The Power of Cyclical Living: Finding Peace in Life's Natural Rhythms

"Life is not a straight line. Life is a circle." ~ Native American Proverb

Have you ever felt out of sync with yourself, questioning why your energy, confidence, or creativity seems to shift without apparent reason?

Understanding and embracing cyclical living might be the key to making sense of these natural ebbs and flows. As someone who has personally experienced the transformative power of living cyclically, I want to share how this framework has helped me - and others - find more peace and acceptance in life's natural rhythms.

Awareness Can Breed Acceptance

A friend reached out to me during what she described as a sudden 'crisis of confidence'. As we talked, I asked about where she was in her menstrual cycle. It turned out she was experiencing a crossover day - the transition period between cycle phases that can feel particularly bumpy, like tripping over a kerb. There's nothing inherently good or bad about these transitions; they're simply moments that require extra awareness and gentleness.

I suggested she mark these days in her calendar, and the following month, she messaged me saying, "Here I am again." But this time, something was different. Because she understood where she was in her cycle, she could find more space from the emotional turbulence. Instead of making major decisions or believing these feelings represented her entire reality, she waited it out. Sure enough, things shifted the very next day.

Another beautiful example comes from a client who's currently experiencing a personal autumn, perfectly aligned with the Northern Hemisphere's seasonal shift. Understanding that she's in a natural period of letting go and discernment has brought her tremendous peace and reassurance. Rather than forcing herself to generate new ideas or maintain high productivity, she's embracing this time of rest and preparation - and finding profound trust in the process.

There's No Right Way To Be

As a recovering perfectionist, I've often caught myself believing there's one 'right' way to be, and then beating myself up when I inevitably don't match that ideal. What I love about cyclical living is that it doesn't prescribe how we should feel or experience life. Instead, it offers a map that helps us locate ourselves within natural rhythms, creating space for acceptance and understanding.

When I can position myself within these cycles, I make sense to myself. I understand why I'm responding differently to situations than I did weeks or months ago. This framework gives me permission to embrace all aspects of my being, recognising that each phase carries its own wisdom and strength.

Embracing Each Phase's Unique Gifts

Each phase of any cycle offers unique opportunities:

In spring, we can harness fresh inspiration and creativity while honouring the vulnerability of new beginnings. During summer, we learn to express ourselves authentically without forcing or burning out. Autumn teaches us discernment - what to keep and what to release. Winter invites us to rest and pause, creating space for the next cycle to emerge naturally.

Perhaps most importantly, cyclical living reminds us that everything is temporary. Whatever we're experiencing - whether challenging or joyful - won't last forever. This understanding helps us hold our experiences more lightly while still making the most of each phase.

Living Cyclically in Practice

For those interested in exploring cyclical living, start by paying more attention to your natural rhythms (you'll find a free guide on how to do that here). Whether you're following your circadian rhythm, menstrual cycle, the seasons, or another natural pattern, begin tracking how you feel and what you notice. Remember, the goal isn't to judge or fix but to understand and work with your natural ebbs and flows.

This practice has transformed my relationship with myself, offering a framework for self-understanding that goes beyond rigid expectations or one-size-fits-all solutions. It's about finding your own rhythm within the greater dance of life's cycles.

Have you noticed how cycles show up in your life? What frameworks help you make sense of your changing experiences and emotions? I'd love to hear your thoughts and experiences in the comments below.