I noticed the problem several years ago.  Through the pressure of a friend I finally got a membership to a local gym.  I was pretty excited for my promised weight loss, ripped abs, and toned arms.  I arrived on my first day ready to conquer the treadmills before heading over to a weight lifting class.  I was pumped to get pumped!  I hopped on the machine and began running.  I smiled at my triumph and looked around to see who I could sneakily make eye contact with to prove my dedication.

I looked.  And looked.  And while the gym was full of people, I didn’t really see a lot of life.

Attack of the Zombies!

This was the moment when I realized humanity was doomed.  I’ve always known that the end of the world would probably come from a massive zombie infestation.  I just had no idea that the zombies were already here, preparing for their victory by lifting weights and increasing their endurance.  After that first horrific realization, I began seeing fitness zombies everywhere I went:  my clubhouse where I live, on the sidewalks around the neighborhood… I even saw them portrayed on commercials, movies, and television.

They were everywhere, but nobody seemed to care!

Well played, Zombies.

Image by Glennz Tees, Flickr

Now in all fairness to the humans who have already fallen prey, I really do understand the mentality behind the zombie fitness trend.  After all, despite knowing perfectly well the benefits of cardiovascular exercise, I really don’t enjoy running all that much.  It is not that I can’t run, because for years I forced myself to.  It is just that I find it really, really boring. I found a solution to this problem by listening to music that inspired me run like the champion.  But after a while, the music didn’t seem to cut it.  My playlist began feeling repetitive and redundant (and repetitive and redundant).

So then I tried a television.  While I was a student, living with my parents, I had the luxury of a nice big tv right in front of my treadmill that could lull me into an entertainment-filled world where I didn’t have to pay attention to what my body was doing. Boredom wasn’t an issue anymore. I could run! Zombie runners unite!

Of course, on top of the boring factor, we are just so busy these days.  Sometimes the only way we can justify working out is if we can do something else at the same time. When I was a teacher I would often see my students reading homework, writing papers, or catching up on the daily news… all while trying not to fall off a machine that allowed them to run in place. On the one hand, it is really impressive to see such amazing multi-tasking skills. On the other, I wonder where the line is.

Image by owasow, Flickr

All of these reasons are legitimate.  And I’m definitely not here to say that watching tv, reading, or knitting a scarf while working out is necessarily a bad thing.  However, I do think we should consider an alternative.

Living Body

As a Somatic Practitioner I usually have tell people what the word “Somatics” means.  It is a term that was first coined by Thomas Hanna.  The word Soma is a Greek word that ultimately means “living body.”  Somatic practices like Bartenieff Fundamentals, Yoga, Alexander Technique, Feldenkrais, Body Mind Center, Thai Chi, etc. are practices that encourage the individual to understand and develop the body through personal perceptions and lived sensations. Rather than relying on mirrors, doctors, personal trainers, or other 3rd parties to tell us what is wrong or right with our body, Somatics is an approach that acknowledges that our own perceptions of what we feel is an important aspect of working, understanding, and challenging the body/mind/spirit to progress.

That is not to say, of course, that we don’t ever want to rely on an outside eye.  But an outside eye will always see just another “body” (in a similar way that we view a cadaver or model skeleton).  It becomes an object for observation, prescription, and outer correction.  But, when we are considering our own Living Body, we bring with us our own experiences, sensations, and desires for change.  After all, ultimately, we are the only ones who know what we are really feeling at any given moment.

Say goodbye to zombie fitness and hello to revitalized moving!

I want to challenge you to consider the principles behind Somatics in the activities that you are already doing. Here are a few things for you to try while you are running, lifting weights, or doing whatever it is that gives you energy:

1. Notice how you are feeling.

It sounds like a simple idea, but the truth it that we often ignore sensations while we exercise (or live, for that matter).  How do you feel when you run?  When you lift weights?  When you stretch down and touch your toes?  Does it enliven you?  Do you feel pain?  Do you feel energized?

2. Consider your posture.

Even if you don’t think your posture is “perfect” just thinking about the way your body is put together can be very beneficial.  For example, if you are one who likes to read and run, consider what it might be doing to you spine.  Since so much of us spend a lot of time with our head slightly down and forward anyway, this practice may not be the best thing for our overall health (especially if you already experience back pain of any kind).

3. Consider larger connections.

I talked a while back about Body Connectivity.  Consider some of those tips and apply them to your workout.  This is a great opportunity to sense those connections.

