January 23, 1:30 p.m. at Breathe Books, 810 W. 36 Street, 410-235-READ.

Yoga Practice – Child's Pose

Cuddling up in Child's pose reminds me of drinking a cup of hot chocolate and climbing into bed with my favorite teddy.

Begin by gathering lots of pillows, bolsters and blankets. Make a pillow pile in front of you, long enough to cradle your torso and head. Slide your legs on either side of this support. Put pillows under you bottom and rolled towels behind your knees and under you ankles, as necessary.

Sink into the pillows, your face to one side. Do you need a cushion under your head? Pad and prop yourself until you are supremely comfortable. Cover yourself with blankets, or get a friend to do it for you. Wrap your arms around the pillow pile and sink in for a “long winter's nap.”

Breathe slowly and deeply. Feel you abdomen soften against the pillows. Let go. Stay for 20 minutes, the time it takes for the body to completely relax. As you let go, you may find your back lengthening or legs falling asleep. Give yourself the freedom to readjust the supports or your body for maximum comfort.

Playing meditative music or burning incense may add to the sensuality of your enjoyment. If you cannot get away for winter cruise at least give yourself this mini-vacation.

Product— Women's Don Quai Tonic

On a recent trip to Fresh Fields I found a treasure trove of Women's Teas. I piled them into my cart to test drive for my readers. Women's Don Quai Tonic by Yogi Tea inspired love at first sip. According the package, Don Quai Tonic “is an effective and organic way to lessen fatigue, restore your energy and balance your hormones.” Along with this famous women's herb, the formula includes other stalwarts, such as Nettle, Dandelion Root and Juniper Berry .

This delicious mixture feels smooth going down. Its gentle, sustaining energy contrasts with the caffeine buzz from coffee, chocolate or cola. There are no warnings on the label.

Resource – The Wisdom of Menopause by Dr. Christiane Northrup

If you read only one book on Menopause, make it this one. The subtitle, “Creating Physical and Emotional Health and Healing During the Change,” speaks volumes of the range of issues addressed. Founder of Women to Women (a health center) and past President of the American Holistic Health Association, Dr. Northrup writes with authority, wisdom and compassion in a clear and personal style. Here you will find answers to all your questions about symptoms, HRT, and the larger meaning of Menopause. To quote the book jacket, “The Change is not simply a collection of physical symptoms to be fixed…but a mind-body revolution that brings the greatest opportunity for growth since adolescence.”

Make the Most of Your Transition

Information at workshops or call 410-828-4443.

joanna108@yogahealth.us

Original Art by Ana Grillo