Inner Summer: Step Into Your Power
Welcome to the fourth and last installment in the Seasons of Your Cycle series. We’ve gone through fall, winter, spring, and now finally, we get to talk about the inner SUMMER!
Have you started to notice the vibes of each season as you’re going through it yet? I know that for me, after reading, writing, and talking at length about the inner seasons for the past few weeks, it’s really starting to click. I was able to slow down (way more than I usually allow) in my inner winter and honor my body’s need to rest. I got excited about inner spring by making time to play and try something new. And that brings us here, talking about (and living) inner summer!
Inner summer is all about stepping into your power. Close your eyes and picture the electricity of a party or an outdoor concert on a hot summer night. Consider the explosions of color as everything comes into bloom. That fullness, the feeling of reaching a pinnacle. Okay, you got it! Thats our inner summer vibe. Your energy is high, you are a goddess and a badass bitch, and you’re ready to take on whatever comes your way.
WOW! Are you excited yet? 🙂
Am I hyping it up? Maybe a little. But it really is a crucial part of your cycle. Inner summer is also known as the ovulatory phase- the brief window when a woman can potentially get pregnant. Let’s start with a little biology review.
Physical Effects
Ovulation occurs thanks to a surge of luteinizing hormone (LH). This tells the follicle to open, releasing an egg into the fallopian tube. From this point, the egg has 12-24 hrs to meet up with some sperm and do its thing. If it isn’t fertilized, the egg will simply break down and flow out of the body when menstruation occurs.
People who menstruate will likely notice more cervical fluid being produced at this time. The cervix also moves higher, softens, and opens slightly. All special tricks that the body uses to try to make more humans, but– also ways that you can effectively pinpoint the time of ovulation to avoid pregnancy!
The Fertility Awareness Method is a beautiful thing! More on that another day.
Additionally, estrogen and testosterone are now at their peak- lifting energy levels and helping you look and feel your best! Many women feel more confident during ovulation, and the libido-boosting effect has been well documented too.
***Fun fact: our sense of smell, taste, and vision may be heightened during ovulation! .***
Emotional/ Mental Effects
Inner summer is characterized as more expressive; a time when more energy is focused outward. Communication skills are at their peak, as well as creativity. You might find yourself more willing to take risks and explore new ideas with an open mind. I’ve even read that some women feel more tolerant and patient during the ovulatory phase (this, unfortunately, is not the case for me today #momlife).
Another name for this season is the “mother phase”. Because it’s typically a time that you’re feeling good and have plenty of energy, it’s an ideal opportunity to nurture others. But don’t forget that it’s also a crucial time to mother yourself! The beauty of the cycle is that it’s ever-changing. We can honor our needs during menstruation because we know spring is around the corner. And we can plan ahead for inner fall and PMS by getting some extra work done or putting away a few freezer meals during inner summer when we feel like we can do allll the things.
Take Advantage of Summer Vibes!
Here are some more ideas for making the most of this season:
Date Night- Inner summer is sexy time for sure- just make sure you’ve got your bases covered if you don’t want to get pregnant!
Interviews
Public Speaking- Confidence is at it’s highest now, so if possible, schedule any speaking engagements during this phase
Higher-impact workouts
Try something new!
Difficult conversations- I know, summer is supposed to be FUN! Seriously though, if you have been putting off an uncomfortable discussion, the ovulatory phase might be the time to just go for it. Higher confidence, better communication skills, and an openness to new ideas are 3 great steps towards making that conversation worthwhile and productive.
My inner summer is falling during a particularly busy week this cycle. Knowing and understanding the strengths and needs of each season has helped me to find the energy I need to power through! I know that my body is ready for it now, and I know that the time to be still and quiet will come too. Always moving, always flowing- our cycles are a beautiful thing. I hope this series has helped you find ways to embrace each season!
I would love to know what resonated the most for you. Drop it down below in the comments or hit up the Facebook page.
Love and good vibes!! -Jacki