Courage in Words

I trust this post finds you in radiant health and high spirits. Today, I'm opening my heart to share a deeply personal journey - my passage through perimenopause.

A mere two years ago, the term "perimenopause" was foreign to me. I was confident I'd traverse menopause naturally, steering clear of Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT). Little did I anticipate the profound impact that hormonal changes could wield over our bodies.

Fuelled by curiosity, I embarked on a quest for knowledge. I plunged into research, devoured books, engaged experts, and embarked on enlightening conversations with dear friends and dedicated students. My thirst for wisdom even led me to become a certified "Strong through Menopause Coach" in Sweden.

Today, I'm thrilled to share this newfound wisdom with my cherished yoga community. It's disheartening to witness myths and misconceptions cast shadows upon our understanding of this pivotal phase in a woman's life. Together, let's illuminate the path ahead.

Before we delve deeper, let's shed light on a few concepts: Menopause is the day you've crossed a year without a period. Meno means period, and pause marks its stop. Before menopause lies perimenopause (roughly ages 45-52), followed by postmenopause (from menopause onward to life's end), often just referred to as "menopause." And lastly, HRT stands for Hormone Replacement Therapy.

While menopause is an intrinsic facet of a woman's existence, it ushers in profound hormonal changes that reshape our very essence. Visualize it as the day when curtains fall on your reproductive chapter, and a symphony of transformation commences. In Denmark, this evocative transition typically unfurls around the age of 52 with the menopause.

As we embrace this metamorphosis with grace, let's acknowledge an essential truth. While menopause is a natural milestone shared by all women, there is nothing "natural" about enduring the often overwhelming effects of hormonal imbalance. This realization forms the backdrop of the symphony that unfolds.

In this enchanting performance, the dynamic trio of estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone - long-time conductors of your body's rhythm - embark on a fresh choreography. As their levels wane, they illuminate a diverse array of experiences. Picture a crescendo of warmth enveloping you in the embrace of hot flashes, and a serene nocturne punctuated by night sweats. Sleep, once a steadfast companion, may now engage in a whimsical game of hide-and-seek, leaving you yearning for tranquil repose. Emotions, akin to a melodic serenade, may sway unpredictably, reminding you that mood shifts are part of this intricate dance.

Yet, amidst this symphony of change, an empowering narrative emerges. Perimenopause and menopause enhance the melody, urging us to nurture self-awareness and self-care as guiding notes. Armed with knowledge of these hormonal shifts, you step into the role of conductor, leading this orchestra with poise.

Imagine the symphony as a harmonious dance between nature and nurture. Lifestyle choices, akin to skilled dancers, grace center stage. Nutrition sets the rhythm, fuelling your body's resilience. Exercise weaves through the performance, maintaining the cadence of vitality. Stress management, a graceful partner, ensures a seamless flow. And sleep, the interlude of rejuvenation, readies you for each act.

Together, these choices harmonize into a masterpiece, elevating the menopausal voyage into an eloquent waltz of empowerment and well-being. And in this dance, you have the choice to add a new powerful instrument, namely Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT), which joins as a guardian against the formidable ailments that may emerge due to the absence of your dynamic trio of sex hormones.

As you contemplate this, remember that in Denmark (and Europe), most women embark upon menopause around the age of 52. With a life expectancy of 83.4 years, over three decades - nearly a third of our lives - beckon beyond menopause. It's a whole new chapter brimming with potential for joy, not suffering and struggle.

Every woman's experience of perimenopause is different and now I would like to share a little window into my own journey. Imagine waking up every morning, your joints are stiff and sore, yes you ache all over! One day your regular run feels smooth and delightful and the next time every step is a pain and you pee your pants with exertion. It's like turning on a faucet that was once tightly closed. For months, you suffer from the fact that every time you move your head from upright to sideways or turn in bed, the world revolves around you as if on a roller coaster. Not to mention when you have to show your students how to do the bridge pose...whew, you'll take an involuntary triple loop in the roller coaster. Tennis elbow, a curious companion, arrives uninvited despite my infrequent encounters with the tennis court. And then there's the confusing pain in my Achilles tendon, an injury that appeared out of thin air. In the midst of all this, your periods have become completely erratic after being like clockwork for 40 years.

It has now been 3 months since I actively chose to have estrogen added to my body, and felt lucky that my GP met me with total understanding. He even said that the gynaecologists are now telling the GP’s that they need to step up their menopause care because to many women are under treated for 5-7 years. I am happy to report that all the above symptoms are gone (except the involuntary periodic incontinence - but I have an idea of what it takes - which I reveal for when I'm sure).

