“We Americans, with our terrific emphasis on youth, action, and material success, certainly tend to belittle the afternoon of life and even to pretend it never comes. We push the clock back and try to prolong the morning, over-reaching and over-straining ourselves in the unnatural effort. …In our breathless attempts we often miss the flowing that waits for afternoon.”

-- Anne Morrow Lingbergh

“Menopause is a metamorphosis, like a caterpillar becoming a butterfly. The caterpillar needs a cocoon, and so do you. One of the most important things you can do during menopause is to take time for you. Go into your cave, go into your cocoon, go into your room and shut the door.”

These are words I have said, and sung, over and over. Words whose truth rings in the hearts of so many women who hear me speak. Words that prompted one (famous) female MD to throw her arms around me and exclaim “I thought I hated my patients. Now I know I just need a year off!”

The idea of taking time off during menopause is an extension of a moontime mystery teaching: A woman benefits herself and her community if she takes a day off during her menstrual flow, to go within and tend to herself. By taking care of herself, a woman has more to give to others. But even more importantly, when she gives herself this time, she may sense the presence of her “spirit band” (angels) -- those who are too faint to be noticed when one is focused on the hubbub of everyday life.

During menstruation, and during the menopausal years, say my Native teachers, the “veil between the worlds” is thin and easily parted. Our abilities and senses are heightened and we are open to guidance, inspiration, illumination -- but only if we give ourselves quiet time alone, free of responsibilities.

~ Susun S. Weed

“I am luminous with age.”

-- Meridel Le Sueur

Visit Susun’s Menopause Metamorphosis site.