4. Notice your range of motion.

We often talk about increasing our endurance and strength and decreasing our waistline when we talk about fitness.  And while many of us are (or know that we should be) stretching as part of a complete fitness plan, we usually only consider big muscle groups when we think about flexibility.  However, if you consider the many articulating joints in your body, you may realize the huge capacity you have for movement.

Sometimes I like to think about the many bones in my foot as I let it hit the pavement when I run.  Consider the 24 vertebrae that make up your spine.  Look at an anatomy book and get a sense for the possibility of movement that we don’t usually take advantage of.

5. Enjoy the moment.

I firmly believe that more people would get off the couch and move if they found something that moves them.

Why does this matter?

The benefits of working from a lived bodily experience are many.  First, we enhance our ability to control what we are doing which is first and foremost a safety issue.  We are less likely to twist an ankle, push ourselves beyond our abilities, or give up if we are investing in the moment… really living in the moment.  Second, it is a practice for mind/body connection.  For some reason many in our society are still holding onto the belief that the mind and body are separate and disconnected. No bueno. We are connected.

Clarify your intent

Ultimately, this practice makes for a more enjoyable and lively workout. By the looks of what I see at our gyms, our intent seems to say “just keep on going and endure the pains of life.”  This doesn’t work for me.  I know that I can tell a difference when I allow my mind and body to integrate together in those wonderful moments where I am using my body fully and living in the moment mentally and emotionally. So, to save humanity, let’s kill those Zombie Bodies and allow the Living Body to take its place in our world.

How do you make the most of your workouts?

(top featured image by, AllDayIWalk, Flickr)

Stop.

This is by far one of the most powerful tools we have. This is true whether we are talking about nutrition, food, or anything that can do good or harm to our body. Think about having a really good conversation with your friend. If your friend needed some good advice or needed your support and love wouldn’t you stop to let them speak? Our bodies are saying things to us. Hunger cues, pain, anxiety, love, excitement, “butterflies” in the stomach… these are all ways our body speaks to us. How can we expect to hear them if we don’t stop and listen.

Before each meal, stop for a moment and see what your body needs. At the beginning of each day, stop for a moment before jetting off to accomplish your to-do list. Maybe there is something you need to do (or something you can cross off that list). At the end of the day, stop to reflect: What made you happy? What made you feel ill? What would you like to improve upon tomorrow.

Evaluate the craving.

I’m not just talking about food cravings here. Sometimes our bodies crave social media. Sometimes it craves a good jog. But just like food, not all cravings are created equal. Some cravings are our body’s way of saying, “Hey! I really need this.” Other times it’s a result of habit, psychology, or compensation. Is what you are craving really what you need? If the answer is “yes,” go for it. I say this even if your body says it’s craving ice cream. If we really stop and evaluate we can better serve our body and all it’s needs: nutritional, social, enjoyable, etc. It can help us let go of guilt because we are doing what is best.

Breathe.

This is always my “go to” answer for almost anything. Breath is so essential to all health, but it’s also critical to listening to our body. Breathing opens us to change. It reminds us of life. It relaxes, heals, and nourishes. It quiets the brain and allows us to connect mind and body. Taking a few minutes each day (or better yet, each hour) to focus on your breath will allow you to listen with new awareness. Just try it.

Don’t be a zombie!

As I already mentioned in this post, if we want to benefit from a vitalized, healthy body we need to connect to that body rather than drowning out our good intentions with too many distractions.

Let go.

You can’t listen if you are still holding on to any ideas/beliefs that are forcing you into a “should” mentality. This doesn’t mean letting go of healthy ideas, but it does mean opening up your viewpoint of what healthy might mean to you at this particular moment. Repeat after me, “just let it go.”

What helps you better listen to your body? What makes it hard? Let me know!

(top featured image by “Anwaar, Flickr)

A blaring alarm goes off

My heart and other muscles contract with fear. It takes ten or so punches of the snooze button while my body tries to convince my brain that I don’t really need to get up.  Sooner or later, however, my mind can’t take the repeated alarm noise.

Must get up.

My feet hit the ground.  My eyes open just enough to see shadows in hopes of keeping me from walking into my dresser/door/wall.  (I’m not always successful with this.)  Finally, I walk.

*crack* *crack* *crack*

I hear an all too familiar sound of my joints making crinkly noises with each step.  I have a whole day ahead of me but I feel exhausted, tired, and “closed in.”  And then I think to myself…

“I really hate mornings.”

