The Menache Story: Understanding the Power of the Menstrual Cycle

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, a celebration of my femininity, and a powerful initiation into the cyclical nature of life.

I vividly remember the mid-term break when I was just ten. 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 a deep sense of love, tradition, and belonging.

My mother welcomed this rite of passage with open arms. She provided me with pads, taught me how to honor this new chapter, and then checked her calendar. She cleared her schedule and began calling our family, friends, and neighbours—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 even my tenth birthday party. We engaged in rituals of chanting, singing, and feasting on Nasi Tumpeng, a symbol of abundance in our Indonesian culture. I am incredibly fortunate to have been born into a family that honours this sacred transition, especially knowing that so many women do not have such a welcoming.

To those of you who feel unheard or unsupported in your journey, I stand with you. I am here to support you, no matter where your path 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 have immersed myself in the earth’s cycles, I have come to understand and honor my own. There is a time for rest, a time to plant seeds of intention, and a time to harvest the fruits of our labor.

The Menstrual Cycle Awareness framework has become my guiding light, allowing me to better understand when to give to my friends, family, and community, and when to nurture my own spirit. 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 honour our bodies, our cycles, and the sacred wisdom they carry, weaving a tapestry of connection, love, and understanding as we walk this path together.