Mind-Body Connection
Balancing your energy for hormone health
Today I decided to use substack video posting for the first time. So you’ll be receiving two emails today. I was feeling some stress because I'm used to having editing capabilities, and I wasn’t sure if that was possible here. But recognizing that feeling and understanding it's just a thought allows me to let it go. And that perfectly segues into the mind-body connection. By being vulnerable, I'm also introducing today’s topic.
When we have a thought, it can transform into a feeling if we dwell on it long enough, especially if it triggers something deeper within us. Some thoughts are neutral, like solving a math problem, but others, like worrying about making a mistake on my video, can bring feelings of insecurity or concern about credibility. Then, ego creeps in, feeding the narrative that we need to behave, act, and think a certain way to avoid judgment.
So how does this relate to menopause? First, let’s distinguish between the masculine and feminine energies. The masculine energy involves logic, thought, and action, while the feminine energy embraces emotion, intuition, creation, and joy. Recognizing how the mind affects the body, unexpressed emotions can cause physical issues. We have two choices: catch the thought before it creates a feeling—within 17 seconds—or, if it becomes a feeling, let it go within 30 seconds without feeding it further. However, many of us have been conditioned by a patriarchal society to suppress these emotions instead of expressing or releasing them.
When we suppress our emotions, our body stores them, leading to blockages. This can manifest as physical issues, from an energetic standpoint or even through hormonal imbalances. The analogy of a pinched garden hose or electrical wire applies here—blocks in the flow create pressure and potential damage. For example, hot flashes can be a physical expression of these stored emotions or imbalances.
During menopause, our bodies often reflect years of stored "junk" and signal that it’s time to deal with it. Striking a balance between masculine and feminine energies becomes essential. The masculine energy might help us think, analyze, and act, while the feminine energy allows us to feel, create, and intuit. For instance, instead of suppressing a feeling of embarrassment during the recording, I acknowledge it, let it pass, and keep moving forward.
I’ve noticed in my own life that being present reduces the likelihood of experiencing a hot flash. If I’m judging myself or others, that’s when the issues arise. For example, thinking, “I shouldn’t have done that,” or “They shouldn’t have said that,” triggers my analytical side instead of allowing me to simply let things be. Identifying with these stories about ourselves or others ties into the ego. Recognizing that everything is connected and that all is energy—including every decision we’ve ever made—can help release those attachments.
A powerful example comes from a video I watched recently. It explained how physical pain from an injury fades over time, but emotional pain can persist if we feed it. We keep reliving it, much like holding a lighter to a smoke alarm, asking for more suffering. We literally torture ourselves to ask for more. Similarly, whether we judge others or ourselves, we create those feelings of judgment within us.
During menopause, this awareness becomes even more crucial. For me, when I’ve felt concern, judgment, or regret, I’ve noticed those feelings correlate with physical sensations like hot flashes. Recognizing and letting go of these patterns can transform how we experience this stage of life.