No-one wants to be in pain. In previous episodes we’ve discussed ways to help alleviate menstrual pain with medication, acupressure, herbs, and even surgery. But aside from not being in pain, if you bleed, when you bleed, what do you want?

In this episode, we explore the concept of creating a special place in time and space for menstruation. Sometimes this happens by choice, as in the practice of “conscious menstruation,” and sometimes it’s enforced, as under cultural or religious taboos. What can we learn from taking a step back, turning away, in whatever small way, from society, from routine, and attuning to our internal cycle?

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Links referenced in this episode:

The Kohenet Hebrew Priestess Institute

Sacred Artist and Hebrew Priestess-in-training Bekah Starr

Call for submissions for "Cycles," a menstruation-based art show in Beacon, NY, curated by Bekah Starr (Deadline January 5, 2019)

"A Girl Gets Her Period, And Is Banished To The Shed" 2015 NPR story on menstrual seclusion in Nepal, by Michaeleen Doucleff and Jane Greenhalgh, featuring Prakriti Kandel

Non-profits working on menstruation sanitation and safety for women and girls: Nepal Water for Health, Wateraid, united.org/">Wash United

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Inflection Point with Lauren Schiller

Credits

Ladyparts is hosted and produced by Andrea Muraskin. Production help this month from Melissa Davis, Eamon Linehan , and Will Stratton. Parts of this episode were recorded at Boabab Tree Studios in New Haven, Connecticut. The Ladyparts logos are by Jamie Squire, and our theme song is by Adam Ragusea. Other music for this episode by Blue Dot Sessions and Brevyn. Special thanks to Taya Shere.