Pattern Discernment
How to tell the difference between the two types of patterns likely showing up in your cycles.
When you first start paying attention to cycles–whether those of your body, nature, or even work–you’ll likely start finding a few patterns that keep coming back around.
That’s the nature of cycles: a cycle is a cycle because it loops back around, often with predictable patterns. That thing you were experiencing a month ago, or maybe this time last year? It's likely back–for better or worse.
But how do you make sense of these patterns? Which ones do you lean into? Which ones are worth trying to shift? To help you discern that answer for yourself, here are the two types of patterns you’re likely to discover as you start getting to know your cycles.
PATTERN TYPE #1: FROM WITHIN
Some of these patterns we move through are innate to us.
While they can shift over time, these patterns are shaped by the cycles of our bodies and nature–from seasons to menstrual cycles to life stages, and more.
They illuminate our needs, strengths, and energy in a given phase of a cycle.
When they show up, we want to listen to them, tend to them, and learn how to partner with them as guides in our work + life.
Maybe for you this looks like:
A desire to get quiet that arrives with your bleed
Your monthly team meetings that align with your luteal phase tend to amplify your irritation
Every spring, you feel a surge of creativity that’s been a key to your success
PATTERN TYPE #2: FROM OUR CULTURE
Some of the patterns we’re looping on aren’t ours.
These patterns can represent beliefs, values or behaviors we’ve absorbed from our culture that don’t align with what’s in our hearts.
You know a pattern isn’t yours when it is in exact opposition to what your body is telling you. In fact, these patterns seem to show up often as a reaction to a pattern that IS ours, especially when that internal pattern is nudging us to do something that’s counter cultural.
Here’s an example: Your body says rest, but you respond with overwork.
It makes sense: if you’ve been taught like the rest of us that the only way to “make things happen” is to be constantly working and producing things, listening to your body can be scary.
When these patterns show up, treat them as an invitation to unwind from cultural conditioning, give yourself a fork ton of compassion, and set a new pattern in motion.
BEFRIENDING YOUR PATTERNS
Once you discover a pattern of either type in yourself, here are a few first steps to take:
The moment you find yourself in a pattern, pause. Take a breath. Maybe grab a glass of water. Then, acknowledge the pattern: “Oh wow, my creativity is surging like clockwork” or “I’m overworking in reaction to my body’s call for rest again”. Whatever it is, name it…and send yourself love as you do.
Get to know it. This is where cycle tracking comes in handy! Start tracking your emotions, energy and behavior to gather data. Then, review your data at the end of a cycle to tease out any patterns.
Identify the leverage point(s). Grab a pen and paper and map the cycle: What happens first? Then what? Then what? This is where I like to bring in systems thinking when I work with clients to visualize the cycle and see where we can start working with a pattern. My favorite example: realizing spring was a huge leverage point for me in breaking burnout cycles.
REFLECTION ACTIVITY
Here’s a quick exercise to see what patterns might be showing up for you right now:
Think back to this time last year: What was going on for you? What key themes were present in your work or life? What did you need or want? Did you listen to that, or what did you do instead?
Ok, now check in with your present self: what's returned and/or repeating for you at this moment?
If you notice any patterns, celebrate! Knowing your patterns is key, because you can’t work with what you don’t know.
If you’d like help getting to know your patterns, check out our programs or reach out for 1:1 support.
Photo Credit: Lisa Fotios
Disclaimer: This article is intended for educational and entertainment purposes only. None of the information provided should be construed as medical advice. If you have concerns related to your menstrual cycle, please consult a licensed health care provider.