Sure, there are those “morning” people who seem to jump out of bed and sing the whole morning long, but for many of us this is far from the reality we experience.  For far too many people, rough mornings fit right in there with back pain, lack of range of motion, and all those other “symptoms” that are associated with the aging process.  It’s just a part of life, right?

Wrong.

Luckily, something changed my perspective. It is strange what can force us to see things differently.  For me and my mornings, the change started when I noticed a pattern.  And believe me, it definitely was a pattern found in the most unlikely of places.  Take a look:

Image by staceyjoy, Flickr

Image by FoxHeadPhotography, Flickr

Image by FoxHeadPhotography, Flickr

Image by tinyearthquakes, Flickr

Image by Robert Couse-Baker, Flickr

Image by lesbru, Flickr

Image by Aidarile, Flickr

Image by shehan365, Flickr

Image by Steve Greaves, Flickr

Do you see it?  And it’s not just our pets:

Image by Steve Greaves, Flickr

Image by astroboy_71, Flickr

Image by oppositeofsuper, Flickr

Stretch, baby, stretch!

I have two cute little Yorkshire Terriers (well, they are actually my parents’), and I noticed that my dogs always stretched after waking up.  I thought to myself, “My dogs are pretty old and yet they are not complaining of back pain, decreased range of motion, or ‘getting old’.”  (Sure, they are both deaf and one of them blind now, but they are really really old.)

So once upon a time I tried an experiment for the next few days.  I woke up, and before getting out of bed I stretched.  Easy enough, I thought.

Oh, it felt good.

Actually, it felt great.

Since that day I have found that with a few simple morning rituals I am able to find more bounce in my step. I am also more aware of my world, my body, and happy to be awake.  Even the cracking joints are history.  That is not to say that I don’t still have those early mornings that feel like they come all too soon.  But it only takes a few moments (and a little discipline) and I feel ready to take on the day.

Give it a try!  Let me know what you experience.

A few ideas for waking up refreshed:

Start off right by getting a good night’s rest.  No matter what rituals you do in the morning, if you aren’t giving your body the sleep it needs the mornings will always be hard.

Consider switching that blaring alarm clock for an alternative form of wake-up-system.  Natural health guru Dr. Mercola explains that the worst side effect of an alarm clock is that it stimulates the fight-or-flight human defense response in some people, which prompts the body to pump the appropriate chemicals into the bloodstream very early in the morning, when there is nothing to fight or run away from (1).

“Sun Alarms” use gradually growing light to wake us up in a more natural way.  Of course these tend to be pricey (anywhere from $80 – $200).  I have found that a more economical solution (read: for the budget oriented folks like me) is a simple CD or MP3 alarm clock.  I have been waking up to nature sounds for a few years.  It makes waking up much easier.  (Although if you’re not a light sleeper  you may need a back up plan.)

Stretch!  Remembering to do this may be the hardest part, but I promise you’ll feel a difference.  And don’t worry, I’m not talking about jumping into the splits when you wake up.  Here are a few easy and gentle stretches to consider putting into your morning ritual:

• Deep Breaths:  A simple reminder that our breath is the key to life.  It is also a great way to get your lungs, diaphragm, and core muscles moving—not to mention breathing is like a free massage for your internal organs.
• “Big X”: Allow all six limbs (head, tailbone, arms, and legs) to spread away from your core.  Relax all six limbs back toward your center and repeat a few times.  Allow your inhale to match the expansive stretch and your exhale to signal the release.
• Swimming Spine:  You can do this on your back or sitting.  Imagine your spine is a river.  Gently sway your torso to allow all parts of the spine (including the head and pelvis) to wave from side to side.
• Shallow Downward Dog:  Place both feet on the floor and then stretch your arms on the bed.  Allow your tailbone to stretch away from the bed while the spine is long.  This is a gentle version  of its yoga counterpart that allows your legs, back, and arms to stretch.
• Little giggles:  This is my favorite one (although I admit it is probably the strangest of the bunch).  In a playful and easy manner, let your body “laugh” by subtly jiggling and shaking your body.  This allows the synovial fluid in your joints to lubricate them and get rid of the “cracking” noises in the morning.Using the bed for balance if you need it, pick one foot up at the time and just gently shake it.  Give your hands a little shake, and then follow it with an easy “shimmy” of the torso.  You may feel silly, so go ahead and laugh.

What helps you wake up in the morning?

