Woman's Wheel

Woman's wheel is about discovering the inner rhythms of the menstrual cycle and living in harmony wi Familiar story? What was your menstrual education?

Are you here because you have recently been floored by super-natural menstrual cramps like a shaolin death-grip? Or is it a few days before your period and panicked family members are actually fleeing from your path? (or are you one of those fleeing family members shouting ‘Help!’)

Are you wishing you could make sense of this irritable, bloated, (feel free to add/delete as applicable) self consci

ous, insecure, angry mess…. If you’re the kind of person who wants answers…..

…….then whatever you do, read on! The number of times we have all literally had to prize our still-asleep bodies from our beds on a Menstrual Monday, and either give tirelessly to our children all day, or stumble clumsily out of the door to work, leaving behind spilt cups of tea and scattered debris in our wake. And that’s not the worst of it – unsympathetic colleagues, bloating, period pain in tight unforgiving office clothing….. Plus all those spacey forgetful moments (that always happen when you’re supposed to be concentrating!) when the world around you feels like an irritating buzzing mosquito, and you just wish either you could speed up, or it could slow down…. Other than wham-bam-super-quick anatomy lessons in biology, a one-to-one chat with a well-meaning family member, or brief school-organised presentations about periods, did anyone really teach you how your cycle worked? Science has given us an incredibly long list of measurable bodily changes that take place during the menstrual cycle. But what difference would it have made to your life if someone had told you that understanding and working with the menstrual cycle, could powerfully support and enrich you both psychologically and physically right up until your menopause? Wouldn’t that have been better than the old-fashioned menstrual mantra ‘keep on going as if nothing were happening’! It’s a relationship…
The relationship between us as women and our menstrual cycle is intrinsic; it’s a central part of our core femininity linked to not only menstruation but our fertility. This relationship may be neglected, buried by over-domestication, outlawed by surrounding culture, or no longer understood. But deep within us all is power and knowledge with far-reaching effects, and with the potential to change not only our lives, but those around us. We are incredibly blessed in that we don’t have to do anything; the cycle is given to us for free! Flowing with change is more healthy than fighting against it, and women are change. Between ovulation and menstruation and back again our bodies undergo a series of very varied major physical and emotional changes; from basal temperature and metabolism, to lung capacity, adrenal function, psychic activities, pain threshold, and emotional changes….. I could go on (!) but the point I want to make is this. If women see these normal natural physical and emotional changes as an illness or an inconvenience, and subconsciously fights the flow, she can place stress on her system and this stress could lead to illness.

“The exhaustion that pain brings arises because we resist it. The thing is to learn to go with the pain, to ride it.” Jetsunma Tenzin Palmo

Woman’s wheel is about strengthening this inner relationship and bridging the gap between our intrinsic nature and our modern lifestyle, helping women tune in to the dynamics of their own unique cycle, exploring a new way to live holistically and harmoniously with their changing energy, and practising skills like self-observation and mindfulness, self-acceptance, and discernment, for positive change. This work is not just for women. Menstruation affects everyone. I believe that society itself would benefit from a deeper understanding of this powerful cycle. Because when women feel empowered and free, so do their partners and children. I’m for equality. We are all humans, we are all navigating our way through this thing we call life, experiencing the highs and the lows, such as pressure from the media with consumerism, our image etc, and pressure from a society that unrealistically demands perpetual rising growth with no natural fall. So let’s all work together with love and compassion for each other – this is the future! To join in with my next Magical Menstrual Tour visit www.womanswheelworldwide.wordpress.com

24/10/2020

Dörte, a woman I once met through Red School has just been in touch to let me know she's designed this 2021 Journal for menstrual cycle tracking. It's called Weaving Cycles. I've just looked at her video of what the journal looks like (see link); and it looks phenomenal. A real body of exceptional work! If you know anyone who would like to stock this, or if you want to buy one, please get in touch directly with her. I'm wanting to support her, I'm not getting any special treats for posting this message :) (Only the special treat that more people are charting their cycles and getting into the heart of their own menstruality... which is actually a huge treat!!!)

