What the #@&%! is happening?
Who am I?
I used to...
Where is my ...energy, vitality, sense of purpose?
If any of these resonate for you, you could be on the cusp of (or deep in) perimenopause. About half of the population will experience perimenopause and eventually menopause. It's often gradual and sneaks up on us, unless there's a medical reason for a more abrupt shift. We may not realize what is going on until we're fully in it.
Symptoms can span body, mind, and spirit, with everything from anxiety, disrupted sleep, physical changes, shifts in our sense of identity, loss of resilience and a host of random physical sensations. Yoga honors, embraces and practices transitions. Through this course, we'll explore the power of transition, so we can find our center in the midst of it all.
Over 3 weeks, we'll explore how our yoga practice can support us through this time. We'll draw upon the wisdom of practice to restore a sense of stability, build strength, and find a sustainable pathway through this time.
Introduction: We'll explore the unique transitions in this moment. This section also introduces a daily practice you can integrate throughout our time together (and beyond)
Week 1 • Stability: We'll explore the physical, emotional, and identity shifts that can happen during this stage of life. It can feel like a roller coast, with wild mood swings, erratic sleep, and unpredictable energy.
In perimenopause, big shifts are happening in hormone levels that ripple into our entire physiology. We can restore a sense of stability through simple routines. Dinacharya practices in the morning can support steadier cortisol levels, and evening Ritucharya practices can support more balanced rest. We'll also explore physical stability, starting with the foundation of our feet and exploring balance.
Week 2 • Strength: After age 35, we lose 1-2% of muscle mass each year. By our mid-40's, we'll notice a shift in our overall physical strength, and perimenopausal declines in estrogen accelerate this loss of muscle and bone density.
We'll focus on building strength, integrating steady, slow, and strong approaches to asana as well as other strength-building activities.
Week 3 • Sustainability: Our sustenance requires rest, and sleep can be disrupted at this stage.
We'll explore ways to reset the cycles of awake and rest, to balance other hormone systems (cortisol, melatonin), and how to activate our parasympathetic nervous system.
Yoga nidra and restorative practices can support intentional rest and help to bring back a sense of balance.
Each week includes:
We also plan to gather live, at least twice during our time together to support community connection.
Janet’s studentship began at 17 under the meditation teachings of Prem Rawat. His reverence for simplicity and finding joy in the rise and fall of life live on in her practice and teaching today. In 1996, she traveled to India, the birthplace of her grandfather, and became dedicated to the path of yoga. Janet blends the alchemy of her own practice with decades of studentship. She aspires not to teach but to allow the practice to emanate from her, letting awareness blend with movement and breath. Based in Bali and San Francisco, she leads immersions, retreats, workshops and more.
