DAY ONE

I'm not usually happy to get my period. Either because it's a pain in the ass to wake up just a bit too late and have another thing to deal with. Or because it's unappetizing to put my fingers up my vagina in the woods and walk around for the rest of the day with blood-stained briefs. Or maybe, it's because I wished I had gotten accidentally knocked up that month ;)

Tonight...as I was out for dinner....I noticed my consciousness sink into my stomach, and then my abdomen, my hips, my womb. Stiffness. Pain. Cramps. And...excitement. Tonight, with my hot water on my belly and hot moon tea in my cup, I am contemplating my journey that begins today. To explore, a little bit deeper, the meaning of each change that happens mentally, physically, emotionally - throughout my cycle.

I've been doing this for a while. Years actually. And what I've learned has offered tremendous insight...from rash (sometimes disastrous) decisions, bad dreams and insomnia to creative inspiration and my monthly desire to go for a run. But keeping track on paper is always a challenge and I know that when I do, that menstrual map is going to introduce me to the self that I have struggled to understand.

I'm loving the moon mysteries chart and have to say that I looked forward to today when I could officially put it to good use.

Day 1: (psyche) Spacey, tired, down. (physical) Bloated, zitty, dry skin, itchy. (other) Creative/crafty energy, super bad insomnia last night. (dreams) Big fat piece of chocolate cake....really. (word) Release.