Here's what other women said:
"This journal is for those who are wanting to heal and transform, come into intimacy and true connection with themselves and their cycle. Lou

"This journal is more than a menstrual cycle tracker. Dörte’s words are wise and the illustrations are very beautiful and powerful. This book is actually a ritual item! Recommended for every woman!" Susy

https://weavingcycles.com/en/weaving-cycles-2021/

Weaving Cycles 2021 ⋆ Weaving Cycles Cycle Journal 2021 This journal takes you on a journey to your wild, cyclical nature and helps you to connect to yourself and the power that lies in following your ... Read More

Why You Shouldn't Just Accept Your Period Symptoms, According To A Menstruality Educator

05/10/2020

Hello dear Ones, Here's my latest article about Menstruality and what it means to be a menstrual Educator. Go well Xx

https://www.peacefuldumpling.com/menstruality

Why You Shouldn't Just Accept Your Period Symptoms, According To A Menstruality Educator We sat down with menstruality educator and activist Jane Legge on why we shouldn't just accept period symptoms as "normal," and how to be healthy and

17/06/2020

It's my privilege to share this wonderful short film starring one of my friends Megan who is also an inspiring menstrual cycle activist! 'Seasons inside' is a short ethnographic study by Olivia Haywood Smith using the media of film to portray how one woman engages with her monthly menstrual cycle. This film investigates how engaging with the cycle can be both empowering and insightful. https://www.yoga-jams.com/olivia-haywood-smith

Olivia Haywood Smith | YOGA JAMS I am a recent Human Ecology BSc graduate from the University of Kent. As part of my final year I took a module called Visual Anthropology, where I made my first short ethnographic film: Seasons Inside.

28/05/2020

Today, 28th May, is Menstrual Hygiene Day. I've just finished my Menstruation Bracelet as a symbol to show my support for everything today stands for - a world where all are empowered to manage their menstruation safely, with confidence and without shame

07/06/2019

This photo is so beautiful...

How awesome. This will be a picture to treasure for a lifetime! 😍🙏

🌍🌍🌍

Raja Parba, Odisha's celebration of menstruation and womanhood

02/03/2018

A THREE DAY festival in Odisha to celebrate menstruation and womanhood - pure genius. Thank you India Xx Anyone fancy a three day festival in honour of Raja Parba sometime? :)

Raja Parba, Odisha's celebration of menstruation and womanhood Raja Parba, a three-day festival in Odisha, is a celebration of menstruation and womanhood. It is based on the belief that Mother Earth menstruates for those three days and she is given a ceremonial b...

24/02/2018

I'm one of the seven Red School Mentors supporting this online course along with Treesisters ~ It isn't too late to sign up ~ you still have two more days, and the first session is available as a recording if you sign up now. Love Jane Xx

https://www.wildpowercourse.com/

Wild Power Course Reclaim Your Menstrual Cycle: Reclaim your Feminine Power. A six-week online course with Alexandra Pope and Sjanie Hugo Wurlitzer, hosted by TreeSisters 20th February ~ 27th March.

Eco Femme - Pad for Pad (2017) (Eng Subs)

16/12/2017

The impact of buying a cloth pad from !! Incredible video, we are all doing such GOOD for the world with sustainable menstruation :) Thank You XxX

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pCL7wepl80E&feature=youtu.be

Eco Femme - Pad for Pad (2017) (Eng Subs) Did you know that for every cloth pad you purchase outside of India, we gift one to a girl here in rural India? Our Pad for Pad programme aims to reach girls...

16/12/2017

The Red Tent directory has grown so much and is now burgeoning with literally hundreds of Tents all over the country and beyond!! The newsletter is incredible this month as ever, featuring wise words about menopause. Whatever stage you are in your life cycle I recommend you read this and pursue the work of Red School. Thank you Red Tent Directory for providing this service to women!!!! Xx

Midwinter, menopause and the crone! This month’s newsletter is going deep into the soil of transformation. We are talking about menopause as a parallel festival to winter solstice; the turn of the wheel to that transitional moment in the body and soul of a woman and how it mirrors the changing cycles in the roots and branches of our...

15/12/2017

To anyone stuck as to how to introduce their daughter to the menstrual cycle, have a look at Lilith's Treasure. Endorsed by Miranda Gray and Dr Christiane Northrup this book is now translated into English and is available now!!

I was contacted by Carla to help spread the word about her work. In Carla's words: "Lilith’s Treasure is a tale in images and words aimed at girls and women, families and people of all ages that explores topics such as the sexual organs of girls, menarche, the stages of the menstrual cycle and pleasure through metaphors, gently transmitting the beauty, power and profound wisdom that inhabit our female bodies.

I chose metaphors in order to help us - as mothers, aunts, friends, teachers… - share information in accordance with the age and needs of the reader, so that every girl can ask her parents exactly the questions she’s interested in, and every girl and woman can relate to the beauty and tenderness that Lilith’s Treasure conveys in the way she needs to at any given moment of her life. Lilith’s message goes directly to our unconsciousness.