In closing, ponder these 5 facts from the research*:

• 50% of women over fifty worldwide (not on HRT) will develop osteoporosis.
• The risk of heart attack for women escalates fivefold after menopause.
• Women on HRT experience a 30% reduced risk of dying from a heart attack.
• Globally, women with dementia (including Alzheimer’s and Parkinson's) outnumber men by almost two to one.
• Midlife HRT reduces the risk of Alzheimer's by 58%.

*(source: the Definitive guide to perimenopause and menopause by Dr. Louise Newson)


With heartfelt warmth and boundless gratitude,
Hrönn

P.S. The conversation continues! Please share your thoughts and queries next time we meet or in the comments.  Together, let's compose a harmonious tune of empowerment through the symphony of menopause for all women.

I hope this message finds you energized and rejuvenated after your summer.
I have a lot on my heart today - so if you’re only here to read about my upcoming offerings, feel welcome to scroll down below the picture!

Here it comes:
On this first day of August, my heart is filled with a mix of joy and sorrow after returning home from a wonderful vacation in Croatia and Italy with my beloved husband and my dear mum.

However, my mind is heavy with the reminder of the inevitable cycle of life, as last month marked the memories of four incredible women who have profoundly impacted my life. Two of them have passed away,vthe third would have celebrated her 96th birthday - my grandmother - while the fourth is my beloved mother, whose birthday was on July 7th.

Allow me to introduce these remarkable women who have forever changed me:

Sally Kempton: A meditation and tantrik philosophy teacher who transformed my approach to meditation. Her books, "Meditation for the Love of it" and "Awakening Shakti," have been my quintessential guides, reshaping my teaching and practice. Through Sally's wisdom, I learned that meditation can be a joyful and enriching experience, freeing me from the constraints of a mechanical practice. She taught me to embrace the meditative journey without trying to control it, allowing me to discover my true self. It was through Sally that I was drawn to the Goddess tradition, particularly connecting with Durga - the courageous one - who became my go-to deity whenever I needed strength and bravery. Om Dum Durgaey Namaha!

Sinéad O’Connor: A singer and activist whose music and extraordinary voice have been with me throughout my adult life. Her songs provided a channel for my emotions to flow, guiding me through significant life transitions - the birth of my first son, creating my first family and home, my first university studies, my first divorce, my move to Denmark from Iceland. Often with goosebumps and tears. Sinéad's courage and powerful messages opened our eyes to the abuse of power in society, but unfortunately, she faced undeserved criticism. To me, she embodies the qualities of the three great goddesses - Durga's courage and willingness to stand up to power, Lakshmi's beauty in her shaved head and sparkling eyes, and Saraswati's artistry in her lyrics and voice. Even after her passing, her legend and inspiration continue to resonate.

Grandma Anna: Her birthday would have been on July 28, and she would have turned 96. My early years were closely intertwined with her, and she left a lasting impression on my life. Grandma taught me to drive long before I was allowed to have a license, but more importantly, she instilled in me a deep respect for the Earth by always picking up trash on the road and noticing the subtle changes around us throughout the seasonal shifts. I cherish the memories of our time together, and though I miss her every day, her teachings remain a guiding force.

My Mum, who celebrated her 72nd birthday on July 7th, has been an unwavering source of unconditional love and healing in my life. Almost a year ago, she moved to Denmark, and since then, I have cherished our near-daily get-togethers and heartwarming chats. Her presence acts as a soothing balm for my soul, reminding me of the profound lesson that I am loved exactly as I am. As she joined us on our summer vacation, I realized how incredibly fortunate I am to have her as my mother. Throughout my journey, she has been a guiding beacon of support and understanding, showing me the transformative power of acceptance and the beauty of true love.

These four women have shaped me in distinct ways, leaving an permanent mark on my journey. Their teachings, love, and inspiration continue to guide me through life's challenges and joys. As I honor their memories, I carry forward the wisdom they imparted, forever grateful for their presence in my life.

Please share with my a memory of someone you love(d) - I’m always interested in your life experiences.

Only the final remarks:

As a small business owner I am constantly reminded of how lucky I am to have such a wonderful community of students like you. THANK YOU.

In my studio, I strive to create an inclusive, uplifting environment where everyone feels empowered to pursue their own journey of self-recognition and self-love through yoga.

Thank you for everything, and I look forward to seeing you on the mat soon!

