The moon does it. The sea does it. The trees do it. The seasons do it. — And we do it too.

How did you feel the first time you noticed that streak of blood on your underwear or toilet paper. Did you feel scared, empowered, surprised or perhaps guilty? Who was there to help you? Was it your mother? Was it your father? Sister? Teacher? How has  your attitude towards menstruation changed in the years and cycles that have past.

It's a day in the life of every women, a spark of connection between race, class and age. We all get our periods, and once a month, we have an opportunity to connect with our bodies and ground ourselves in the rhythmic cycles of nature.

But our attitudes towards menstruation are not always so straightforward. Many of us have traumatic memories associated with that first flow, and cramps, mood swings, and a general feeling of uncleanliness do nothing to help repair our self image. Some choose to medicate their periods away all together with synthetic hormones. Most just dutifully except this as part of fate, and we go about our business, dreading its arrival and counting down the days until it is over.

But have you ever stepped back and wondered what the point of it all is? And I'm not talking on a scientific level, that we all learned way back in elementary school. We've all watched that video explaining the shedding of the uterine lining, and were probably told by our mothers that this signifies a change in status. You are a women now.

But on a holistic level— what can we learn about ourselves from the process of menstruation? How can it help us advance in our lives? What can our monthly process of menstruation teach us?

I don't think their is one clear answer. The answer will be different for each women. For myself, I've begun tap into menstruation as a message that it is ok to slow down.

 We live in a fast paced world that just keeps getting faster. We are moving up the ladder in the corporate world, making connections and advancements that enrich our lives and bring unprecedented opportunities to women. We nurture our children, carefully choosing the best schooling, food and extra curricular activities to suit their individual personalities. We  exercise, get together with friends, and even go on vacation once in a while.

But within all our advancements, and all the multitasking we so excel at, the need to slow everything down has been swept away. Nature teaches us about the innate process of waxing and waning. The moon does it. The sea does it. The trees do it. The seasons do it. And we do it too.

Part of my journey towards in becoming a more compassionate, content and passionate person has been using reusable menstrual products like cups and sponges, so that I can actually tap into the natural process of my body. I've learned no to be squeamish about my femininity. Reusables give me the control that can only come with  familiarity, and the insight to know how to sit back and enjoy the process.

What has menstruation taught you? How is your attitude effected by your parents approach toward your first period? How do you feel when that time of month begins? And what are you doing to improve your relationship with your femininity?

Let me know. I'd love to hear from you.

Click here to read some touching, but often sad stories about women's first periods. http://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2014/dec/27/day-i-got-my-first-period-menstruation-advice

Click here to visit ethicalfamilyplanning.com and begin to get in touch with your body's natural rhythms, instead of altering them with medicines and hormones.  http://ethicalfamilyplanning.com/