I would have loved to grow up with all this knowledge, with this beautiful sense of the power and dignity of my female body and spirit and with this profound understanding of myself, my menstrual cycle and my pleasure when I was little. That’s why I created Lilith’s Treasure.

After seeing the first vision of Lilith, I spent a year drawing and painting and then had an exciting time full of new learnings when I crowdfunded and self-published the book in Spanish in 2012. I could never have foreseen what came after that: Woman after woman from different European countries contacted me telling me how they’d fallen in love with Lilith, wanting to publish her in their own native language.

So far, this beautiful transmission of energy and these women’s amazing work has led to Lilith being published in eight languages – Spanish, Basque and Catalan were followed by German, French, Italian, Portuguese, Czech and Polish. Lilith’s Treasure has sold more than 25.000 copies all over Europe and my heart has been touched deeply by the many messages we’ve received from women, girls, parents and teachers who have shared with us how profoundly Lilith has impacted their and their daughters’, nieces’, friends’… lives.

Now, with this exciting global shift in consciousness that and related initiatives and events have brought about thanks to the courage of many outstanding women, I feel there's never been a better moment in our story for us to raise our voices about the beauty and the power of female sexuality, claiming every girl's and woman's right to walk in the love and wisdom that inhabit our bodies.

The time has come for Lilith to learn English and cross oceans to empower girls and women all over the world!"

Do support this wonderful project by ordering a copy of this book.

Thank you :) XxXx Jane XxXx

SHOP ONLINE In February 2018 the book will be printed, you can order now your Treasure and we will send it then. Buy LILITH’S TREASURE now! And we will deliver it to any part of the globe, it will last a…

14/11/2017

One woman's journey against plastic... Well worth a read for inspiration about how to make a difference!! Featuring pads too :)

Plastic – A Wake Up Call Sun, sea and plastic sea w**d. How we got our wake-up call and what we're doing about it.

'We're having a menstrual liberation': how periods got woke

11/11/2017

"It is like the sexual liberation of the 60s. We are having a menstrual liberation.” Article from the Guardian :) The media is discussing periods!! Yippeeeee!

'We're having a menstrual liberation': how periods got woke Periods happen to half the population – so why are they still treated as something to hide? Meet the activists seeing red

chapter 16 – vanessa, paradise farm, and the finale at soap creek valley

30/06/2017

Wild Woman Herbalist Vanessa hosts me at the paradise organic farm in my very own tent! The workshop finale at Soap Creek Valley sees the Magical Menstrual Tour's youngest participant at 4 months old... All is rosy as the night draws to a close....

https://goo.gl/uGH4Bb

chapter 16 – vanessa, paradise farm, and the finale at soap creek valley I arrived in town one afternoon fresh from the Greyhound bus and waited on the side of the road in Corvallis for Vanessa to come and meet me. I knew she was married, so when a truck pulled u…

chapter 15 -dreaming in the woods with sam zipporah and friends

28/06/2017

Sam Zipporah, what a star. Many hazy daze spent relaxing in the gaff of one of the wildest womaniest wombies of the USA.... The Magical Menstrual Tour comes to a luxurious pause in the verdant countryside of Oregon.... Chapter 15!

https://goo.gl/C82mDn

chapter 15 -dreaming in the woods with sam zipporah and friends Life flowing through Portland is a beautiful dream. The silence here is punctuated only by bird-song on this wooden porch. I sit still, surrounded by forest; a banana and kale smoothie in my hand, …

Chapter 14 – rose grove with amber and portland with susan and kaya singer at moondays red tent

24/06/2017

Thank you Amber, thank you Susan, thank you women of Portland!! Here's when the Magical Menstrual Tour rocked up to Moondays - the Portland Red Tent...! Chapter 14 here we go!

https://goo.gl/RmDsfg

Chapter 14 – rose grove with amber and portland with susan and kaya singer at moondays red tent Soon after leaving the glow and warmth of the retreat I entered another loving home. Amber (a wonderful cook, super mother and now a lovely friend) and her doting husband Stevie! Also three childre…

chapter 13 – Suzanne McQueen, Native American sweat lodge, and the breighten-beauties

21/06/2017

HAPPY SUMMER SOLSTICE!! If you like hot-springs, sweat lodges, Oregon forests, full honey moons, and inspiring people then take a look at this - one year on - meeting Suzanne Mathus McQueen and friends on this incredible annual retreat... Chapter 13!!!!

