Never thought I‘d upload a picture with blood on my face and many of you are probably thinking wtf Jil. But let me explain… because this is actually something I am very passionate about.
As many of you know I struggled with Amenorrhea and didn’t get my period for over 3 years. This healing journey has been such a blessing and completely shifted the way I understand and relate to my cycle
I tried many different things along the way but ultimately it was all about healing the relationship to my femininity. Due to abuse / sexual trauma and subconsciously rejecting aspects of being a woman no supplement or diet change was the true answer - but facing the pain of the past and allowing for a reconciliation with the parts that were bruised.
There is no one-fits-all solution to menstrual issues - what truly allowed this healing process to unfold was making my body feel safe again, allowing it to go through changes, transmuting shame & guilt and unblock whatever was in the way of fully arriving in myself as a woman.
I have been celebrating every period since the first bleed back in fall but especially my last two periods were such a beyond magical experience for me. Now I truly treasure my womb and the miracle of menstruation, enjoying the time in the “red tent” with ritual and deep communion with this sacred part of my body. It’s a time of release and shedding not only on a physical level and truly such a sacred experience when we open up to it
Therefore I’m more than happy and proud to use this day to speak up about menstruation and support the #stream4water livestream special by @vivaconagua (join me 12:30pm). It hurts my heart to think about how many women suffer with pain & shame because of their menstruation or even experience discrimination. Let’s bring light into this heavily shadowed topic ♥️
The very first poem I wrote for the book. From my book, She Dreams When She Bleeds: Poems About Periods now available on Amazon. Link in my bio.
Words and art by Nikki Tajiri @nikkitajiri on Tumblr and Instagram.
My book sales have picked up recently! Thank you all for your support, I feel so grateful and honored when someone chooses to spend their hard-earned money on my book. Hope you are all safe and hopeful. - N
