
Transitions mark the sacred thresholds of life. They are like the quiet spaces between the in-breath and the out-breath—the stillness where transformation begins. Menopause is one such sacred pause, an invitation to step into a liminal space where the old self is released, and a new, deeper essence emerges.
A Personal Journey
As I reflect on my own journey with menopause, I feel a mix of emotions—anticipation, uncertainty, a longing for understanding, and a deep knowing that there is more to this journey than meets the eye. Yet, every day, we are surrounded by cultural narratives that reduce menopause to a list of symptoms to be managed, or an ordeal to be endured.
The humor often used to frame menopause can feel dismissive rather than empowering—hot flashes and mood swings reduced to punchlines, undermining the profound inner work and transformation this phase invites. These portrayals subtly suggest that our experiences are something to laugh off, rather than lean into.
This societal framing can create a sense of powerlessness, making it easy to feel isolated or disconnected from the deeper meaning of this sacred transition. But menopause asks something different of us. It calls us to slow down, to listen, and to reframe the experience not as a diminishment but as a gateway to a richer, more authentic sense of self.
Menopause is not a stage to rush through or endure—it is a sacred process, a profound invitation to reclaim our sovereignty and step into a new chapter of purpose and wholeness.
Andropause: A Shared Human Journey
While menopause has long been framed as a "women's issue," the broader journey of midlife transition is shared across genders. Men, too, experience a profound shift during this phase of life, often referred to as andropause. Like menopause, andropause marks a time of recalibration and renewal, as the body and spirit adjust to changing rhythms.
Andropause, sometimes called "male menopause," is characterized by hormonal shifts, changes in energy levels, and a redefinition of purpose and identity. Just as women face the invitation to shed old roles and embrace their inner wisdom, men are called to reassess their lives, release what no longer aligns, and step into a more grounded and authentic sense of self.
In many ancient traditions, this phase of life was celebrated collectively. Indigenous communities, for example, often viewed midlife as a sacred time when individuals, regardless of gender, transitioned from the role of the "doer" to the "wise one." This shared human journey reminds us that the challenges and opportunities of midlife transitions are not confined to one gender but are part of the broader tapestry of life.
Wisdom from Ancient Cultures
The ancient Greeks understood transitions like menopause as phases of renewal. The philosopher Plato described them as “second springs,” times when individuals could turn their focus inward to cultivate personal growth, creativity, and meaningful connections with their communities.
In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), transitions are often likened to second adolescences. They are seen as transitional phases, similar to the shift from childhood to adulthood, where the body and spirit undergo profound changes. These times are viewed as opportunities to realign with one's essence and embrace the wisdom and vitality of elderhood.
Both perspectives illuminate the richness of life’s transitions, challenging the narrative of decline often associated with them in modern culture. Instead, they invite us to see these phases as times of vibrant growth and spiritual evolution.
A Communal Rite of Passage
In many indigenous cultures, life transitions are not faced in isolation. Instead, they are collective experiences, deeply woven into the fabric of community life. Whether it is menopause, andropause, or another sacred threshold, people come together to honor these transitions, creating spaces to share stories, support one another, and celebrate their evolving roles.
These communal practices transform transitions from private struggles into shared rites of passage. They foster a sense of belonging and offer a powerful reminder that these journeys are not only personal but also relational. The wisdom gained through life’s transitions ripples outward, influencing families, communities, and future generations.
For example, among some Native American tribes, individuals entering elderhood are seen as stepping into roles of guidance and care for the community. This approach reframes transitions as times of empowerment rather than diminishment.
The Sacred Pause: A Threshold of Renewal
In ancient traditions, transitions were revered as times of profound spiritual significance. Moments such as birth, initiation, marriage, and elderhood were celebrated with rituals, offering time for reflection and alignment. Menopause, too, is a sacred threshold, marking the transition from the outward-focused energy of earlier years into a time of inner wisdom and clarity.
But let us broaden the lens. Every life transition—whether it is a career shift, a change in relationships, or the journey into elderhood—carries this same invitation to pause, reflect, and realign. These moments ask us to consider: How are we approaching this phase of life? Are we resisting the change, or are we embracing it as an opportunity to grow?
This sacred pause is not simply about endings but also about beginnings. It is a time to:
Release: Shed old beliefs, roles, and insecurities that no longer serve your path forward.
Renew: Embrace a deeper, more expansive sense of self and creativity.
Reclaim: Step fully into your sovereign power as a wise and intentional being.
This process of renewal is akin to the turning of the seasons. Just as winter gives way to spring, each life transition offers an invitation to plant seeds of intention for the next chapter.
Looking Forward
Transitions are more than biological or circumstantial events—they are sacred journeys of transformation, times to pause, reflect, and recalibrate. They invite us to honor the past, release what no longer serves, and step into the next phase of life with intention and grace.
Whatever transition you may be navigating, consider the opportunities it holds. What might you release to create space for renewal? How could this time become an invitation to align more fully with your deeper purpose?
If this resonates with you, I encourage you to take a moment to reflect or even journal on these questions. Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments or connect with me directly—I’d love to hear your story.
A New Offering: Passage of Wisdom and Grace ~ A Journey with Menopause
This blog is just the beginning. My dear friend Sophie and I have dreamed a new offering into existence: "Passage of Wisdom and Grace," a nine-month journey designed to support women through this profound life transition. Together, we will explore the emotional, spiritual, and physical dimensions of menopause, weaving ancient traditions with modern insights to reclaim this time as a sacred rite of passage.
Throughout this journey, we will embrace creativity as a powerful tool for transformation. Participants will have the opportunity to create transition jewelry, symbolizing their unique journeys and intentions. We will also engage in somatic practices that connect body and mind, fostering deeper awareness and healing. The power of sisterhood will be at the heart of our experience, as we gather in a supportive community to share stories, insights, and wisdom.
Over the next few months, we’ll be sharing more about this rich and inviting experience, and we warmly invite you to join us on this sacred journey of discovery and empowerment.
Stay tuned for more details in the coming weeks, or reach out if you feel called to learn more. Let’s walk this sacred path together.
This is such a beautiful breath of fresh air to read as I'm resting due to a heavy bleed. How beautiful it would be to leave a different story for the generations to come ✨
And how relieving to remember there Is another way.
Inspiring - thank you xxx