I hesitated to post this, because this question might trigger all kinds of reactions.
I went to a conference on menopause last month that focused solely on its medical and professional aspects.
The speakers talked about symptoms, gave recommendations on lifestyle, diet, exercise and debated about the employer’s responsibility in the workplace. A nice start.
What I noticed though was the absence of a broader perspective, one that includes the cultural, psychological, existential and spiritual dimensions of the journey of being a woman.
As an NLP Coach, Executive Leadership Coach and former Yoga instructor, I work with people’s beliefs, mindset, energy and body, and all these elements are connected.
Leadership and self-leadership include the way we relate to our body.
And neuroscience confirms that the body has its own intelligence, which shapes how we think, feel, and lead.
But Western culture sees the body as something separate from the concept of “you,” as if the mind were superior.
If you are reader you may know this quote:
“Mr. Duffy lived a short distance from his body.” – James Joyce, Dubliners
This is the core of the question.
Because the belief systems we inherit from culture and society shape how women experience not only menopause, but their entire relationship with their body.
If our culture talks about menopause as “a painful but inevitable condition and here is the list of symptoms”, we will look for them, find them, and draw the same conclusions.
And if our culture treats menopause with silence and shame, or frames it through victimhood or entitlement, what does that reveal about our relationship with the body? And with life itself?
You can choose to believe that it is a delight to be in a woman’s body that is non-linear and alive with its deep organic wisdom.
You can choose to experience your body not as an image to control or sculpt, but as a vessel of wisdom, a lifelong friend to treat with deep respect and trust.
You can choose a narrative where being in a woman’s body becomes a source of wonder, curiosity and pleasure. Because many women are actually feeling happier, lighter, freer in this stage of their lives. I am one of them.
Are you friends with your body? Do you speak to your 32 billion cells?
If not, what is in the way?
Menopause, including peri- or post-menopause, is a rich time filled with opportunities for learning, healing, reconnection to self, clarity and freedom.
I am passionate about helping women and men build a constant dialogue and friendship with their ally, the body.
Because leadership is holistic.
Mens sana in corpore sano, as the Romans say.
It’s the Summer now, (except for my Aussie friends!), and my wish for you is to pause and reflect on these questions:
What do you believe about menopause? Or andropause? About your body?
And how have these beliefs shaped your experience?
Let’s share ideas, I would love to hear from you.
Leadershipforwomen SelfLeadership Menopause ConsciousLiving Personalgrowth NLP BeliefSystems
