Moondala: Living in Rhythm with the Female Body

“The foundation of the feminine spiritual path is the relationship with one’s cycle—caring for it, understanding it, and consciously cooperating with the energies moving within it.”

Hello Beautiful Souls,

I’ve been writing a lot lately, but here I posted less and less. The good news is that beginning of this year I have started a Substack where you can read an inspirational piece every “moonday.” In my latest post, someone asked me to share more about cyclical planning.

So here’s a resource to help you begin your discovery.

Since preparing for having a child, the importance of planning in alignment with cycles has supported me in approaching my daily tasks with more elegance. One of the greatest benefits of cyclical planning is that it tunes you into the true rhythm of life—something the female body is naturally much more receptive to than linear, calendar-based planning.

It’s important to understand that countless cycles can influence the harmonious functioning of our bodies—from micro- to macro-cycles. The more one understands and experiences these, the more precisely and sensitively one can fine-tune and align with them.

As a first step, it’s important to observe where you live. What natural cycles surround you—where are you physically? Are the changing seasons part of your life? Personally, I align with the four seasons.

The second step is to observe and become aware of where you are in your own life. I would highlight three stages:

  • the years before the fertile period (from girlhood to first menstruation / maiden),
  • the fertile period (the menstruating years / mother),
  • and the time after the fertile period (crone).

During the first and third stages, it’s worth aligning with the “outer moon” (the visible moon in the sky), while in the middle stage it’s more useful to adapt to your own cycle and observe its characteristics.

We can divide our cycle into 2, 4, 5, or even 6 phases.
Cyclical planning begins by observing two key phases: the phase of rising energy and the phase of quieting energy (2 phases). In terms of lunar phases, this corresponds to:

  • rising energy (from new moon to after full moon),
  • decreasing energy (from after full moon to new moon).

Of course, as mentioned earlier, many micro-cycles also influence us, so within a single day you may experience both increases and decreases in energy.

It’s also important to recognize that if you’ve been adapting to a calendar-based cycle since childhood, or living a lifestyle that ignores your body’s natural preferences (working when tired, not resting when your body needs it), you may have placed your body under the control of your intellect and become disconnected from your body’s wisdom. In this case, you might experience:

  • menstrual irregularities
  • frustration or extreme emotions
  • difficulty creating
  • loss of inner integrity (between your “light” and “dark” sides)
  • masculinization (rejection or suppression of femininity)
  • female functional disorders (PMS, cycle irregularities)
  • gynecological conditions (polyps, fibroids, endometriosis, etc.)

Even in this case, there’s no reason to panic. You are here now, gaining this knowledge—so you have the opportunity to change.

In my therapeutic work and introductory courses, I work with the following phases of the cycle:

  • Turning inward – menstruation days (1–5/7 days)
  • Awakening feminine power – post-menstruation to ovulation (3–10/14 days)
  • Tuning into and experiencing creative energy – ovulation (10/14–14/16 days)
  • Gradual withdrawal and quieting – from post-ovulation high-energy days until menstruation begins (14/16–25/29 days)
  • Pre-menstrual days (25–28/32 days)

(The duration of each phase can vary depending on cycle length.)

Some women’s cycles align with the lunar cycle—menstruating at new moon and ovulating at full moon. For others, it may be reversed or entirely different. While the lunar cycle is about 28 days, the female cycle can range from 25 to 35 days.

Understanding and applying this comes through consistent self-awareness and observation, as every body is different.

I personally love creating a so-called “Moondala,” where I track lunar phases, my own cycle, and note my emotional, mental, and physical states for each day. After about three months, you can begin to observe energy patterns—when you are at your strongest, more sensitive, or mentally sharp.

Of course, we are not machines. Observing energy patterns can be influenced by life events and environment (weather, family, work, etc.).

So start by observing the moon in the sky (you might use a lunar calendar) and write down daily how you feel. Use colors or emojis. Keep it simple. Make it playful, and be prepared that answers won’t come immediately.

I suggest tracking:

  • your energy (physical body: M = medium, H = high, L = low)
  • your emotional states (sad, happy, angry, etc.)
  • your mental state (clarity, dullness, etc.)

With greater self-awareness comes greater freedom.

Calendar planning:

  • New moon: journal about what you are releasing and what you are keeping (habits, routines, tasks) + keep a dream journal
  • Rising energy phase: list, prioritize, mind-map what you want to accomplish in this lunar month
  • Full moon: time for celebration—celebrate successes, practice gratitude journaling
  • Waning phase: finish tasks

In practice, this might mean consciously scheduling activities you can control so that most demanding tasks fall into the rising energy phase (e.g., dentist appointments, important meetings, high-energy visits), while nurturing activities fall into the waning phase (e.g., hairdresser, time with close friends, restorative activities). If you exercise, you can align that too—running during rising energy, walking during the waning phase.

If you practice yoga, then do Vinnyasa/Ashtanga Yoga around rising energy phase and Hatha/Restorative /Sangraha Yoga around waning phase. You can play with the breathing pattern you use, and the fastness of the movements.

You can also adjust your personal approach to tasks: during rising energy, you may accomplish more in a day; during the waning phase, you may do less and need more rest.

Observe yourself and your body’s needs. All the answers are already within you.

Sat Nam,

Viki

I used to teach this course in Hungarian, and I’m now planning to offer it in English. If there’s enough interest, I’d love to run a course on this.