With LOVE
Hrönn

Héraðsskólinn, Laugarvatn, Iceland -   where I hold my retreats

Dearest reader,

today, here in the Northern Hemisphere, on October 31st we meet a cross point in the  wheel of the year traditionally known as Samhain (pronounced "sah-win"), Hallow's Eve or more recent Halloween. This tradition originated in the Celtic culture more then 2000 years ago and marked the end of summer and the harvest and the beginning of the cold, dark winter. Also, here in central Europe we mark this day by changing the clock, moving it back one hour, to prolong the hours of light we have in our days during the dark winter months that are coming.
Samhain is a time of endings, reflection of mortality and releasing that which no longer serves in the mundane world. It's a time of rest, releasing, honouring those that have passed and setting our intentions to focus in a refreshed and renewed destiny. 

The winter was often associated with a time of human death and the Celts believed that on this day, the veils between the worlds of the living and the dead became thinner, meaning that communication between worlds comes a lot easier. This was an important time for the Druids (Celtic priests) to get information from the "beyond" on the prospect of the future including the next harvest.
At Samhain, all living beings commence their preparation for the decent into the colder, darker season of winter and you and me my dear friend are not excluded from this process.

It is easy though, in our modern lives to miss this significant transition point, simply carrying on regardlessly. I  warmly invite you to take the opportunity to connect deeply with the rhythm of the circle in the cycle of the seasons. Depending on how you feel about the dark and endings will influence how you experience the energy of this season. I personally love it! Maybe it is because of the long winters I grew up with in Iceland where we during the darkest months have approximately 4 hours of light during the day, the remaining 20 hours are dark!
But it was also a time when the green, violet, yellow and red colours of the aurora borealis danced in the dark sky, the stars and the moon were the brightest, I would lie down in the snow and bathe in all this magnificence. When I think back I can feel it - how being embraced by the darkness brings nourishment to my inner light.

At the same time I can also recognize what it feels like to be afraid of the dark. In the small town where I  lived as a little girl, there were not many street lights.  So if I wanted to visit my grandparents I would have to walk the 2 km from my house to theirs in almost complete darkness, only lit by the stars and the moon if it was not cloudy. On the way I had to pass by a graveyard! Usually, I didn't give it much thought, but sometimes nasty thoughts about ghosts and the dead rising from their graves creped up at me and I found my self running most of the way! Such seemingly insignificant experiences can leave lasting imprints on our relationship with darkness.  Another experience that I want to share with you is a more recent one.

I hope you are reading this post feeling excited about your life and ready for new adventures in 2020!

My year is starting with "GOING BIG"! I'm opening up for drop-in classes in my home studio YogaPlace and would love to see you there. We're located in Brønshøj/Husum - 20 minutes from Copenhagen city center. I would love if you shared this news with anyone who lives in the area. 
Our tagline is "Your Space to Connect and Restore" - and it captures what I really vision for the studio. A space where you connect to the deeper parts of your being, connect to others and give your body, mind and soul nourishing time to restore. 

This has been in the making for a looong time, cooking and marinating inside me! The reason why I haven't done it before is that a part of me was holding me back and afraid of being a failure. You know, I didn't quite believe that I was good enough. But do you know what? I've made peace with that part of my being. It's just some old conditioning that now is ready to be transformed. And now is the time for me to stop playing small. So, I'm drawing forth my Durga courage and stepping into this new adventure with confidence and excitement knowing that whatever the outcome, it will be a great and growth-enhancing experience. 
As somebody once said: There are no failures only experiences! 

One of the things that makes this announcement extra sweet is that my son, Óskar Freyr, will also be teaching at the studio. The last year has been so transformative for him and now he counts two yoga teacher trainings under his belt and is gaining more teaching experience every week. He's teaching in several other yoga studios eg. Street Yoga, DóttirHotYoga, Østerbro Hot Yoga and in SATS (Gentofte, Lyngby and Frederiksberg). I'm so proud of him and it's really a great pleasure that he's in this with me - together we make the best team, and I'm sure you'll like his warm heart and spirited mind. 
Read more about Óskar Freyr here.

We open the first classes on February 4th.

• 18 classes per week - classes every day (mostly 2, sometimes 3 and occasionally 1)
• Have a look at our new schedule here
• Get your punch pass here
• We continue to run our popular 6-week courses

Click on the links to see pictures and learn more about what we're offering - the studio, class descriptions,  the schedule and book your space for your favorite class.
We look forward to seeing you on the mat in YogaPlace

With Love / Namasté
Hrönn