The Power of Your Cycle: A Guide to Effortless Creativity
This blog is for our womenfolk creatives & the conscious men that seek a deeper understanding of their female relationships, so everyone really! This topic honestly feels like a game changer for the creatives, a life hack that no one really seems to be talking about but one that has absolutely changed the way we show up to our work, our ability to drop into a creative flow, & of course our relationships to our bodies & their innate wisdom.
Welcome to the power of your cycle..
Tuning into the wisdom of our wombs has been a life-changing experience, unlocking an effortless flow of creativity that feels deeply aligned with our bodies' natural rhythms. When we honour the cyclical nature of our menstrual cycle, we create space for a more intuitive and grounded creative process. That said, this post is just a surface-level dive into the transformative world of cyclical living. If you're eager to explore more, then we highly recommend checking out these resources below, trust us they will rock your world!!
- Period Power by Maisie Hill
- all of Jane Hardwicke Collings work
- Cycles of Creativity and Becoming the Artist of Your Own Life The Reworlding Podcast Episode
- The Wild Woman’s Way by Michaela Boehm
- Women Who Run with the Wolves by Clarissa Pinkola Estes
It’s important to remember that every body is different, and each person’s relationship with their cycle is unique. This guide is a general overview of the menstrual cycle, so we encourage you to use your discernment—let what resonates land with you and gently release what doesn’t. For those who aren’t currently bleeding, you can still embrace the cyclical energies by tuning into the phases of the moon, which naturally mirror the inner seasons of the menstrual cycle:
Inner Winter (Menstruation) aligns with the New Moon, a time for reflection and renewal.
Inner Spring (Follicular Phase) corresponds to the Waxing Moon, when energy grows and new ideas take shape.
Inner Summer (Ovulation) connects with the Full Moon, representing a peak of energy and creative expression.
Inner Autumn (Luteal Phase) reflects the Waning Moon, as energy slows and focus shifts toward completion and refinement.
Just like our menstrual cycles, the moon offers a cyclical pattern of growth, fullness, release, and rest, which can be used to guide your creative flow regardless of whether you're currently bleeding.
The menstrual cycle is not just a physical process; it's deeply connected to our emotional and creative lives too. By aligning your creative endeavours with the natural rhythm of your cycle, you can tap into a flow that is not only more productive but also deeply fulfilling. Think of your cycle as divided into four "inner seasons"—each with its own energy, strengths, and creative potential. So, grab a cuppa & let’s dive into them all..
Inner Winter: Menstruation (Days 1–5)
This is the bleeding phase, where energy levels drop, and the body craves rest. While this might feel like a time to slow down, it is also a powerful phase for creativity, though in a softer way.
Creative Energy:
Reflection and Introspection
Visionary Ideas
Quiet Inspiration
How to Harness Creativity:
Use this time to take a step back from active projects and reflect on the big picture. Journal your ideas, dreams, and visions without pushing yourself to execute them just yet.
Engage in gentle creative activities like photography walks, journaling, or easeful editing. The introspective nature of this phase is great for reviewing past work and finding hidden gems in your archives.
Plan your next steps. This is a wonderful time for envisioning what you want to create, setting goals, and dreaming of future projects.
Give yourself full permission to rest during this phase, & trust that creative energy will be flowing back to you in full force soon (everything begins & ends with rest)
Inner Spring: Follicular Phase (Days 6–14)
Following menstruation, your energy begins to rise again, mirroring the freshness of spring. This phase is when new ideas and projects start to blossom.
Creative Energy:
New Beginnings
Innovation
Brainstorming
How to Harness Creativity:
Dive into new projects and let your imagination run wild. This is a great time for brainstorming sessions, creative planning, and ideation. If you've been wanting to try a new technique or experiment with different photography styles, now is the time.
Engage in group activities or collaborations, as social energy is typically higher during this phase. Use this phase to network, pitch ideas, or gather with other creatives for inspiration.
Work on the initial stages of new projects, whether it’s conceptualising a photoshoot, scouting new locations, or outlining creative business ideas.
Inner Summer: Ovulation (Days 15–17)
Ovulation is often seen as the peak of the menstrual cycle, where you are most magnetic, confident, and energised. The creative flow here is often strong, full of boldness and expression.
Creative Energy:
Confidence and Visibility
High Productivity
Collaboration and Sharing
How to Harness Creativity:
This is the phase for executing your boldest creative projects. Get in front of the camera, share your work, and put yourself out there. Whether you’re posting new content on social media, launching a project, pitching to brands, or attending an event, your energy will radiate.
Take risks and step into the spotlight. If you’ve been waiting for the right time to pitch a big idea, make an announcement, or showcase your work to a wider audience, do it now.
Use your increased social energy to build connections, collaborate on shoots, or host workshops. Your creative magnetism is at its highest during this time.
Inner Autumn: Luteal Phase (Days 18–28)
As you move toward the end of your cycle, the energy of autumn sets in. This phase is about completion, organisation, and preparing for the next rest period. It's also the time when your sensitivity may be heightened.
Creative Energy:
Completion and Editing
Deep Sensitivity
Refinement
How to Harness Creativity:
Focus on completing and refining your work. If you’ve been creating all month, now is the time to edit, polish, and finalise your projects. You’ll have an eye for detail and a desire to perfect your craft.
Use your heightened sensitivity to infuse emotion into your work. This is a good time for storytelling, capturing intimate moments, and working on emotionally charged projects.
Allow yourself to slow down as you approach menstruation. If you feel frustration or creative blocks, channel that energy into creating boundaries, simplifying your workload, and planning for rest. Go gently.
Embracing the Cyclical Nature of Creativity
Creativity, like nature, is cyclical. Learning to flow with the natural rhythms of your cycle not only helps to prevent burnout but allows you to work more intuitively, in tune with your body’s changing energy. When you understand that there are phases of high energy and low energy, you can plan your creative work in a way that feels natural and aligned, avoiding the pressure to be constantly "on."
By respecting the wisdom of your cycle, you can elevate your creative process, allowing each phase to inform and support your work in its own unique way. We hope this guide has been helpful & left you with lots of womb wisdom drops, feel free to reach out to us if you found it valuable, we’d love to hear from you!
With love always,
The Solside Team
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