What is a menopause ceremony and why do we need one? Learn how you can create your own Menopause Ceremony using our app as inspiration.
The narrative surrounding menopause is stuck in a rut, focusing on the physical ailments rather than the social, emotional and spiritual aspects this time of change can reveal. The medicalized approach to this very natural stage in a woman’s life often focuses on what’s lost rather than the exciting possibilities that lie ahead.
Dr. Jen Gunter, author of The Menopause Manifesto and a leading voice in women’s health, puts it perfectly: “We need to reclaim menopause as a normal part of life.” What if, instead of fighting the inevitable, we marked this transition with a powerful ceremony?
Shifting the Narrative of Menopause
Menopause is a natural part of aging that all women experience. It’s the time when a woman’s menstrual periods permanently stop and she is no longer able to get pregnant. Menopause typically occurs between the ages of 45 and 55, although the exact timing can vary.
Yet, menopause isn’t just about hot flashes and missed periods. It’s a threshold time, a portal to a new chapter filled with wisdom, experience, and a renewed sense of self.
The conversation around menopause is undergoing a narrative shift, moving away from negativity and towards a more empowering narrative.
Menopause should not be seen as a medical condition that needs to be “fixed.” Instead, it should be recognized as a natural life transition with its own set of challenges and opportunities. The narrative is shifting from one of loss to one of empowerment. Women are encouraged to embrace this phase as a time to rediscover themselves, set new goals, and prioritize self-care.
The stigma surrounding menopause is fading. Women are more open about their experiences, fostering a sense of community and shared understanding. Educational resources are becoming more readily available, helping women navigate the physical and emotional aspects of menopause.
Menopause is being reframed as a time of wisdom and culmination. Women are recognized for their life experiences and contributions, and the focus is on entering a new chapter of vibrant living. The narrative is moving away from the anti-aging obsession.
There’s a growing acceptance of the physical changes that come with menopause, with a focus on healthy aging and body positivity.
Why Ritual Matters
Rituals create space for us to process emotions, celebrate milestones, and connect with something larger than ourselves. A menopause ceremony allows us to:
- Release: Acknowledge and release the expectations and limitations that may have been tied to our menstrual cycles.
- Be Present: Honour the woman we are becoming, right now in this moment, with all her complexities and strengths.
- Set Intentions: Craft a vision for the next phase of life, planting seeds for the qualities and experiences we want to cultivate.
Amy Wright Glenn offers a Rituals for Menopause course that we have taken and it is a phenomenal way to learn about and create rituals that feel right to you. “It is time to transform our hyper-medicalized approach to menopause in a culture that idealizes female youth and fertility. It is time to restore respect and honor to all stages of a women’s life cycle.”
Creating A Menopause Ceremony
There’s no one-size-fits-all approach. Your ceremony can be as elaborate or intimate as you like. Here are some ideas to get you started:
- Gather Your Community: Invite close friends, family, or a supportive women’s group to share in this experience.
- Create a Sacred Space: Choose a location that feels calming and meaningful to you. Light candles, savour food, and play calming music.
- Reflection and Release: Write down the things you’re letting go of – limiting beliefs, societal pressures, or past experiences that no longer serve you. Consider a symbolic act of releasing these burdens, like burning the list in a fire pit.
- Gratitude and Embodiment: Express gratitude for your body and all it has accomplished throughout your life. Engage in a body-positive practice like yoga, dance, or meditation.
- Visioning the Future: Journal about your hopes and dreams for this next chapter. Create a vision board with images and words that represent the life you want to build.
Menopause is a Time of Power
By creating a menopause ceremony, we move away from the anti-aging narrative and step into our power. We acknowledge the transformation, honor our emotions, and claim agency over this exciting new chapter. As Dr. Gunter says, “Let’s make menopause a freaking celebration.”
Let’s reclaim it, together.
The future of the menopause narrative is bright. By acknowledging it as a natural transition and celebrating the power and wisdom that come with age, we can create a more positive and empowering experience for all women.
Create your own unique and meaningful menopause ceremony ~ or gift one to a friend to help her acknowledge this time of transition and liberation!
