What has Worked with these Women
-By Martha Serrie Benedict

I'd like to share some of what has worked with these women.

• To begin, we need to set the stage and understand the ground rules. First, I ask a woman to go home and find a quiet hour, relax with a cup of tea and "paint" a picture of how she wants the second half of her life to look like, to feel, and the various elements to be included. Take a piece of paper and "draw" a word picture, or cartoon, or a picture if talent is abundant, to reflect all of her individual "I wants." Explore, fantasize, dream, wish, and be inclusive, no reality limitations allowed. What's in the picture? Education, time, relaxation, fun, laughter, learning something new like playing an instrument or language, travel, a garden, companionship, sex, money, ideal weather, good health may be included. If you find yourself so far from being able to dream, then take it slower and sit down over a period of time and try the exercise a few times until you feel satisfied.



• Next, draw or list what you consider impediments to having your dream. Analyze these two pictures. Really try to understand the most important content of your pictures-that which blocks you from having it all as well as the most salient elements in your dream.



• Third, prioritize these elements.
Then, act upon those priorities.

Chinese Energetics of Menopause

• Now let's understand a little of the Chinese pattern of menopause energetics. Life force, or kidney energy in Traditional Chinese thought, controls the life and the hormone cycle. As a woman approaches early forties, there is a slowing of this energy. Sometimes it is called "peri-menopause".

• You may notice some small change in your period, as there is a hormone decline. Blood flow can change in volume, cycle length can get longer or shorter, and color of blood can get darker or lighter. There can be a decided increase in PMS, there can be a change in sexual interest, your skin can become drier or you may develop problem skin, and your weight can change. Often the "middle-age spread" becomes pronounced around the waist. More freckles, or age marks, or liver spots start occurring on your body, especially face, and hands. Wrinkles on face and neck can become more pronounced. A mustache above the lips may darken and hairs may start on your chinny, chin, chin. Everything about our bodies starts to sag as gravity begins winning.

Looking in the Mirror, Gravity is Winning ->