Living in Sync with Your Natural Cycles
By Reehab Ramadan Aref
In a fast-paced world that emphasizes productivity and linear progress, it’s easy to forget that much of our existence is cyclical. From the rotations of the sun and moon to the changing of the seasons, creation moves in a series of repeating patterns. We, too, are part of that grand design. In Islam, this is often connected to our fitrah—the pure, God-given nature we are born with. By observing the rhythms around us and within us, we can live in greater harmony with ourselves, others, and the Divine.
This article explores the art of “ living cyclically”: aligning our daily and monthly routines with the natural order created by Allah. Whether you’re looking to refine your wellbeing practices, deepen your spirituality, or simply find a healthier pace in life, embracing these cycles can offer profound benefits for your body, mind, and soul.
Recognizing the Cycles in Creation
Signs in the Day and Night
Allah tells us in the Qur’an:
“Do they not see that We made the night for them to rest in and the day bright? Surely in this are signs for those who believe.” (Surah An-Naml 27:86)
Our bodies naturally respond to daylight and darkness, regulating everything from hormone production to mental alertness. Disrupting this pattern—through poor sleep habits, excessive screen time, or irregular schedules—can lead to stress, low immunity, and disconnection from our own needs. Establishing a consistent bedtime and wake-up time, if possible, is a simple yet powerful way to honor this circadian rhythm.
Seasons of Growth and Renewal
Just as the earth cycles through spring, summer, autumn, and winter, we, too, experience times of growth, productivity, reflection, and rest. In the Qur’an, Allah reminds us of how He created us from the earth and will return us to it (Surah Taha 20:55), linking our journey to the ground beneath our feet. Recognizing that we have “seasons” in our lives—moments of renewal, outward energy, slowing down, and letting go—helps us approach each phase with acceptance rather than resistance.
Practical Tip:
Spend a few moments each day noticing the quality of the air, the temperature, and the light outside. Reflect on which “season” your body or mind might be resonating with. Are you feeling like you’re in a spring of new ideas or a winter of introspection? Simply acknowledging this can help you navigate each period with more ease.
Living in Harmony with Your Fitrah
Islamic tradition teaches that everything in creation follows divine laws, and human beings are no exception. Our fitrah is the innate design that, when respected, fosters well-being. Aligning with your fitrah might mean embracing natural sleep patterns, eating nourishing foods that suit your body’s needs, or allowing time for spiritual practices that ground you.
When we ignore these built-in patterns—pushing ourselves too hard, neglecting sleep, or failing to pause for introspection—imbalances arise. In modern terms, these might manifest as heightened stress, anxiety, or physical illness. But in a spiritual sense, misalignment with fitrah can also dull our sense of purpose and gratitude.
Men and Women: Two Rhythms, One Goal
Men’s 24-Hour Rhythm
Men primarily follow the circadian rhythm—a 24-hour hormonal cycle that influences energy levels and moods throughout the day. Testosterone and cortisol are often higher in the morning, promoting focus and productivity. Later in the day, these hormones taper off, making time for social connections or winding down.
Practical Tip for Men:
- Harness morning energy for focused tasks or worship.
- Plan physical exercise or important meetings in line with those peaks, if possible.
- As evening approaches, allow yourself the rest and reflection your body is signaling for.
Women’s Additional Infradian Rhythm
In addition to the circadian cycle, many women also navigate an infradian rhythm—the roughly monthly hormonal cycle tied to menstruation. This cycle can influence energy, mood, and metabolism.
- Follicular Phase (Inner Spring)
- Hormones begin to rise, bringing fresh energy and creative drive.
- This is an ideal time for brainstorming or starting new habits.
- In spiritual terms, it can symbolize renewal—an opportunity to refresh your intentions and reconnect with worship practices.
- Ovulatory Phase (Inner Summer)
- Confidence and sociability peak, aided by a surge in hormones.
- Great for group events, important conversations, and relationship building.
- Use this phase to expand your capacity to express gratitude (shukr), strengthen connections, and establish consistent acts of devotion.
- Luteal Phase (Inner Autumn)
- Hormonal shifts prepare the body for potential menstruation. Energy may dip, and introspection often increases.
- A time for completing tasks, turning inward, and setting healthy boundaries.
- Sensitivities may rise; see them as signals guiding you to realign with what truly serves you.
- Menstrual Phase (Inner Winter)
- The body sheds the uterine lining; rest and release become paramount.
- Spiritually, this is an invitation to withdraw and reflect—just as winter stills the earth.
- Although fasting and prayer aren’t performed in this phase, it’s considered a sacred time of renewal and maintenance.
Practical Tip for Women:
- Track your cycle (if applicable) and notice patterns in your mood, energy, and emotional states.
- Use a simple journal or app to record your experiences, gaining deeper insight into how each phase affects you physically and spiritually.
- If you no longer have a monthly cycle, you can still identify patterns in your moods or energy levels aligned with the hijri calendar or other natural cycles.
