First Quarter Moon of Late April

Tonight is the First Quarter Moon; we are one-quarter of the way through the moon cycle. The moon is waxing - getting larger - until it's full again. Now is the time to remain flexible, use my obstacles as fuel for growth, and show full effort for priorities.

I use this April quarter moon's energy to create defiance. I will inhabit the motto: "They tried to bury us; they didn't know we were seeds." (Dinos Christianopoulos).

Agenda: 

1. Read "The Achievement Habit"

2. Projects for the week

3. Journal queries

4. Make a full effort plan

Earth Day

Today is Earth Day! The first Earth Day was April 22, 1970, and it still remains a big event in the environmental movement. Interest and participation in Earth Day has increased and spread around the world, with millions of people taking part. 

My plans for this week have taken a giant turn, so today I am regrouping and working to not let this turn derail me. I'll use my Mid-week Bump Plan to defeat the hump that often makes me feel stuck: A plan to help me build momentum and preserve the goodness of the week throughout each of the five days, so that I arrive at Saturday feeling fulfilled and content.

Agenda today:

1. My bump plan

2. Ongo journal

3. New narrative for worry

4. Writing themes and passion flow plan

Earth Week Monday

This week is Earth Week, and I plan to do some reading each day, and take one action that grounds me in unity with the Earth.

Agenda today:

1. Reading

2. Talk to Mother Nature

3. Take action

Earth Week Sunday

This week before Earth Day is called Earth Week, April 19 - 25 this year. 

The first Earth Day was April 22, 1970, and it still remains a big event in the environmental movement. Interest and participation in Earth Day has increased and spread around the world, with millions of people taking part. 

I do many things everyday in my life to help the earth: I live in a small house; I walk and bike, and work at home; I buy used stuff and buy locally; I use the library instead of buying books; I compost, recycle, and grow my own food, I lead an Earthcare action group at my Quaker Meeting, and I work with other activists to bring attention to climate and environmental issues.

This week I plan to do some reading each day, and take one action that grounds me in unity with the Earth.

Agenda today:

1. Reading

2. Meeting outside

3. Take action

Retreat for the Earth

Next week is Earth Week, and I plan to post an agenda of activities for each day, including some reading and education, contemplation, earth care actions, and artwork, that grounds me in unity with the Earth.

Today I just want to sit with the notion that I am of the earth, and settle into a contemplation of how I want to BE.

Maya Angelou said, “If you don’t like something, change it. If you can’t change it, change your attitude.” This is the kind of flexible optimism I aim for - not naivety, but realistic and adjustable. 

I am aware that the planet is suffering, that birds and insects are dying, that we will face riots and wars because of our actions. But I need to have hope that things can change, and I need to do what I can to make change. And then I need to cultivate an attitude of joy because of all the beauty we still have.

Agenda:

1. Read QEW pamphlets

2. Get native plants

New Peony Moon

Beautiful peonies growing in my neighborhood.

The new moon rises today; the Chinese call the fourth new moon the Peony Moon. Peonies are the flower of riches, romance, and honor, called sho yu in Chinese, which means "most beautiful." Their lush blooms are an omen of good fortune, and also foretell a happy marriage.

The new moon is the start of the lunar cycle, a time of high energy and clear thinking. Historically, the new moon is when women took time to be alone; it's a time to retreat, set intentions, and initiate something new.

Agenda:

1. Retreat Day

2. Journal queries

5. Pick a theme

4. Review caregiver resilience

5. Set intentions