Listening to our own rhythm

We have many rhythms that fuel our thoughts, movement, energy and actions. Some we are aware of and some we are not. We have the daily rhythm of our organs, the monthly rhythm of our menstrual cycle, lunar cycles. We also have the rhythm of the seasons, our circadian rhythm and our own personal biorhythm.

Our circadian rhythm tells us when is the optimum time for sleep, which for adults is between 10 pm and 6 am to feel rested. If we deviate from this from time to time we are fine, but if we burn the candle at both ends so to speak over a long period  it can impact on our other daily rhythms  and our health in general.  We know when we see a child that is screaming, yawning, rubbing their eyes they need sleep and after being put down for a nap they will wake feeling rested and calmer. Sometimes it’s not so easy to see it in ourselves when we are overtired. We may become irritable, craving sugary foods or lethargic struggling to get through the day.

Our menstrual cycle is a very important rhythm and one we should be taught a lot more about at the time of menarche. A woman could use it to enhance her life instead of being told that it is a hindrance and something that she needs to medicate her way out of. There are days in the month when a woman is at her sharpest, most intuitive, others when she feels like she can take on the world. Then there are days when she needs to be still and look within, to gain knowledge and insight to pave the way forward during her next cycle.

The seasons tell us when we should take it slow be still and when to stretch and begin new projects and when to burst forth with energy. We do not live in summer all the time, we do not eat ice cream all the time, sometimes we have to slow down. During autumn we have to eat vegetables from the soil to nourish our digestive systems after the high phase of summer so we can rest and feel restored for a new year. We have a connection with the land and nature with the rhythms of our planet and the more we listen to these the more we are in tune with ourselves and our needs.

It can be difficult to find the time to tune in to our own internal seasons, but the more we do it the more we will be aware of the rhythms of our children.  I see when my children have had a hectic day, been on a trip or they have eaten too much junk food it takes them a while to recover. There are days when their energy is high so we go outside and have a physical day for they do not want to sit still. Then there are days they want to be still, read a book or cuddle the dogs.
It’s impossible for anyone adult or child to go to school or work every day and give the same optimum output for years. That is the equivalent of living in summer all the time, there is no scheduling for a winter season. Now more than ever we have people wanting that work life balance and opting to work from home, or do a three day week so they don’t end up on stress leave or burnt out. Unfortunately our children do not have the option of a three day week,  which is why so many now are ending up stressed, anxious and some eventually being home schooled. 
 I think it's important to accommodate our family’s physical and emotional needs on a daily basis as much as possible. Obviously there are times when we have to go out even when we don’t feel like it, but if we can listen to our internal rhythms and honour them as much as possible then I think it makes for a happier and healthier person.