Taking Up Space

“I’m here to take-up space”

This piece of street art in Athens caught my eye a couple of years ago and on it was the above sentence and a simple drawing of a woman.

The artists name is Sara Erenthal.

It reminded me of how in Perimenopause and Menopause when people reach a certain age or this mid life that we tend to shrink away a little PLUS we are forced to a certain extent too. We are not encouraged to keep shining and be our magnificent selves. We may find we loose ourselves and our voice. 

Finding the strength to feel that your voice should be heard is a necessary step in taking up space.

How to Give Yourself Permission to Occupy Space in the World 

• Release shoulders. Unclench your jaw.
• Raise your chest even just a little bit. Hold your ground and lift up through the crown of the head. 
• Always keep in mind that you belong here. 
• Your presence on this planet is not an accident.
• ”Your playing small does not serve the world” - or you. 

(*Marianne Williamson, A Return to Love: Reflections on the Principles of "A Course in Miracles")

• Talk slowly and clearly. What you have to say matters and is an expression of you. 
• Stop saying sorry. It's incredible how often we do this as women. 
• Speak up when you feel you need to. 
• Take care of yourself first - breathe, meditate, create, nourish, move and rest 
• Put all of the above into practise.

In our yoga practice and sharing, a simple way to start doing this is to encourage people in Savasana to spread out arms and legs, use cushions and blankets. Take up all the room - and space!

In seasonal terms Peri Menopause is our Autumn or Inner Autumn. This term is also used in the time before you bleed if you are still menstruating. 

Our energy starts to turn inwards a bit, priorities change, we may need rest or feel more tired. Because our attention moves more inwards there is a tendency to let the inner critic take over (sometimes some of what she says may benefit us but only if it is kind and constructive). Be discerning in what you may hear. She may have you feeling that you want to make yourself small. Remember, we need to take up space!

Autumn is the time to harvest and reap the benefits of what we have sown - this can be our life up until now before we make the transition into the next phase of our life. It is the time to separate the wheat from the chaff - get rid or declutter what we don’t need. It is a time of editing and we may need our voice for this too. 

Chanting and singing are great ways to express using our voice. Using the Bija Mantras in a chakra yoga practice can help bring about some balance and grounding while belting sound out. 

Take a moment after reading this to sense, feel or imagine how this is in your body. What can you do today to make room for yourself? 

If you would like to work with me in helping you on your menopause journey through Yoga, meditation, or breathwork just drop me a line. I have over 25 years experience in the world of holistic healing and can point you in the right direction.

Contact anandacentre@gmail.com

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