(top featured image by Madelyn Smith, Flickr)

Sources:

1. http://www.drmercola.biz/2009/07/how-to-wake-up-healthy.html

You must save your work on your own external flash drive.  Do not save it to the desktop as the desk top is cleared each day.  If you did not do this you work has been erased.

It’s gone.  Let it go.

Don’t eat this! It will kill you!

You MUST eat this or you’ll die!

The battle of knowing what we should and shouldn’t put in our bodies along with all the “science” shoved in our face with all sorts of contradictory advice is enough to make a person want to crawl into a cave and just live out their days in isolation.

But you don’t need to do that. Instead, just let it go.

Let it go.

I’m not asking you to stop trying to live a healthy life. I’m not suggesting you give up on all your goals. No. Keep progressing. Keep moving on your journey towards good health. But please, PLEASE let go:

Let go of the worry that you aren’t doing it “right.”

Let go of the stress and guilt when you feel the urge to splurge a little.

Let go of the belief that you aren’t good enough.

Let go of the idea that you need to look a certain way.

Let go of the fear that you’ll get fat, get cancer, or die young.

Our lives should not be run by worry, stress, or fears. Our motives should not be guided by self loathing or guilt.

Where do these ideas come from?

Lots of places. They come from society. They come from well meaning friends and family. They come from mean people, nice people, confused people. They come from “experts” and doctors. They come from that little voice inside our head that far too often gets a little out of control.

And it’s just not health we are talking here. Maybe you have a fear of being a bad mom. Maybe you have a fear of being a mom, of being judged because you don’t want to be a mom. Maybe you are holding on to bad memories, bad relationships, bad… anything. You get the idea.

Just let go.

Of course, saying “just let go” is a whole lot easier than just letting go. Sometimes our beliefs, words, and actions are cemented by habit. Sometimes these ideas are so subtle and subconscious that we may not even be aware of the sabotage that’s being done. How do we really let go?

May I suggest the following practice:

1. Be aware. Start by being aware of the thoughts that drive your motives. Listen to that ongoing voice that talks to you about how your should act, look, or be. Do you believe it? Should you?

2. Write it down. Write down the thoughts that are stifling your progress. Write down the fears that are immobilizing your motives. This may take some time. Face the words that are keeping you still. See them. Experience them.

3. Replace. Make another list with positive thoughts or helpful motivation. For example, let go of “fear of being fat” and replace it with “joy of a healthy body.” Let go of “afraid of cancer” and replace it with “freedom in the products I use.” Try to find a positive replacement for every thing you’d like to let go of.

3. Let it go. I mean this literally. Do something with the “let it go” list. Burn it. Tear it up. Throw it away. Stuff it in a balloon and let it go off into the wide open air. Let it go. Move on. Keep your positive list in a place where you can see it and revisit all the things you have to gain.

4. Repeat as necessary. Like a pesky weed, sometimes our thoughts have roots deeply hidden. When you feel that voice, that fear, that stress creep back up into consciousness, start the process over. And rather than feel like you are “falling back” into old habits, recognize that progress takes time and that you are a different person today then you were yesterday.

What are you trying to let go of? Feel free to share any of your ideas in the comments below. 

(top image by ADA.Marcu, Flickr)

Say what?

Let’s start with the basics, shall we? Bentonite clay is composed of aged volcanic ash found in different parts of the world. It is both versatile in its uses and it is super inexpensive. Clay has been shown to help in:

• Cleansing the liver, colon and skin;
• Balancing bacteria in the digestive tract;
• Improving nutrient assimilation; and
• Strengthening the immune system (1).

But that’s not all!

Bentonite clay can also eliminate food allergies, food poisoning, colitis, viral infections, and parasites. It is an effective treatment for arthritis, cataracts, diabetic neuropathy, pain, wounds, diarrhea, stomach ulcers, animal and insect bites, acne, anemia and alcoholism; it is effective in treating all digestive conditions and aids in weight loss. Bentonite clay also re-mineralizes cells and tissues, alkalizes the body and is very effective in protecting our bodies against radiation (1).

Clay has an amazing ability to help keep toxins from being absorbed into the body. When taken internally, the minerals that make up Bentonite clay work together to absorb heavy metals and other toxins in the gut. Even external use has benefits. Clay baths and topical application can also help with detox through clay’s strong drawing powers. Through a pulsing action, clay can actually draw out infections, gangrene, heavy metals, and toxins (2).

For me, I enjoy ingesting clay because it’s a natural way to boost my diet with minerals. It contains magnesium and approximately 67 other trace minerals. Especially because modern day soil is so depleted, your body will definitely thank you for giving it some mineral love.

