Many women have begun speaking out today about menstruation and society’s negative view on women having their period. In some countries, it’s very difficult for women to obtain the necessary products they need in order to remain clean, healthy, and safe during this time of the month. In other countries—while products are available—they are expensive and sometimes, looked down upon. How many times have you been seen carrying a tampon or a pad and someone looks at you as if to say: “Oh, gross, you’re on your period?”
Every woman goes through this every month while growing up—it’s no secret. So, why do we treat each other as though we’re carrying an infectious disease when we find out someone is on their period? I can understand the need and want to normalize and celebrate the menstruation process, but, in all honesty—some people take it too far.
One Instagram user, Demetra Nyx, has begun smearing her own period blood all over her body in order to “embrace” and celebrate her period. She has a series of photos and videos posted on her account in which she showcases her face, chest, and legs covered in blood.
In one post, she writes:
I will do this every month until people are no longer shocked by it.
I will do it until little girls stop being taught that the natural functions of their bodies are disgusting and unclean.
I will do it until women stop feeling like they can’t have sex on their period because it is gross.
I will do it until we stop being embarrassed that we sometimes bleed through our clothing. Through your sheets.
The idea isn’t to get everyone to put blood on their face (though – wow – does it make your skin glow!) Rather… if I do something soooo shockingly disgusting and put it out in public… maybe someone somewhere will feel like: “well, if she can do *that*, maybe I don’t have to hate my period after all. Maybe my body isn’t that gross after all.” .
Also, it’s fun and I like it.
And, in another:
You are a jungle-child.
Your body is meant to writhe in pleasure.
Your body is meant to howl.
Your body is meant to be covered in blood.
Your freedom of expression has been Stolen from you.
The witches are back.
The witches are back.
If you’re someone who gets a period… that’s beautiful.
If you’re someone who supports your partner during their period… that’s beautiful.
.
If you think this is gross, why?
.
If you have a period and hate it, can you love it? Why not? (I’d love to work with you on this). .And if you’re one of the women in my inbox, sending me random photos of you doing this same thing… you’re extra beautiful. I love you. Send me more.
xoxoxo
And:
I used to spend my time worrying about what other people thought of me.
I used to keep lists as a 12-year-old: what are all the ways in which I could be more attractive? What are all the ways in which I could make that person like me?How could I make my body more acceptable?
How could I hide my blood, my skin, my wrinkles, my fat?
In my twenties, the focus on my appearance shifted, but the root of where I spent my energy was the same.
It was still spent on forming an image that would make other people approve of me.
The one with the strongest body. The one that was peaceful and positive. The one who was a good student, the one who was a good teacher, the one who was fun and bubbly but not too loud. The one who could hold all of her emotions and was always working to get rid of her bad feelings.
You have it too, don’t you? The one who is a good mom. The one who is a good daughter. The one who eats the healthiest. The one who is a good person. The one who has the most money.
It was the same, though. The focus was different but it was still the same.
It was still: how could I make sure the people whose opinions I cared about approved of me?And yet.
It turns out none of that was ever necessary.
I don’t do anything I do now for anyone’s approval.
I don’t care about being seen as strong or successful or pretty or important.
I also do not care if I am seen as jealous or angry or insecure or hurt or selfish or loud.
Because what I have gained on this journey, finally, is the deepest love and total approval of my Self.
What if you deeply, truly loved and *approved* of yourself?That is why I post my blood. It is a little to liberate other women and a lot to please my Self.
I get so much pleasure from this ritual and I love feeling so free to share it and I love not caring what the reactions will be.
That is how I live my whole life, now.
If you want to heal in this way. If you want to learn this.
SHAMELESS – my 6-week one-on-one coaching program for women is open for registration from now until November 27th.
There are 3 spots available.
Are you brave enough to claim yours?
While Demetra seems to be happy to embrace her period, her blood, and her feminism, people online are not entirely on board with her coping mechanisms. Many people have left comments on her Instagram posts saying “seek help,” or “disgusting,” or, “I’m proud to have my period, but I don’t want to cover my body in my own blood.”
In all honesty, I think that ending period shaming and normalizing the female body in a non-sexual way is important and should be done in order to help future generations of women and young girls feel accepted and empowered. But, I think that covering yourself in your own menstruation blood is a bit much.
What do you think—too much? Or, girl power?