https://goo.gl/PsMfuK

chapter 13 – Suzanne McQueen, Native American sweat lodge, and the breighten-beauties With the waters of the outdoor hot-springs relaxing and nourishing my naked body on the night of the Summer solstice, under the bright sky of the full moon I sent out deep gratitude and love into t…

chapter 12 – the bay area with kyle, kimberley and helynna

20/06/2017

Last year I was lucky enough to wake up on my birthday morning at the home of Kyle; fellow EcoFemme ambassador! The day before I was blown away by the San Francisco Menstrual Massif - Here's the story... Chapter 12 of the Magical Menstrual Tour :)

https://goo.gl/MBMPCH

chapter 12 – the bay area with kyle, kimberley and helynna Back in Frisco Bay!! This is the hardest day of my life to try to capture because it was such a full day with rich conversation and wonder-people…here goes… I arrived in San Frisco with Donna…

chapter 11 -santa cruz with donna wolper author of ‘the moontime harmony workbook’

19/06/2017

Roll up for the Menstrual Tour!!!!!! This time riding the red wave in Santa Cruz California, with none other than Donna Wolper - author and wise woman!! Here goes.....

https://goo.gl/9ZjmSm

chapter 11 -santa cruz with donna wolper author of ‘the moontime harmony workbook’ Sitting on the bus from San Jose to Santa Cruz, and after an 8 hour megabus ride, I (for some reason) was ecstatic and found myself scribbling on a piece of paper the following: “I am in love with …

chapter 10 – ‘holy hormones honey’ it’s leslie botha!

18/06/2017

Leslie Botha and the red tent at Fort Collins... One year ago I was loving my time with the wonderful wise women of the Wild West! Enjoy chapter 10 of the Magical Menstrual Tour......!!

https://goo.gl/rAhrEB

chapter 10 – ‘holy hormones honey’ it’s leslie botha! I could type all day about the work that incredible Leslie Botha does and STILL not manage to tell you everything! How I came about being connected with her? Neither of us know(!) but someone recom…

chapter 9 – boulder with ixeeya and the women of the red tent

17/06/2017

BOULDER!!! Short but sweet, home of the Western heroines the tent of dance and plenty, Ixeeya and her red tribe :) Read about Boulder.....

https://goo.gl/HkkECJ

chapter 9 – boulder with ixeeya and the women of the red tent It was an exceptionally hot and sunny day when the Magical Menstrual Tour came to Boulder area. The bus unceremoniously dumped me on a main highway intersection underneath the frazzling sun at arou…

chapter 8 – denver with vicki the detox expert, happy times with casey and tommasina

16/06/2017

Wahooooooooh!!!!! It seems time is flying as much this year as last year... I was in Denver about a year ago, meeting Vicki Latham, learning about detox and midwifery, hanging out with the most beautiful humans Tommasina and Casey and feeling Denver start to HOT UP!! Read on.... XxX

https://womanswheelworldwide.wordpress.com/2016/07/08/chapter-8-denver-with-vicki-the-detox-expert-happy-times-with-casey-and-tommasina/

chapter 8 – denver with vicki the detox expert, happy times with casey and tommasina My flight from LA to Denver felt so mixed – I was waving goodbye to Carol, my companera muy especial (Lee’s mam), yet I was back on the road again and about to start the Western leg of …

chapter 7 – meeting kiran gandhi, and copious toast with diandra from untabooed

22/05/2017

One Year on and I still haven't quite got over my obsession with New York Sourdough toast and avocado suppers with Diandra from . This was the episode in which I met none other than Kiran Gandhi - artist, drummer from M.I.A, and inspiring feminist who's kindness and generosity will never be forgotten... YEAH!!!!!

https://womanswheelworldwide.wordpress.com/2016/07/07/chapter-7-meeting-kiran-gandhi-and-copious-toast-with-diandra-from-untabooed/

chapter 7 – meeting kiran gandhi, and copious toast with diandra from untabooed Upon arriving at Diandra’s place in NYC I knew I was going to feel very at home. This woman appreciates toast in all it’s forms and especially lathered with chunks of avocado. Toast in …

chapter 6 – couple workshop in philly with rachel and her beau

22/05/2017

For stories of perfect lettuces, turtles, and coaching a couple about working with the menstrual cycle together, take a look at this - my 6th chapter of the Magical Menstrual Tour USA 2016... One year on :)

https://womanswheelworldwide.wordpress.com/2016/07/07/chapter-6-couple-workshop-in-philly-with-rachel-and-her-beau/

chapter 6 – couple workshop in philly with rachel and her beau “Frooooooooom West Philadelphia born and raised…” Good Ole Big W***y Yoh. This fab rap tune, reminiscent of my childhood and I’m sure many people’s childhoods (for me …

