Do you follow the moon cycle or chart your own menstrual cycle each month? I didn't know how powerful and effective it can be when we plan our work and personal activities in conjunction with the cycle. For example, there are days in the month that our body needs to slow down and take extra rest, which means the perfect time to reflect and recharge. Then, there are days we feel more creative or energetic and we want to get more done. It makes total sense for me to plan accordingly, but of course, we can't always dictate our business schedule but it is important to become more aware.

Let me tell you why.

If we know our cycle better, then we will have a more realistic expectation of our energy levels and give ourselves permission to push when we have a full tank or pull back when the best we can do is to slow down. This is about being strategic and wise. May I just say it is true feminine wisdom at play.

I think this is a really good self-care practice and a smarter way to look at productivity. So this week, I have an interview with Sharon Wood to share with you. We discussed the four phases of our cycle, how our hormones change and how to better look after our body, regardless of our age and where we are with our cycles.

I met Sharon through Perfect Potion, my favourite shop for aromatherapy and natural skincare products. We both sold our books through Perfect Potion and we crossed path many times as at masterclasses and festivals. Finally, I get a chance to interview her and discuss Goddess Wisdom in my podcast.

Sharon Wood is the Founder and Director of Emgoddess - an entity that is created to help and educate young women to understand and manage their menstrual cycles. 

Sharon holds qualifications in holistic aromatherapy from The Tisserand Institute of London, combined with multiple certifications in Herbalism, Natural Fertility Management and Specialised Aromatherapy, Sharon has also worked as an Aromatherapist, including teaching aromatherapy at the Reflexology Academy of Brisbane and the International College of Holistic Aromatherapy.

Interview Highlights

* Women cycle of life: We hardly talk about our menstrual cycle at school and the language around it tends to be rather negative.

* The intention here is to create a more empowering and positive message around our cycle. By understanding our cycles, it can be very empowering for women

* There are four phases for each cycle and the goddesses that are chosen in Sharon's book Emgoddess represent that and reflect the energy of each phase. 

* First, we have the follicular phase, then ovulation, luteal and lastly the menstrual phase.  The four goddesses representing the phases are Daphne, Demeter, Persephone and Hecate in that order. 

* Our hormones changes as we go through each phase and it brings an impact to our energy levels and how we feel emotionally. 

* Daphne - our follicular phase is all about energy, and she's independent, focused, confident and with high energy. It's a great time to start a project or set a new goal.

* Demeter - the earth mother, represents our ovulation and it is all about love and compassion.