Clay and its many wonders

Beyond the nutritional and detoxification benefits, there are so many uses for clay. It’s great to help with burns, diaper rash, and skin issues. I often enjoy doing a clay mask to feel like I have my own mini spa.

Best of all, it’s really cheap. If the thought of drinking “muddy” water doesn’t appeal to you, you can always buy some clay capsules. (It’s not as bad as it sounds. A little chalky, yes. But you really won’t feel like you are drinking dirt.) The most economical way to get your clay on is to buy the powder and do your own mixing.

Check out this video on how to ingest clay or check out Redmond Clay’s online video library for more clay gems.

Would you ever drink clay?

*Special Considerations:

When taking bentonite clay internally, it is important that it be taken under the supervision of a health practitioner if:

• You are taking any prescription medications; and/or

• High blood pressure is present.

People diagnosed with iron intolerance should not take bentonite clay without blood sample monitoring.

It is also important to note that bentonite clay should not come in contact with any metals.

Check out this free ebook from Redmond Clay: We Eat Clay for more information on the uses and application of clay. (I’m not affiliated with Redmond clay in any way. I just love their stuff!)

(top image by (((Lee))), Flickr)

Sources:

1. http://www.naturalnews.com/032549_bentonite_clay_health_benefits.html

2. http://www.naturalnews.com/025854_clay_body_detox.html

A gift for me.

Here’s the thing. I love May. No really, it’s my favorite month of the year. And I promise it has nothing to do with the fact that my birthday is in May. (Okay, so maybe that has something to do with it.) On the 31st I will be turning 31. For anyone who knew me in high school, this is kind of a big deal. (As a sophomore I would often tell people how 31-derful the number 31 was. I had this thing with numbers. Don’t judge. I was a nerd awesome.)

I know most people get all sentimental/anxious/excited/depressed when they turn 30. For most it’s a major landmark in the aging process. But for me, I have been waiting for 31 for a long time. I’m excited to be moving forward. I am excited where life is leading me. Getting older has never really bothered me (we’ll see if I say that when I’m turning 60).

With all this in mind, I wanted a challenge to prepare myself for the awesome year that awaits me. In the past, when I would be “gearing” up for something important I would usually try to “get in shape,” lose those last “pesky few pounds,” or commit myself to some sort of disciplined health craze.

Not this time.

This time I want to refocus, relax, and breathe in new opportunities. After all, something about moving past the twenties is really satisfying. Rather than feeling like I have to prove myself I feel much more content just being me.

So, what is May’s challenge?

In a nutshell, this month’s challenge can be summarized into three little “L” phrases:

1. Let go.
2. Listen.
3. Love.

Let go.

Image by **sirop, Flickr

This really is the first step to healthy living, in my mind. We need to be willing to let go. Of what? That depends. What is holding you back? What is keeping your from living your life? What is stressing you out? What feelings are keeping love out of your life?

Step one of the challenge is to write down whatever it is you need to let go of. Maybe it’s control. Maybe it’s anger. Maybe it’s self hate. Maybe it’s a lot of things. Take some time to think about it. Rather than focus on what you don’t have or what you do have (but wish you didn’t), focus on the things you can let go that are not helping you live the life you want.

Listen.

image by ky_olsen, Flickr

This is about honoring our bodies (and self) and the knowledge they have. Rather than frantically researching every health book, blog, or article out there try listening to your body to see what it really needs. Rather than zipping through a meal, listen to your body’s cues for hunger, thirst, fullness, etc. Rather than letting your thoughts take you down a path of self-loathing, listen to the good things your body is telling you.

This is step two. Each day, take at least a couple moments in the morning to pause and “go inward.” What does your body want to do? What is your body craving? How can you listen and appreciate your body even more? If you want to take this further, take a couple of moments before each meal to listen to what your body needs nutritionally. Stop during work to see what your body needs to do to recuperate. Even twenty seconds throughout the day can make a huge difference. Listen. Write it down. Obey.

Love.

image by escuchoelecodetuvoz ~, Flickr

We all have flaws. Let’s just put that out there. But we also have tremendous strengths. All of us. Do we focus on those as much as the rest?

I was watching the “Hungry for Change” film that was available online during March. There was a section about loving ourselves. Dr. Christaine Northrup talked about an experiment that I would like us to try. I’m going off my memory here, so forgive me if this isn’t entirely accurate. But the experiment is simple:

Every day, twice a day, look yourself in the mirror and say these words:

“I love myself unconditionally as I am right now.”

