What is a 'period cave' and how do you create one?

Yesterday I mentioned the word 'Period Cave' to someone. She told me she'd never heard of the word but liked it and wondered what I meant with it.

To me, my Period Cave is sacred. It is the first two or three days of my period, in which I create extra time and space for myself in order to really sink into the depths of menstruation. I've called it Period Cave because I find that in this time of the month I need a safe space and protection; I prefer silence and rest over loudness and productivity, retreat over activity. This is the time where accessing your inner wisdom is easiest. It is the time in which it is easiest to sink deeply in your own waters.

Our blood holds so much wisdom, but if we don't take the time to connect to it, to slow ourselves down, to get silent, we will miss out on the messages our menstruation is sending us. Deep inner knowing can be accessed at this time, and in order for us to hear our intuition we need to protect our space a little bit more than usual 🐉

So how do you do this and what does it look like? I can't describe this in one post, as everyone will need something else. For me personally, I feel that my period cave needs some preparing. The days before my period I spend extra time cleaning my bathroom, doing my groceries, preparing soups, finishing projects and conversations. And I certainly don't plan big, social or very physical events for these or the next days (or I reschedule them), as that just doesn't work for me. Also I find that it helps to share with my loved ones that my period is coming up, so they know where I'm at. It helps my nervous system relax when they know I'm less (or not) available ✨.

When I'm finally crawling into my period cave I usually prefer to be alone and I like to switch off my phone, but it might also be a good time to connect with women, to do a slow ritual with your partner, to ask for some extra support, to create the painting you've been wanting to create.. or just to rest. Especially in a busy day-to-day life, little 'period cave' moments (even minutes) can be so nourishing and important.

How do you take care of yourself during your period? 🩸🌹❤️