Would you be interested?

Closer to the sun – Sarah Tacy

inspire

Today is: Sarah Tacy

I consider my discovery of Sarah Tacy to be a fortunate coincidence, much like other significant revelations in my life.

Why?

As I recognize how intricately my past experiences have converged to lead me to my encounter with Sarah. Much like the wonders of Nature, the forces that brought us together in this realm of possibilities began their journey long before I was aware of it.

Allow me to explain!

In 2023, I participated in a course led by Kate Northrup, anticipating that I would gain insights into effective money management. This year marked the beginning of my quest for a deeper comprehension of how to navigate the intense emotions of my four-year-old daughter.

Now let me take you back in time even more.

Many years ago, while residing in New Zealand and caring for children, I had the chance to connect with a group of mothers. These women, after spending time at home with their children, were contemplating their next steps toward re-entering the professional world. Many of them realized that they did not wish to resume their careers from the point where they had left off due to childbirth.

Many of them were experiencing a dilemma and feeling a sense of chaos.

During that period, I found myself in a state of bliss, truly enjoying life on a stunning island in the Pacific Ocean. I was not only realizing one of my dreams by learning English but also relishing daily walks along the beach. Moreover, I was living this dream alongside the man I loved deeply.

Reflecting on this period of time, I recognize the significance of the lasting impressions from those years.

At that stage in my life, I was confident that I would be adequately prepared for the time when I would become a mother. Little did I know how far I was from the reality of motherhood, which brought both privilege and initiation.

I soon found myself navigating a form of chaos that marked the beginning of my awakening.

This experience prompted me to explore new modalities and solutions, much like the other mothers on Waiheke Island did in 2008.

Now back in 2023!

I was uncertain about what I would discover in Kate’s course. However, I quickly learned as a mother that it was essential to trust my instincts rather than solely rely on my intellect if I wanted to foster meaningful change in our family’s life. Thus, I began a journey that ultimately led me to Sarah.

While Kate provided me with valuable insights on managing finances, she also offered a fresh perspective on approaching my daily experiences through a profound understanding of the Nervous System.

I get to know Sarah through the Nervous System support calls she conducted for our group in Relaxed Money. The first moment on I was deeply inspired by the material she presented. Subsequently, I discovered that she hosts a podcast and subscribed to her email list, where I learned about her complimentary offering of the 21-day Nervous System Support program.

Once again, I was impressed by the depth and quality of the content she provided. The Nervous System Healing Calls with Sarah instilled in me a sense of hope and renewal.

She motivated me to pursue a journey of expanding my understanding of the Nervous System, trauma healing, and the practices of somatic experiencing.

As someone who identifies as an artist, I found that listening to Sarah’s teachings and insights consistently encouraged me to connect with my authentic self. Consequently, I was immediately drawn to her course titled Resourced, as it felt like an opportunity to reconnect with her in real time and delve into the essence of her wisdom through the program she created.

Having recently completed the 12+ week course, I feel revitalized and equipped with a wealth of resources for Nervous System support.

I have developed a stronger ability to ground myself when necessary, and I possess a deeper awareness of the inner world within me. As a yoga practitioner, enthusiast and teacher, I have learned to push beyond my limits; now, I can establish boundaries rather than merely erecting barriers.

I am beginning to recognize opportunities where I once perceived only obstacles.

With the blossoming of spring flowers, I truly sense that I am moving toward a more joyful and tranquil existence.

I feel that my purpose is becoming clearer with this newfound inner stability, as I recognize the significant need for support that has been lacking for many.

The initial step toward change begins with the acknowledgment of our ability to choose.

Only then can transformation occur. When you can identify the possibilities, you can make more thoughtful decisions about your circumstances.

After all, we are women, each of us embodying a profound strength: the power to be a sanctuary for the spark of creation.

Sarah will lead a FREE, 3-day nervous system workshop called Opting Out of Urgency in 2025. September 16, 17, 19. 12:00-1:30pm EST which is designed to help women recognize the cycles of overdoing, override, and depletion—and begin to reclaim a more grounded, steady, and life-giving pace. I’ll be there, I hope you will be too! Here is the link to join: Opting Out of Urgency

If you like, you could listen our conversation on my podcast on Closer to the Sun.

Love,

Viki

Mindful Minute: A 7 day challange for a Harmonious Nervous System

Dear Ones,

I would like to recommend you my YouTube channel and this 7 day long short series (Mindful Minute)! Actually in 1 minute I share a practice which if you build into your everyday life as a routine it can bring you profound changes and great benefits as your Nervous System becomes more balanced and you become more resorceful!

I recommend to try all seven of them (some of them upregulating some of them are a down regulating tool!) and then choose those which you really feel that working for you as well as you need the most!

Then spend at least a week and just practice the choosen one! If you like to experiement with more then one, then spend a week with each! If you like to go deeper then write a practice diary in which you write down your observations after your practice. You do not need more then 5-15 minutes every day for this “longer version” and you will see miracles!

If you are a woman practitioner try to notice which somatic practice supports you in what phases of your menstrual cicle! If you like to have a guidance on this write me, and book a 1:1 consulatation!

The most important is that; you just start, and the reast will come!

If you are interested to learn more I am happy to chat with you about the opportunities and the details of 1:1 coaching I offer!

Be well!

With love and appreciation,

Viki