My journey with Menstrual Cycle Awareness began at Menarche—the sacred moment when I first stepped into womanhood. That first bleed was not just a physical experience; it was a profound connection to my lineage and a celebration of my femininity.

I vividly recall the mid-term break when I was just ten. Like many young girls, I was outside playing with friends when a sudden urge drew me to the bathroom. And there it was—my Power had arrived! She was beautiful, soft, a vibrant red like the petals of a blooming rose. I rushed to tell my mother, “Mum, SHE’S here!” Her face lit up with joy, and in that moment, I felt the weight of tradition and love envelop me.

My mother welcomed this rite of passage with open arms, providing me with pads and teaching me how to honor this new chapter. She checked her calendar, cleared her schedule, and began calling our family—sisters, friends, neighbors—each voice a thread in the fabric of our community. I had no idea what to expect, but on the third day of my cycle, a gathering of women filled our home, ready to celebrate my Menarche.

Thanks to my mother, SHE was welcomed with warmth and reverence, making that celebration an unforgettable experience—more memorable than my tenth birthday party. We engaged in rituals filled with chanting and singing, feasting on Nasi Tumpeng, a symbol of abundance in our Indonesian culture. I recognize how fortunate I am to have been born into a family that honors this sacred transition, especially knowing many women do not have such a welcoming.

To those who feel unheard in their journey, I stand with you. I am here to support your path, wherever it may lead.

Since moving to Australia and embracing my yoga practice, my connection to the divine within has deepened. This transition has taught me to accept and celebrate the natural rhythms of life, much like the four seasons. Each season—spring, summer, autumn, winter—reflects a cycle of birth, growth, death, and rebirth. As I immerse myself in the earth's cycles, I have come to understand my own. There is a time for rest, a time for planting seeds of intention, and a time for harvesting the fruits of our labor.

The Menstrual Cycle Awareness framework has become a guiding light, allowing me to discover the best times to give to my friends, and family, while also nurturing my spirit within my community. It has empowered me to embrace my whole self, balancing the dance of giving and receiving, and celebrating the beauty of this cyclical journey.

May we all honor our bodies and cycles, weaving a tapestry of connection, love, and understanding as we walk this path together