When the body remembers what the mind cannot The phrase “the body keeps the score” comes from psychiatrist Yet many people feel stuck when their body keeps reacting even after they understand the why. The Body Keeps the Score: Brain, Mind, and Body in the Healing of Trauma. New York: Penguin.  

It shaped me quietly and invisibly into someone who believed that keeping the peace was survival. Somewhere along the way, keeping the peace became a stand-in for emotional maturity, spiritual growth And they believe they are keeping things peaceful. But in truth, their silence is not harmless. It is time to show up If you have been taught that your job is to keep everyone calm, I understand. It is avoidance that keeps injustice alive. The truth is that your silence was never neutral.

Written by Constanza Araujo Nagore, Specialist in Psychology and Reproductive Health Constanza is a psychologist specializing in reproductive health and fertility, and the founder of Rudaviva. She is passionate about supporting women in connecting with their bodies and cycles, empowering them to cultivate holistic well-being through education and practical tools. There are seasons in every woman’s life when everything seems to slow down. Perhaps it’s after a major transition, a period of deep introspection, or simply a time when the body asks for rest. These moments can bring with them a sense of discomfort, especially in a world that glorifies constant movement and productivity. But what if slowness is not a failure, but a necessary part of growth? This article is an invitation to rethink what it means to pause, and how fertility and the menstrual cycle can become powerful guides to redefine one’s relationship with time, productivity, and personal rhythm. When stopping feels like falling behind Many women feel guilty when they stop, especially if they’ve been used to being “productive,” achieving, and always in motion. But when the rhythm changes, the doubts begin: “Am I doing enough?” “Am I falling behind?”   Yet life and the menstrual cycle are not a straight line. It’s a spiral. A rhythm of rising and falling, of blooming and retreating. Recognizing this allows women to see pause not as loss, but as inner realignment. Fertility as an inner compass Fertility is not only about reproduction. It's about vitality, connection, and internal rhythm. For menstruating women, the cycle offers a deep intelligence mirroring the seasons and inviting awareness: When to move forward. When to slow down. When to shed. When to renew. Understanding the cyclical nature of the body can guide decisions not just about health, but about how to live with more alignment and trust. Signs your body might be asking you to slow down Sometimes it’s not just feeling tired, your body may already be whispering (or shouting): Irregular or delayed periods Ovulation that seems to come late, or not at all Poor quality cervical mucus Fatigue that doesn’t ease with rest Heightened emotional sensitivity or PMS Low libido or feeling disconnected from your body These aren’t failures, they’re signals. And learning to listen can shift everything. Redefining productivity from the inside out For many women, tracking their cycle or observing their fertility signs becomes more than a reproductive practice. It becomes a path back to themselves. A way to stop demanding the same energy every day. A chance to redefine what “enough” means. Instead of forcing constant output, they begin to honor the ebb and flow. They discover that rest is not a weakness. It's wisdom. 3 practices to support your fertility in stressful times You don’t need to radically change your life to begin healing. These small acts can become anchors: 1. Create a daily pause ritual Even 5-10 minutes of stillness without a goal can shift the nervous system. Breathing with intention, resting with a hand on the womb, or quietly sipping tea can be enough.   The body doesn’t need grand gestures ; it needs presence. 2. Spend time in nature Nature is not separate from us. Trees, water, even a garden balcony, can soothe the nervous system and lower cortisol. Fertility thrives not in rush, but in rootedness. 3. Redefine productivity You are not more valuable when you do more. Begin to notice how often you tie your worth to your output. Fertility needs safety, not urgency. And the rest is not a detour, it is part of the journey.   Pausing as a revolutionary act of self-trust Slowness is not a void. It’s a recalibration. A chance to hear what was muted. When a woman listens to the wisdom of her body instead of overriding it, something profound shifts. She remembers that her body is not a machine, it’s a living rhythm. A cyclical force. A source of deep intelligence.   When life gently asks you to pause If you’re in a slower season right now, this is not a setback; it's an invitation. An invitation to return to yourself. To move at the pace your body truly needs. To listen to the quiet messages that don’t come through when everything is loud. Your cycle can be a mirror for this rhythm. It reminds you that rest is part of the process. That not all growth is visible. That integration matters just as much as action. Fertility awareness isn’t only for those trying to conceive; it’s a tool for understanding your energy, your limits, and your needs. It helps you recognize when you're overextended, and gently guides you back to balance. If you’re feeling the urge to slow down, If your body has been asking for more softness, If you want to feel more at home in your own rhythm, I’d love to support you. Join my newsletter (in Spanish)  where I share resources on fertility, menstrual awareness, and nervous system care. You can also connect with me on Instagram   @rudaviva for reflections, tools, and real conversations about cyclical living. If you’re ready to explore your cycle more deeply or feel supported in a slower season, you can   book a personalized session with me here Follow me on Facebook , and visit my website for more info! Read more from Constanza Araujo Nagore Constanza Araujo Nagore, Specialist in Psychology and Reproductive Health Constanza is a psychologist specializing in reproductive health and fertility awareness methods and the founder of Rudaviva. She enjoys helping women connect with their cycles and bodies through education, fostering holistic well-being and self-awareness. Her mission is to empower women to embrace their natural rhythms and cultivate meaningful relationships with themselves and their health. Constanza inspires transformative journeys toward physical and emotional balance through workshops, personalized guidance, and innovative resources.

Now, they’re keeping you trapped. They sound like: “Struggle keeps me connected to my family.” “Hiding keeps me safe from judgment.” “Playing small keeps me from abandonment.” These contracts don’t care about your goals. The only thing keeping you stuck is the commitment you’re ready to end today.

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Keeping an anger log is a really great strategy for deliberately looking for triggers, pulling apart But, look at the bigger picture, recognise the successes and compassionately keep moving forward.  

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That will just keep you stuck and it doesn’t feel good at all. Remember point 4, there may well be setbacks and detours, but that’s ok, be kind to yourself and keep

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Remember, seeking closure from someone else keeps you tethered to the past, while creating your own closure