D-Empress - Contributed

What is it about the 'M' word that sparks fear and even shame among so many women? I'm talking about 'menstruation'. It's that special and spiritual time each month when our spectacular female reproductive machinery cleanses and restores our internal incubator ready to nurture life.

The life force was in full flow last week as masses of women gathered at an expo designed to celebrate all things woman. The annual Women's Show in Joburg, promised a fuschia-pink oasis of female-centric products, candid talks and the latest innovations to supersize women to be even more phenomenal.

They delivered on their promise and more as an eye-opening experience that was tagged on to the fuschia-pink extravaganza revealed.

Mini expo

This year, the organisers tagged on a mini expo called the Natural and Organic show. Much the same set up, but the invitation was different. The recycled shopping bags they distributed said: 'Go Natural & Organic or go home!' Tongue-in-cheek maybe, but the witty branding speaks to a deeper connection that we are all aware of, but often hide behind.

Women are a powerful life-force! The major Earth shift that has manifested as a global 'economic meltdown' is a clarion call to men and women of the world to return to source - and fast!

Tempting array

So, as I moved through the tempting array of organic beauty soaps and healing products, I met the most amazing people. The hard sell typical of such expos was replaced by invigorating conversations about farming, plants, super foods, solar energy and more. We crossed a bridge forging the life force connection between Earth, choices and guess who - women!

Nestling quietly among the recycled packages was an unassuming product called the menstrual cup. Made from silicone, it's an alternative sanitary product that allows women to do away with tampons and pads and replace them with a menstrual cup that gently collects the monthly flow.

Statistics reveal that over 160 million tampons are thrown away in South Africa alone every month! When I consider the environmental impact of packaging and producing pads and tampons, not to mention the landfill sites, I'm compelled to connect with the life-enhancing option offered by the menstrual cup.

Ultimate power

We've been duped by messages of 'convenience' and modernity from disposable sanitary wear manufacturers for too long! Among the two M-cup products available in South Africa at the moment, I believe the Mpower menstrual cup captures the essence that women seem to continually strive for - power! It's within us!

The life force in the Earth was created by the ultimate power. In making empowering life choices, we can embrace the life force that flows through us as women and honour menstruation with grace and dignity. It is high time for the M (r)evolution!

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