Take a charting break
I want to highlight a benefit of cycle fluency - the ability to stop tracking on paper/app completely for a few cycles (or potentially forever).
Of course, if you’re using FAM as your main birth control, it’s important to do this responsibly (I’ll get into how to do that in my next post..). The efficacy rates of FAM as birth control is dependent on the diligent charting of biomarkers, cycle after cycle, so use your discretion in taking this advice.
Perhaps it’s controversial for a fertility awareness instructor to recommend stopping tracking (and again, know your own level of risk and be responsible when it comes to birth control), but I think it’s important to emphasise that what I teach is ultimately about a way of being in your body - not a lifelong dependence on an app or chart.
Here are the benefits I’ve noticed personally and with clients who actively stop all tracking for one or two cycles:
You strengthen the intuitive side of body literacy - notice how much you can feel without seeing it on paper.
You release dependence on it. Sometimes we get attached to tracking, using it as a way of controlling our experience. Especially if we are dealing with PMS or pain, tracking can create some semblance of control - treat a charting break as a gentle reminder that you are not dependent on it, or anything for that matter, to be okay.
You might notice how far you’ve come - maybe you can tune into ovulation without seeing a temp rise, or know when your period is about to begin. What a win!
If you’re losing motivation with daily tracking, you can feel reenergised again after a short break
You release ‘good girl’ energy - sometimes we place such high expectations on ourselves to be disciplined. Say fuck it and throw everything out the window. This is a good practice for life.
So take this as a sign to take a break and really embody the teachings of FAM - the gentle awareness, sensitivity, and attunement to your body’s language.
Feel free to reply and let me know of any other benefits you’ve noticed. I’d love to hear from you if this sparks reflections from your own practice.
If this resonates and you want support in your own cycle, you can add your name to the waitlist for In Season Cycles: a container for conscious women ready to understand their cycle, track their fertility with confidence, and make decisions from body autonomy. I’ll be in touch when the next space becomes available.
With love,