wheels spinning... STOP

As I biked through Rock Creek Park yesterday, my wheels spinning, I could feel an anger in my heart. As I paused halfway through to breathe in the greenery, I started to talk aloud to myself, the sound of the creek thundering out my words. 

I realized my anger about something “seemingly small” was actually a healthy sign of respecting and honoring my core needs and worth. 

I had the insight and continued on with the ride. The end of my ride neared and I stopped and fished my parking garage clicker out. I got back in the saddle, rode down two levels and dismounted to park my bike at the bike corral. I breathed. I could sense that I was holding something in. There were tears I needed to hold. I invited myself to cry. 

The tears passed, I locked my bike and then I climbed the stairs to my unit. 

And yet, something felt so off. Why after the insight and the tears was I being rattled and still feeling down? 

I stretched and then took a shower. In the flood of water hitting my body, the acronym STOP came to mind. 

S: Stop

T: Take a Breath

O: Observe what’s happening

P: Proceed with presence

Water caressing my body, I stopped and took a breath. And in the midst of observing my body and passing thoughts, a huge insight hit…. OMG… I’m about to have my period. 

These are haywire hormones having a moment. 

And I felt a deep exhale grow in my belly. I’m not always going to understand why certain emotions are coming up. I’m human and am going to stumble at times to hold myself and my emotions.  But I surely will lean into listening to my heart in order to shift gears.

The insight and the tears were real and so were my hormones that at times can really take over my metaphorical handlebars to steer. 

Menstruation is something that many, yet not all members of the Circle and Spoke community experience. 

Some members of this community are pregnant. 

Others are experiencing menopause. 

Some individuals are trans, nonbinary or gender queer folks who were sex assigned birth male. 

Some take medication that suppresses their menses. 

And yes, there are many subscribers to this newsletter, who are men! 

Whether or not menstruation is part of your life, you are welcome here! 

In next week’s newsletter, I’ll be sharing a bit about what I do to manage my period when I want to bike. It’s actually taken me some time to figure this out. Perhaps this might sound like a bloody awful read, but I encourage you to move past the squirm… maybe you yourself aren’t menstruating, but there is someone in your life that could use this insight.

Wheels up, 

Ellen  

PS- Circle and Spoke invites you to join us July 18-20th for Pedal, Paddle and Pause in Ohiopyle, Pennsylvania. 

The first edition of Pedal, Paddle & Pause sold out last year and we know it will sell out again! Half the seats for this year's second edition have been sold. Lock in your seat today before you miss out on the fun! 

PPS- Mark your calendars for this Wednesday, June 11th at 7:15pm in Dupont Circle.

RSVP here 

Join me for a casual drop prior to DC Bike Party. This picnic is open to those in the Circle + Spoke community, including old friends and new ones. And you are most welcome to bring a friend. 

Bring your own dinner! 

☀️ Weather is going to be sunny and in the 80s!

There will be great humans + a large picnic blanket + a guided go around question + time to schmooze. 

DC Bike Party heads out at 8pm, if you'd like to join for their ride after with new and old friends.