Then wait. Wait for the negative thoughts. Wait for the self doubt. Continue to look yourself in the eye and let those thoughts pass through. The goal is to do this for the entire month and notice the changes that occur as we begin to believe the habitual voice of love that we reiterate every day. This is step three, but one you can start right now.

The nuts and bolts of the challenge

1. “I love myself unconditionally as I am right now.” Start by speaking out loud these words today. Put a sticky note on your mirror if you need to. It will take you mere seconds to perform. What do you have to lose? Will you feel silly? Maybe at first. Can these words eventually become your truth? You bet.

2. Consider what you can “let go” of. Write a list. Brainstorm the ideas/beliefs/practices that are holding you back. On Friday I will do a “let go” post with some suggestions as well as a comment section open to those who want to share. It’s a great practice to “put it out there.”

3. Start listening to your body. Next week I will do a “Listen” post with some ideas and practices to help you. But until then, give yourself a moment each day to hear your body out.

So… Who’s in? 

Here’s some of the things I’ve enjoyed reading/viewing/learning this month:

Heather, the Mommypotamus, has a few great recipes for homemade bug repellent!

My college-dancer-friend turned real-foodie-blogger Kendahl posted this delicious recipe for white chocolate macadamia nut cookies (in a skillet)! Yum!

I’m sure you’ve seen Caine’s Arcade zooming around the internet, but if you have taken a few minutes to watch the video, you must! It will make your day and restore your faith in humanity.

If you’re in the mood for some spring cleaning, check out my Natural Cleaning Pinterest board to see some great links to toxic-free cleaning!

Some of my favorite posts from Thank Your Body this April:

For some reason I really enjoyed talking about my greener approach to my “monthly visitor.”

I still feel the emotions from writing this post: The War on Cancer

Are you reconsidering sunscreen now after reading this post?

Whether you have participated in the April Challenge or not, you should check out some of the comments to these “check ins.” I’m so inspired by all who have participated!

What have you enjoyed reading this month?
Let me know! Link up in the comments!

• You don’t have to be perfect. If you’ve slipped a bit (or haven’t felt “in your groove” yet) still let us know so we can support you.
• Progress not perfection. Progress NOT perfection. (Just making sure this idea sticks.)
• Let us know what has helped or worked for you?
• Need support? An idea? Have a question? Ask!
• Make sure to read the other participant’s comments and leave any words of support or encouragement. (Or any great advice that you might have!)

Finish well!!!

As we are coming to the final days of the challenge keep in mind why you are doing this! I’d love to feature any of your inspiring stories when this is over. Feel free to send me your story OR blog about it and send me the link. You guys have been amazing and I’d love to share your experiences.

Leave your comment!

Like always, my comment will be in there, too.

So, there I was… at the brink of despair wondering how I could go on using my convenient, mainstream tampons knowing that there might be mold in them! In my flurry of fear I began researching. Maybe my tampons weren’t that bad. Maybe I could get by with a simple switch to a non-applicator version so I could always see the thing before inserting it.

Bad move, Robin. Bad move. Instead of reassurance I learned the following about tampons:

• Most tampons are made from a cotton or rayon-cotton blend. Rayon is a synthetic fiber that is made from wood pulp. It is highly absorbent.
• Conventionally grown cotton may have been bio-engineered and most likely grown with a mess of pesicides, fertilizers and fungicides.
• Both of these fibers undergo a bleaching process before being made into tampons and even though this process has been improved to try and eliminate dioxins, trace levels are still being found.

What are Dioxins? I’m glad you asked:

Dioxins are an environmental pollutant and known carcinogenic by product of bleaching and manufacturing processes. It is now being found in our soil, air and water. According to the FDA, this may explain how rayon and cotton may always contain some dioxin. Some groups think even the improved bleaching techniques may contribute to some of the dioxins. Of course, the FDA says that levels of dioxin are so low there is no a cause for concern. But some doctor’s and others are not so sure. The concern is in the cumulative effect of even tiny amounts of dioxins coming in to contact month after month with a very delicate part of our body (1).

Rayon is another tampon danger. Derived from wood pulp, it is also commonly chlorine-bleached and therefore may contain dioxins. Tiny fibers are often left behind in the vagina, causing, at the very least, irritation, and possibly more. Because rayon is so absorbent, women may leave tampons in longer than they ideally should, opening the door for bacterial growth and toxic shock syndrome (2).