Nourishing Body, Mind, and Soul
Eating in Season
Allah frequently mentions food in the Qur’an, reminding us that what we consume affects both body and spirit. Just as we benefit from resting at night, our bodies also crave foods that align with the cycle or season we’re in. During times of higher energy, lighter meals with fresh produce may suit us best. When we feel a natural slowdown, warm, grounding foods can provide comfort and deeper nourishment.
Supporting Emotional Well-Being
Cyclical living encourages us to see emotional ups and downs not as flaws but as natural movements in the broader rhythm of life. For example, the self-critical voice that often surfaces in the luteal phase is not automatically a sign of failure; it can be a tool for growth if approached with gentleness. Similarly, the excitement of ovulation can be a time to cultivate gratitude and generosity—but also requires mindful pacing to avoid burnout.
Practical Tip:
- Use journaling or reflective prayer (dhikr) to process shifting emotions.
- In busier phases, try short, consistent acts of worship or gratitude.
- In quieter phases, allow longer stretches for solitude, introspection, and creative expression.
Embracing Spiritual Contraction and Expansion
Islamic tradition acknowledges states of bast (expansion) and qabd (contraction). Much like the cyclical phases in nature or the changing seasons within a woman’s menstrual cycle, your spiritual life will also have periods of ease and periods of constraint. Embrace both: the “summer” of your faith, where you feel close to Allah and outwardly engaged, and the “winter,” where you might sense distance or need more inward reflection.
A teacher once said that if we truly understood the jewels forming in our hearts during contraction, we would never want to leave it. Recognizing that each state has a purpose and deepens our trust in Allah’s plan.
Practical Steps to Begin Your Cyclical Journey
- Start Small
- Pick one cycle—day/night, a weekly pattern, or a monthly rhythm—and intentionally align part of your routine with it.
- For example, commit to going to bed earlier to honor the circadian rhythm or setting aside five minutes of quiet reflection each morning.
- Listen to Your Body
- Notice when you feel energetic and when you naturally wind down.
- Adjust activities, if possible, to match these energy levels instead of battling against them.
- Make Space for Reflection
- Whether it’s journaling, a nature walk, or a cup of tea at sunrise, dedicate pockets of time to be present with yourself and with Allah.
- Ask: “Where am I in my personal cycle right now? How can I honor this moment rather than wishing it away?”
- Practice Self-Compassion
- If you experience more fatigue or heightened emotions in certain phases, allow yourself to slow down without guilt.
- Remember, your worth isn’t tied to constant busyness—there is divine wisdom in rest.
- Foster Community
- Share what you learn with friends or family who might also be exploring cyclical living.
- If you’re a man, approach the women in your life with curiosity and empathy about their monthly rhythms. Likewise, if you’re a woman, be open about your experience, seeking and offering support.
Finding Harmony and Balance
Aligning with the natural cycles set forth by Allah is about more than just physical health. It touches every aspect of life—emotional balance, spiritual depth, and how we connect with loved ones. When we recognize these ebbs and flows, we start to see that creation itself is a tapestry of interlocking rhythms. Each day, season, and life stage holds potential for growth, gratitude, and turning back to our Creator.
A Gentle Reminder
Cyclical living doesn’t demand perfection. It’s an ongoing process of learning to flow with what Allah has already ordained in nature. Like all aspects of faith and self-care, it requires patience, small consistent efforts, and a willingness to trust the wisdom behind each phase of life. So allow yourself to pause, adapt, and find meaning in each turn of your personal seasons.
In Conclusion
Learning to live in sync with your fitrah and with the broader cycles of day, night, and the changing seasons is a beautiful way to cultivate holistic well-being. Whether you find yourself in a period of blossoming energy or a phase of quiet reflection, remember that each state is part of a larger design. When approached with awareness, intention, and trust in Allah, even the simplest daily routines—like honoring bedtime or journaling about your emotions—become acts of worship and paths to deeper connection.
May we all find harmony in these cycles and allow them to guide us to greater health, peace, and spiritual fulfillment.
Continue Your Journey: Living Cyclically with Intention
If this exploration of cyclical living has resonated with you, imagine the depth and transformation that come from truly understanding and aligning with these rhythms in your daily life. In a world that often demands linear progress, reclaiming the wisdom of your natural cycles is an act of self-honoring and spiritual alignment.
Reehab Ramadan Aref’s course, “Living Cyclically: A Fitrah-Based Approach to Women’s Holistic Health,” offers a guided, immersive experience into this practice. Through seven comprehensive modules, you’ll learn not only the biological, emotional, and spiritual significance of each phase but also how to integrate this knowledge into your life with practical steps. Whether you are seeking greater self-awareness, improved well-being, or a deeper connection to divine wisdom, this course provides the tools and insights to support you on that path.
Join a community of like-minded individuals seeking balance, understanding, and spiritual nourishment. Step into a way of living that honors your fitrah and allows you to thrive in every season of your life.
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