MENARCHE

Menarche is the name given to the first menstrual bleeding that marks the beginning of a woman's fertile age. This bleeding can occur between the ages of nine and fourteen, in a normal, healthy manner. This complex hormonal process involves a profound transformation in all physiological, emotional and relational aspects of girls, who suddenly begin to mature into women.

Around this process, physical changes, such as the widening of the hips, the swelling of the nipples, which will gradually develop into round and possibly large breasts, in addition to the logical growth of "adolescence", can be loaded with an existential and emotional density, which as it is well said at this stage of life, is a deep "adolescent".

This process itself is “initiatory” and is really a deep and definitive “Initiation” in the life of a woman. The quality of life and the cultural family environment that a girl has had during her childhood will be decisive and fundamental in crossing this painful “bridge” towards her own authenticity and path of Life.

Every transformation involves mourning, letting go, goodbyes, disappointment... having to learn to look to the future from a present in which dreams motivated by innocence and fantasies of spontaneous games are losing ground day by day.

Now the impulse of desire to go out and meet one's own strength in all its possible expressions will begin to govern.

The “sacrificed” girl who is giving way to the young maiden exploring new dreams will clearly need great support and companionship during the intense transition. Meanwhile, the “reborn” girl will discover her new creative potential as she deals with her personal care and thus builds a refuge for her own privacy.

This great Initiation opens the possibility of recognizing the powerful interdependence that women maintain with the forces of Nature. Recognizing our fertility cycles governed by Grandmother Moon and knowing that we are part of a rhythm of death and rebirth that provides us with a purity and presence ready to express and build our dreams of Life, step by step, day by day.

The greatest potential that we can develop as women in our own lives from this moment on lies in the sense of responsibility and commitment that we assume as Guardians of Human Fertility; and in giving from this dignity, with gratitude to our Mothers and women who raised us, fraternally recognizing their dedication at the time, our changing and cosmogonic nature at the service of the flourishing and fulfillment of existence.