16/05/2017

Mum and I last night packaging these wonderful cloth pads ready to take to the Apprenticeship Training starting later today!!! Very excited!!

chapter 5 – commune living in washington dc with ecofemme ambassador anita, and happy times with narendra

14/05/2017

One year ago in Washington DC living in a commune...

https://womanswheelworldwide.wordpress.com/2016/07/07/chapter-5-commune-living-in-washington-dc-with-ecofemme-ambassador-anita-and-happy-times-with-narendra/

chapter 5 – commune living in washington dc with ecofemme ambassador anita, and happy times with narendra Meeting Anita was a great experience and one that will stay with me for a long time. Anita, another EcoFemme ambassador and menstrual activist (who was pretty instrumental in designing EF’s c…

chapter 4 – a morning at harvard with chris bobel and ecofemme’s ilana at brandeis university

08/05/2017

The magical menstrual tour met Chris Bobel!! Celebrating all these incredible meetings a year on, and looking back with gratitude to Kyle and Ilana and Chris whose generosity and hard work made it happen!
Here's Chapter 4 for adventures in the Boston area and for you to discover more about these wonderful people.

https://womanswheelworldwide.wordpress.com/2016/07/07/chapter-4-a-morning-at-harvard-with-chris-bobel-and-ecofemmes-ilana-at-brandeis-university/

chapter 4 – a morning at harvard with chris bobel and ecofemme’s ilana at brandeis university My meeting with Chris auspiciously aligned with the publishing of a very special edition of Newsweek. The April 29th edition with a red cover and a tampon on it; a joyous moment of celebration for …

chapter 3 – boston with the fairmount ladies

03/05/2017

One YEAR AGO....... Chapter 3 of the MAGICAL MENSTRUAL TOUR in Boston, with the loveliest group of students imaginable.... Enjoy!!

https://womanswheelworldwide.wordpress.com/2016/07/06/chapter-3-boston-with-the-fairmount-ladies/

chapter 3 – boston with the fairmount ladies Blinking at the new day and having sunken deeply into the folds of my ever-deflating air-bed(!) I was woken by excited chattering and an invite to a house brunch! My first morning in Boston with ne…

chapter two – hudson, rox and susun w**d

29/04/2017

Today, a year ago I met Susun W**d. I walked the streets of much fabled Woodstock, and hung out with Rox from EmbodyPeriod in Sleepy Hudson, NY. Relive the tour with me!!!
Chapter 2.....
https://womanswheelworldwide.wordpress.com/2016/06/04/chapter-two-hudson-rox-and-susun-w**d/

chapter two – hudson, rox and susun w**d The bright lights and the buzz of NYC were dimming into the distance… I’d headed out to Hudson on the most chilled out train drive EVER with it’s luxury seats WIFI and power socke…

chapter one ~ sustainable cycles, new york, untabooed and my sisters in the sky

24/04/2017

Celebrating the first anniversary of my life-changing and completely awesome Magical Menstrual Tour USA!! A chance to read about the incredible people I met in New York doing GREAT things for our world… (I like to think of this as 'positive news' - we could all do with a bit of that, right?!)

Meet ; the women with butts of steel, who are taking to their bicycles again this year giving out menstrual cups and workshops on reusable products. Literally cycling thousands of miles round the USA to save the Earth! Donate!
Also , an organisation distributing reusable products to homeless women in NYC (and more) started by the amazing Diandra, fellow ambassador, who's story is plain INCREDIBLE…!

More anniversary posts coming over the next 3 months!! # # #

https://womanswheelworldwide.wordpress.com/2016/06/04/chapter-one-sustainable-cycles-new-york-untabooed-and-my-sisters-in-the-sky/

chapter one ~ sustainable cycles, new york, untabooed and my sisters in the sky The Magical Menstrual tour sparkled into existence when I met one Ms Ruby; as shiny and beautiful as her name suggests, a bright happy New Yorker, who managed to (despite my crazy jet lag) keep me …

30/03/2017

Wow! So proud of EcoFemme founder, friend, wonder woman Kathy Walkling who has been invited to speak at a Ted Talk and is actually doing it as I type!!! Good Luck!!!! XxX

TEDxGITAMHyderabad TED.com, home of TED Talks, is a global initiative about ideas worth spreading via TEDx, the TED Prize, TED Books, TED Conferences, TED-Ed and more.

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