Embracing Aging: Wisdom and Wellness in Postmenopausal Life

In this discussion, hosts Clarissa Christensen and Chitra delve into the often-overlooked topic of post-menopause.

They explore how societal concepts around aging, such as ‘aging gracefully,’ can undervalue the profound wisdom and spiritual depth that comes with age.

Clarissa and Chitra draw on Chinese medicine and Ayurveda to advocate for nurturing the body’s energy systems and microbiome. Stressing the importance of movement, diverse nutrition, and emotional self-acceptance.

The conversation also touches on the transition from outward-focused living to a more introspective existence, emphasizing the value of lifelong learning, service, and relational growth.

The hosts offer insights into how postmenopausal women can live fulfilling, dynamic, and meaningful lives by embracing these holistic principles.

We discuss why terms like “second puberty” infantilize women and diminish accumulated experience and wisdom. We advocate for viewing this life stage as a time of harvest and deep spiritual connection rather than decline.

“What woman would want to go back to being 16 or 20 or revert to that time? I prefer that we look at it from more of a harvesting perspective, a late summer perspective where things are in bloom. There’s plenty of warmth and knowledge and all of that growing pain stuff is done. And now we can harvest the juiciness of life.” – Dr. Chitra

The conversation delves into the physiological changes that occur after menopause, focusing on joint health, digestive wellness, and the crucial role of the microbiome in maintaining vitality. Clarissa explains how Chinese medicine emphasizes nurturing the spleen system for optimal energy extraction from food, while Chitra explores Ayurvedic concepts of taste, diversity, and preventing the “drying up” (Vata increase) that can lead to physical and mental stagnation. Both stress the importance of movement, diverse nutrition, and maintaining curiosity to support healthy aging at the cellular level.

“We are dropping the illusion of youth that’s coming away and we are applying all this wisdom that we have gained and more that we will gain for ourselves, but also for the greater good. We are so, it’s so different. It’s not the service we had as a younger woman, there’s something different about that.” – Clarissa Christensen

Moving beyond the physical, the we explore the deeper spiritual and emotional aspects of post-menopause, introducing concepts of dharma (life purpose) and the natural evolution toward inner wisdom and service. We discuss how this life stage offers freedom from external expectations and the opportunity to develop authentic relationships with oneself and community.

This is a time of spiritual deepening, where women can embrace their role as wisdom keepers and guides, contributing meaningfully to society through their accumulated knowledge and inner strength.

“Dharma is your relationship within the world. It’s the relationship to yourself. It’s your purpose. But that doesn’t mean it’s your job. It doesn’t mean that it’s extraordinary. It means that you’ve established healthy relationships within self and with others. And that in and of itself is your purpose in this life.“ – Dr. Chitra

00:00 Introduction and Technical Issues

00:30 Changes in Media and Menopause

02:54 Introducing the Hosts

05:46 Personal Experiences with Aging

11:01 Movement and Physical Health

18:51 Cultural Perspectives on Aging

25:35 Philosophical Insights on Aging

38:12 Understanding Vata and Its Impact on the Body

40:04 The Role of the Spleen in Chinese Medicine

44:57 The Importance of Taste and the Microbiome

47:48 Cravings and the Sweet Taste in Aging

51:34 Diversity in Diet and Its Impact on Health

55:02 Exploring Dharma and Purpose in Life 57:15

The Journey of Post-Menopause and Inner Growth

01:04:59 Embracing Elderhood and Living Your Truth

Fresh unconventional conversations from the world of Ayurveda and TCM. Discover what’s really happening during perimenopause beyond hormones.

Join us for the next Art & Heart of Menopause live salon on Thursdays.

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