Looking in the Mirror
-By Martha Serrie Benedict

There we are looking in the mirror at sagging breasts, bulging belly, flabby upper arms, sagging jowls, eyelids, and chicken skin on our necks, and cellulite in all the other places. Our hair begins to gray and we rush to pull out the first few strands before giving up and resorting to hair dye--menopausal red. It's almost like putting up a neon sign. We rush to exercise classes as much to keep our girlish figure as to protect our bones. We, the ME Generation, begin supporting a lucrative anti-aging industry. This generation seems to refuse to age. At least it refuses to age gracefully.

After a one to two year peri-menopausal interim, the body settles and returns to normal for a decade before launching into full menopause. The passage may take one to two years and is marked by some or all of the symptoms you may have experienced during peri-menopause. Some consider it's over when you haven't had a period for thirteen months. Some American Indian tribes refer to this as becoming a daughter of the thirteenth moon.

The good news comes next. After menopause, in Chinese theory there is a time in a woman's life called, "Second Spring". There is no further blood loss for a woman and therefore her body doesn't need to replenish this blood. Blood represents Yin energy and the extra energy not lost via menses is now available for each woman to use as she sees fit. In some cultures, specifically, in India and some American Indian tribes, women go to school and become teachers, doctors, lawyers, and even a Prime Minister.

Facing the Passage of Menopause. Now that we understand a little of the energetic terrain, just how do we face our passage? By now I think you realize that some of your life patterns need to shift. It is common and desirable to "pull in your horns", and do one less thing from your TO-DO list each day.

Many women want to be alone a greater part of the day. Whether or not you get to enjoy this solace will depend on your life circumstance and how much you plan for it. It helps to get up early and go to bed early. It helps to exercise in a less strenuous way for shorter periods of time. It helps to support the vital functions of the slowing body with warm, cooked, nutrient-dense foods. It helps to be candid with yourself and others about your changing needs.

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