Menopause: How Do We Prepare for the Zone of Chaos? My Conversation with Ashley Turner.
For many of us, the idea of menopause feels like a mystery—a distant and often daunting phase of life. But what if we approached it differently? In a recent episode of Curious Life of a Childfree Woman, I spoke with Ashley Turner, a licensed psychotherapist, yoga expert, and the founder of Yoga Psychology, about how we can navigate menopause with clarity and empowerment. Ashley’s insights on menopause as a holistic experience, combining physical, emotional, and spiritual transformation, left me inspired—and better prepared for what lies ahead.
Here are some highlights from our conversation and why they matter for anyone curious about this transformative phase of life.
Redefining Menopause as a Rite of Passage
Ashley reminded me that menopause is not just a medical event; it’s a significant life transition—what she calls the “zone of chaos.” Hormonal changes impact every system in the body, and while that can feel overwhelming, it’s also an opportunity to reframe menopause as a rite of passage. Rather than resisting or dreading this phase, we can view it as a chance to step into our power, wisdom, and authenticity.
Her perspective resonated deeply: Menopause is not an ending but a beginning—a time to redefine our priorities and channel our energy inward, discovering who we are and how we want to show up in the world.
The Importance of Proactive Care
One of the most actionable pieces of advice Ashley shared was the importance of preparing for menopause early. Whether you’re in your 20s or 30s, tracking your hormones and understanding your body can make a big difference later. Building physical and emotional resilience through practices like strength training, mindfulness, and nutrition isn’t just about easing symptoms; it’s about thriving through the transition.
For those already in perimenopause or menopause, Ashley emphasized that it’s never too late to prioritize self-care. By treating menopause as a holistic journey, we can better address both the physical and psycho-spiritual shifts that accompany this phase of life.
Mindfulness as Medicine
A big takeaway from our conversation was the power of mindfulness practices like yoga and meditation. Ashley shared how these tools can help manage the mental and emotional challenges of menopause, from mood swings to a shifting sense of identity. More importantly, they offer a pathway to reconnect with ourselves during a time when it’s easy to feel untethered.
For Ashley, mindfulness isn’t just a coping mechanism; it’s a way to embrace the deeper meaning of menopause—an awakening to our fullest, most authentic selves.
Curious About How to Prepare for Menopause?
If you’re ready to take actionable steps toward navigating menopause with confidence, here are some practical tips from our conversation:
Track your hormones early: Start testing your hormone levels in your 20s or 30s to establish a baseline and understand your body better.
Build physical resilience: Incorporate strength training, maintain an active lifestyle, and focus on nutrition to ease symptoms and support your body through transitions.
Practice mindfulness: Engage in yoga, meditation, or breathwork to help manage emotional and mental shifts.
Educate yourself: Seek out trusted resources, connect with supportive communities, and empower yourself with knowledge about this phase of life.
Reframe the journey: View menopause as a rite of passage and an opportunity to step into your most authentic self.
Let’s Stay Curious Together.
This conversation with Ashley was a powerful reminder that menopause is not something to fear but to embrace. It’s a chance to redefine how we see ourselves and what we’re capable of. To dive deeper into this topic, check out the full episode and join the conversation on Instagram: @curiouslifeofachildfreewoman. Let’s continue exploring, learning, and staying curious together.
