This week's Healing Her Story episode attunes to one of Riva's favorite phases of the entire cycle.

The waning moon.

And one of the biggest missed opportunities we have as women.

We live in a culture that rewards producing, pushing, and performing. But the female body was never designed to operate that way all the time. During the premenstrual and waning moon phase, progesterone and estrogen decline, serotonin shifts, and the nervous system's capacity for stress significantly decreases.

That is not a flaw. That is female physiology.

In this episode Riva shares three rituals to honor this quieter, slower, more inward time, and the research that shows why honoring it actually matters.

Honoring dying flowers — why placing wilting blooms on display during the waning moon reflects something profound back to us about our own worth in the slow seasons

Yoni steaming — an ancient practice Riva has been exploring for three years, how she uses it in the days before her bleed, and the unexpected emotional releases it has supported

Nesting — why the desire to declutter and tend to your space during this phase is not just in your head, backed by research showing cluttered environments elevate cortisol throughout the day

This episode is a reminder that the waning moon deserves to be honored. Not just the bloom.

Resources to Support You This Week:

Yoni Steaming — Bajo Ritual — learn more about the practice Riva shares in this episode

Best Herbs for Yoni Steaming — a guide to choosing the right herbal blend for your needs

Trauma-Informed Somatic Meditation for Rest and Restoration — this week's donation-based meditation on Insight Timer to support you in slowing down.

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Our intro and outro song, Reclamation (Reborn), is an anthem of remembering.

This song was created as a companion for the healing journey, especially for women reclaiming their voices, their rhythms, and their belonging in a world shaped by patriarchy.

You’re invited to listen, feel, and let the music meet you wherever you are.

Looking for support? Here's how to go deeper:

• Book a Somatic Assessment: Your 75-min 1:1 virtual session to explore what your body is holding and shape a personalized care plan. Book Here
• Free Trauma Recovery Mini-Course: A self-guided intro to trauma recovery and nervous system care. Download Here
• 1:1 and Group Support: Virtual and in-person offerings. Learn More
• Meditations on Insight Timer: Guided practices for nervous system regulation. Listen Here
• Watch Reclamation: A music video and expressive arts project. Watch Here

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