Hmmm… this was not what I wanted to hear.

Finally, I gave in to my situation. Defeated by the information in front of me, I started looking up “safer” option. Here’s where my sleuthing skills took me:

Organic Tampons

My first instinct was to check out organic, chlorine free tampons (like these ones). This was definitely a better alternative. But honestly, I just couldn’t get the image of a landfill full of my monthly waste out my mind. Nor did I really want to spend more money than I already was on such an annoying part of being a woman. Next.

Reusable Pads

I read up a little bit on reusable organic cotton pads. Despite the fact that lots of women seem to enjoy these products, I just couldn’t let go of the idea of a more messy monthly experience. It seemed like more laundry and more dealing with that gross stuff that I could previously just toss away. Plus, I hate wearing pads. They feel like women diapers that often make me question every move I make for fear of leaking my woman goods to the world. I especially couldn’t handle the thought of using them throughout the night. No thank you.

image by danikaswimswim, Flickr

I stopped looking for a bit. To be honest, I was scared. Frightened by where this new information and research was taking me. I knew what was going to happen. I just didn’t want to go there, yet. I needed a break.

I got up, did some yoga. Breathed in some clean air. And pictured myself in a happy place.

Bad idea.

All that body lovin’ goodness just pushed me over the edge. And before I knew it was reading hundreds of reviews looking for the “perfect” menstrual cup.

The dreaded menstrual cup

image by Lunettecup, Flickr

I mean, just look at this thing. Doesn’t it just look awkward and messy and uncomfortable? Who wants to shove a cup… up there!? WHO!? Not me.

Sure, the pro’s seemed pretty awesome:

• Nothing to throw away meaning it’s way eco-friendly
• No risk of TSS
• No toxic materials getting absorbed by my precious female tissue
• No threat of moldy surprises
• One time cost since it will last for years (hello extra $$$ in my wallet!)
• You can wear it for 8 – 12 hours before starting over
• You can sleep easily, move freely
• Will not encourage bacterial transfer from the anal area as pads can
• Does not dry the vaginal wall or interrupt the natural lubrication process

That’s a pretty awesome list, don’t you think? It sure it! But I couldn’t get past the thought of sticking a cup up you-know-where.

Here’s the thing: I read review after review and other than this kind of scary (but hilarious) one, everyone seemed to like their experience with the cup. The one thing I kept reading was “give it time. Give it three months and you will love it.”

So I did it. After researching brands, sizes, and softness factors I decided to go with this one.

I purchased a menstrual cup. ME!?

When it came in the mail I ignored it for a week. My husband was all sorts of funny telling me “congrats” on my purchase. I finally pulled the thing out of the box, sterilized it, and secretly hoped that my period wouldn’t come so I wouldn’t have to try it. I didn’t have a lot of faith that this would be a good fit for me.

“I’m going to try it for three months before I finally give up and hate it. I know I will hate it.” This is what I told my husband.

Friday the 13th.

Wouldn’t you know it…. my monthly visitor came on Friday the 13th. Yippee. Thankfully the night before I had researched different folds for said cup. I came across my favorite, the origami fold. (gulp) Here goes nothing….

There were birds all around, but I never heard them singing….

…no I never heard them at all til’ there was youuuuuuuu!

Wow! Guess what? It wasn’t as bulky or awkward as I thought it would be. It was way easier than I had prepared myself for. By the second day it was a no-brainer. I love this thing! No seriously, I do!

It’s comfortable.

It’s cleaner. (This surprised me).

I wore it for 10 hours at night with no problem.

In fact, it was a whole lot nicer than my tampons. You can wear it on heavy days or light days. For me, I had way less leaking problems than with tampons (I actually purchased a few reusable organic pads as a back up panty liner… love those, too.)

An unexpected side effect

Another thing I noticed was that I didn’t experience my normal cramping or bloating. My period was lighter and shorter than usual. I don’t know if this has anything to do with the product, but I did read other reviewers who noticed similar things.

To top off my whole experience, it will save me money and help me save the planet! All of a sudden I didn’t feel like I was compromising my health or my convenience. Am I in love my period now? No. Still glad to see it end. BUT I am be glad I saw that moldy tampon. I don’t usually like change that is motivated by fear, but in this case it ended up getting me on a better road.

What about you? Would you (or do you) use a menstrual cup? What do you think? What questions do you have about it?

