Falling in love with your cycle again – “Summer” Phase

by Nicola Rottkord
December 27, 2021
in Beauty, Health, Life & Style, Tips & Tricks
0

Today we’re talking about the cycle phase “Summer” – the second phase after menstruation. It is that time around ovulation when most menstruators are gifted with a higher energy level. So this article is not so much about learning to love this phase again! Rather, it is about how to find out when we ovulate, what challenges await us then, as well as the aspects of pleasure, fullness and sexuality. My desire with this article, and the entire series, is to be more accepting of menstruation by celebrating and integrating it more willingly into our lives. And I am happy for each person I can accompany on their way to celebrating their menstruation cycle – or their partner’s ?

It is extremely important to note that I am not a doctor. In this article, I share my own experiences, observations, and what I have learned from reading. I also assume a 28-day cycle, but each cycle varies individually between 21 or 37 days, which is completely normal.

Our Body

The “summer” phase of the cycle is the phase that encompasses ovulation: the egg has matured and is ready to pop. This time is roughly between the 11th and 20th day of your cycle.

The hormone estrogen, which dominates the second phase of the cycle, reaches its peak. The follicle bursts and the mature egg is washed into the fallopian tubes and slowly moves towards the uterus, which has prepared itself for the implantation of the egg. We menstruators are now particularly fertile, and whether you want to have children or not, this is definitely the time to be extra careful – or careless, depending ?

Some of us feel a pulling sensation in the abdomen during ovulation. If you don’t feel this, there are several methods to find out when you are ovulating, which also have the plus point of getting to know your body better, in general.

When do I ovulate?

Here are two methods ✌️

Method ‘numero uno’ is taking your temperature. You will take your temperature, also called “basal body temperature”, throughout your cycle after getting up and before going to the toilet. You can record this manually or in an app – there are already several available for this purpose from which to choose. *You’ll find some Amazingy app tips at the bottom.* The basal body temperature in the first half of the cycle is slightly lower than in the second half; it drops shortly before ovulation, then rises by about 0.3 – 0.5 degrees. After menstruation, it drops again.

With the second method, you observe your cervical mucus. Around the time of ovulation, you have much more discharge, the cervical mucus is more glassy and produces threads, which look a bit like egg whites. The signs start a few days before; they allow the sperm to survive longer and slip into the uterus more easily.

Pimp your cervical mucus:

1 tsp. of flaxseed (taken orally daily or mixed in cereal) improves the quality of your cervical mucus during the first half of your cycle.

Why would you want to pimp your cervical mucus? The better the quality of your cervical mucus, the more easily the sperm will be able to slide into the uterus.

“Summer” Phase

The term “summer” comes from the cycle model we use for seasons and also signifies “the mother” in us. This means the caring, understanding, emphatic, big-hearted part of us, which now has the energy to implement the plans made during the “spring” cycle.

First of all, let’s think about summer in nature. What do you see in your mind’s eye when you think of it? What smells and tastes emerge? Maybe you can even close your eyes for a moment and let summer bloom… too weird? Or are you sitting in the office? Then dream with your eyes open 🙂

The thought of summer triggers tummy tingles in me. I associate this time with many different fresh scents, colors, with warmth and sensuality. Turning my gaze to nature, I observe how the trees and plants have reached their full splendor, dropping fresh, colorful fruits and vegetables.

For many of us, this time is therefore also influenced by the aspects of pleasure, abundance and sexuality. We are particularly fertile, full of energy and blooming. Many people feel an increased desire for sex during this time, to show themselves off, to go out and to connect.

The Challenge

The crux of the energy we now have at our disposal is that, again, we need to learn how to manage it well. You probably feel less of a desire for rest and quiet, but you also need it now, too ? So plan for it in this time, as well.

We have more energy than in any other phase so we can easily take on several roles, implement a lot of things and also spread joy – but we should not forget ourselves. If you feel rather tired or listless, it is worthwhile to take a deeper look within and to give yourself more rest not only now, but perhaps also throughout the other phases, too.

Consciously schedule time for self-care and maintain your energy levels. What demotivates you in your everyday life? Maybe you have already unconsciously created time for rest? The downsides of “motherhood” are overprotectiveness, self-sacrifice, and forgetting yourself. With a little “me-time”, you can counteract this. Again, the 1% Rule applies – anything that brings you 1% closer to your goal is worth a lot. Be kind!

A few suggestions to give yourself a little break: prepare your favourite tea and take time to drink it; meditate; take a short walk, maybe without your cell phone; consciously listen to your favourite song; or give your tummy a little massage.

A massage for your belly:

*Tip from the Weaving Cycle Workshop*

Take your favourite oil and spread a small amount of it in your hands, warm it up a bit and place your hands on your belly for first contact. Let them linger there for a moment and direct your focus to how your hands move up and down through your breathing. Then begin the massage by rotating your hands clockwise, from bottom right to top left to bottom left. Your bowels work in this direction, so it is beneficial to maintain it. Be gentle!

Pleasure, Fullness & Sexuality

Summer in nature is full of pleasure and abundance. Ripe vegetables and fruits invite us to enjoy – all the abundance of nature is present and gifts us with its yields. It is a very enjoyable and fruitful time. Truly!

Enjoyment – How do you perceive enjoyment? What brings you pleasure? For me personally, enjoyment is eating with friends or family, walking barefoot in the forest or park, or noticing different smells and tastes when eating delicious food.

Abundance – What gives you the feeling of abundance? How do you bring it into your life? For me, for example, abundance means dancing, having my friends around me and laughing A LOT.

Sexuality – What do you associate with sexuality? Do you have the feeling that you are allowed to live it out? Look inwards, towards your needs, because sexuality is something super personal and everyone has a different idea of it. For example, it can simply be a sensual massage or the delicate touch of a feather on the skin.

Further questions for reflection:

Who are you as a person? How do you want to be?
Which of your senses are most stimulated?
How do you feel in nature in the summer? Or how would you like to feel?
What do you particularly enjoy, and why?
What do you enjoy less, and why?
Where are challenges showing up for you and how do you meet them?
Where are you putting your energy? And is that what you want to use it for?
What image of femininity do you embody?
How do you want to live out your sexuality and are you allowed to?

Amazingy App Tips:

*In all apps, you can enter much more besides the basal body temperature – for example, whether you’ve exercised, your desire for sex and whether you’ve had sex, level of pain, general mood, conditions of cervical mucus… A calendar or app can help you uncover yet undiscovered patterns like mood swings or pain.