The Season of Kōnenki

The world has not yet awakened to the truth of menopause as a rite of passage for every woman. We've been conditioned to think of it as a season of aging and decline.

But there's one culture in the world has transformed their view of it, and there's a lot we could learn from them.

In Japan, this stage of life is viewed through a different lens. They call it kōnenki - (pronounced koh-nen-kee) - and they regard perimenopause as a stage when women become grounded, more self-aware, and renewed in who they are.

The different parts of the word kōnenki give it meaning:

Ko (更) means “renew” or “change”

Nen (年) means “years”

Ki (期) means “season” or “time”

All the symptoms of transformation - the shedding of relationships that no longer serve us and the awakening of one's self - are viewed as welcomed changes, ones that invite each woman into a season of coming into her own.

The changes that happen in us often call for those around us to change too. The ones who depended on our selfless service might need to look after themselves a little more. The loved ones who were caretaken by us might need to grow in their independence.

If we as a society could embrace perimenopause as a season of awakening and understand what's truly going on, just think of all that women could accomplish as they grow older... all the relationships that could be saved... and how we show up to support each other.

At KoneBloom, our mission is to spread the message of awakening and to create a culture of kōnenki throughout the world.

Our products are one way we hope to support women through the transition of perimenopause. But even more, our goal is to help you become the woman you were always meant to be.

We're here to help you bloom.