HOT FLASH!
The Newsletter! XIX
| |
Offering research-rooted lifestyle coaching to elevate your menopause journey
Building a menopause empowered community one study at a time
| |
Menopause as a Catalyst for Psychospiritual Development |
“Who looks outside, dreams; who looks inside, awakes.”
—Carl Gustav Jung
I just read a fantastic article in Psychology Today by Karin Arndt, PhD, with a powerful thesis: "menopausal symptoms are trying to help you wake up. Don't go back to sleep." In the article, Dr. Arndt invites those born female to view the menopausal transition as an opportunity rather than a burden. I wholeheartedly agree—when we focus only on the physical changes of menopause, we risk overlooking its mental impacts and, even more importantly, the transformative potential of the entire experience. Embracing menopause (and aging) as an opportunity is not just a shift in mindset—it’s a key factor in enabling the opportunity itself.
Dr. Arndt beautifully articulates the importance of an elevated mind-body-spirit perspective—reinforcing that it requires us to view the menopausal transition holistically.
"...to focus exclusively on the physical symptoms of the menopausal transition is to miss an opportunity...The menopausal transition is an opportunity to wake up—to wake up more fully to the calls and cries from a deeper part of the self than we typically listen to..."
-Karin Arndt, PhD
Dr. Arndt compares the opportunity in the menopausal transition to that of puberty, a rite of passage that initiates us into the next phase of life—in the case of menopause, often through trial by fire (aka hot flashes ;-)). She and I both believe this initiation involves a kind of "psychological rebirthing." As Dr. Arndt explains, "psychologically speaking, we need to look honestly at ourselves, work through uncomfortable layers of feeling..., and make some needed sacrifices—of behaviors, forms of identity, and social roles that no longer fit..."
This rebirthing is the opportunity: it challenges us to shed outdated roles and beliefs, embrace a more authentic version of ourselves, stepping into this new phase of life with clarity, purpose, and renewed alignment with who we truly are.
Unfortunately, as Dr. Arndt points out, "it is so easy [for us] to get stuck [along the way] when [the] culture doesn’t support [the] midlife transformation process, ...barely has the language for it, and you lack role models for how to do it well." Successful initiation into this new phase of life requires support and a culture shift—not just for the physical changes, but also for the mental and emotional shifts.
This is why programs like Changing with the Change are so importanyt - providing the information and support to help each individual feel more comfortable (and confident) in redefining the version of themselves that aligns with their next chapter.
While Dr. Arndt encourages us to start by believing in the opportunity, changing our mindset, and waking up to the possibility of creating new narratives for ourselves— about our health behaviors, physical, mental, or sexual identities, and roles as mothers, daughters, and partners, she also emphasizes the importance of sharing our journeys in community, wisely reminding us, "[w]hile your process is yours alone, it truly takes a village to carry an initiate across the threshold."
Ready to join a supportive menopause village and awaken to your opportunity? Schedule a chat with me to discuss how you can join the next Changing with the Change cohort or form your own!
| |
READY TO OPTIMIZE YOUR MENOPAUSE JOURNEY?
Reserve your slot to join our menopause tribe
and the next Changing with the Change group session!
Use code CWC25 for 25% off!
| |
If you found this email valuable, please share it with a friend and spread the knowledge! | |
-
Interested in starting your own menopause empowerment and lifestyle group? Send an email to admin@embodywell.com to learn your options, including the presale list for the Changing with the Change Peer Group Guide.
| |
|
HOT FLASH! DISCLAIMER
This newsletter is intended for informational and educational purposes only, aimed at supporting but not substituting professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. It is highly recommended that you discuss any information provided herein with your healthcare provider to assess its relevance and potential application to your specific health conditions and medical history. The content shared by HOT FLASH does not replace consultation with qualified healthcare professionals.
HOT FLASH and its contributors are not liable for any decisions made based on the information provided, nor for any adverse effects, damages, or consequences that may arise from the use of the information presented in this newsletter. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health providers with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
| |
*GYNPeople - GYNConnect's inclusive term for people born female that have not experienced gender-affirming care. | |
|
Did you know that the estimated average time between (conclusive) medical research and (widespread) medical practice is 16 years?
As a partnership with GYNConnect, HOT FLASH! aims to close the gap by providing information and education regarding research that can support improved conversations with your healthcare providers about this important topic.
Each HOT FLASH! newsletter summarizes one recent research study related to the signs, risks and options for menopause. Remember, research is only one of several inputs you can use to support shared decision-making in your healthcare partnership with your provider team.
(If you are new to research and the terms used in this newsletter, we recommend reviewing the NIH's guide to "How to Make Sense of a Scientific Article" available here.)
| | | | |