(top image by absurdwordpreferred, Flickr)

Sources:

1. http://www.natural-living-for-women.com/organic-tampons.html

2. http://askville.amazon.com/AMERICAN-WOMEN-TAMPONS-PADS-PERIOD/AnswerViewer.do?requestId=15177503

But first, let’s just make sure it’s only ladies here. Seriously, guys, this is a woman’s post because today I am going to talk about my aunt.

You know, Aunt Flo.

Cousin Red.

The red tide.

Are you catching my drift?

I’m talking about having the painters in. Being on the rag.

I’m riding the cotton pony, surfin’ the crimson wave….

I’m talking about that time of the month.

You know, my period.

Menstruation.

(There. I think that did it.)

Okay ladies, now that we have the guys gone, let’s chat.

I’m going to be honest. As “hippie” and “nature-lovin’” as I am, I really hate that time of the month. I’m not one of those poetic types who wistfully recite the beauties of the cycle… you know, how it connects me to the rhythms of nature, or how “cleansing” it is, or any of that flowery garbage. And while I am very sensitive to the fact that there are women out there who, for whatever reason, struggle to maintain or have a regular period (for which I’m truly sorry), for me it’s still a somewhat harsh reality every time my period starts.

So with that in mind, I do what most women in our society do, I keep my Cousin Red a private matter. I don’t enjoy talking about it. I don’t enjoy thinking about it. So why on earth am I writing a post about it!?

Because, something changed. Once again I found myself forced upon information that I didn’t want to know and now I can’t unlearn it. But I’m getting ahead of myself. Let’s back up a bit.

My not so green period.

I’ve made some major strides these past few years to “greenify” my life. From my food, to my personal care products, to the stuff we use to clean our stuff.  We have had a major overhaul of all our previously toxic, inhumane, and otherwise “not green” living. Dangerous cleaners? Gone! Toxic cookware? Gone! Inhumane food products? Gone!

Keep in mind that this has all been a gradual process. I’ve tried not to go crazy or stress too much about these changes. I’ve told myself “baby steps” the entire time. But I always had a mental list of the things that would eventual replace the garbage I didn’t want in my life.

And yet, in the back of my conscious was a little closed door with twenty or so locks bolted tightly… a barricade to this voice of change. There was one part of my life that I just didn’t worry about and thought would stay the same forever. You guessed it: My period.

Sure, I knew that tampons and disposable pads weren’t really eco-friendly. I mean, the average North American woman goes through more than 11,000 feminine products in her lifetime. And that more than 20 billion feminine hygiene products are flushed (they wreak havoc on pipes and plumbing by the way) or tossed annually… that’s more than baby diapers!

And if pressed, I would probably relent to the fact that there were much more healthy and less toxic ways of treating my period.

image by Ry Pepper, Flickr

Of course I was well aware of more expensive, organic, chlorine-free disposable products.  I knew some women who even use reusable pads or those weird “menstrual cup” gadgets. Yeah, I wasn’t going to go there.

I just didn’t want to deal with these things. I didn’t want to give up my perceived convenience. I didn’t want make this unwanted monthly visitor any more of a hassle, or mess, or expense than it already was.

But there’s no going back….

(Here is my warning to you: If you don’t want to change and continue living in ignorance, don’t read on. I won’t blame or judge you. Promise.)

I don’t remember how I stumbled upon it. Probably facebook. It was probably one of the “all-natural-hippie-lovin’” pages that I follow who posted something. But regardless, I came across this article where I saw this picture:

image via www.parrforthecourse.com

Hey, guess what!? That’s mold!

MOLD! In a brand-new tampon! You know, the thing you shove up your “inner-most femininity” and keep it there for several hours. The place in your body with some of the most delicate and absorbent tissue!

I just sat there and stared at the photo, wishing I hadn’t seen it. Wishing I hadn’t read the response of the company responsible. Wishing I could go back to my blissful (but not-so-green) ways. But I couldn’t. Before I knew it I was stirring up an online storm, searching for ways to help my body (and the planet).

I now stand before you; a changed woman.

Ladies, I have greenified my period!

You know what? It wasn’t so bad. Or expensive. Or messy. On the contrary, it was good, more economical, and cleaner!

In fact, I love it.

This post is already a million years long (again, sorry. I tend to get carried away). But come back tomorrow where I reveal my experiences. I’ll try to make it entertaining if not educational. 

In the meantime, what are you feeling toward your Aunt Flo?

(top image by Viraj Photography, Flickr)

This post is part of Fat Tuesday.