New Budding Moon and Fourth Sunday of Lent

Tonight is the new moon; the Chinese call the second new moon the Budding Moon. As we cycle nearer to spring, I can feel my energy growing and swelling like the buds on the trees!

 

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.

If at all possible, I schedule a day of retreat on the new moon, or near to it: I do less talking, less business, and more personal thought and action. I had a peaceful retreat day yesterday. (Today is going to be very social!)

This is also the fourth week of Lent. My theme this year for Lent is Down-to-Earth Simple Living: I plan to ease back to the basics of living my life: Eating, playing, home and garden, family and art. At Lent I allow myself to be slow, simple, and thoughtful. I spend time each day in focused study and prayer. This Lent, I plan to continue to explore my relationship to the natural world, the cycles of the seasons, and down-to-earth living, with the simplest of actions. 

Agenda Today:

1. Simple steps plan

2. Choose a month theme

3. Set intentions

4. New moon altar and meditation

1. 

Simple steps plan:

 

One of my intentions this year is to dive into various web sites that offer information on simple living themes. So far I've looked at simplifying my schedule, simplifying my stuff, simple steps towards physical resilience, and simple eating.

This week I've decides to research simple energy-boosting habits, because I can't shake this feeling of lethargy. What I found makes perfect sense:

1. Get some light in the morning - Sunlight is highly alerting and can provide energy throughout the day.
2. Drink plenty of fluids - Remember that as you age your thirst cues become blunted and even minimal dehydration can cause fatigue.
3. Eat the right stuff - Every meal and snack should include complex carbohydrates from veggies or whole grains, plus protein or a bit of healthy fat, to help slow down digestion and absorption. Note that uneven distribution of protein throughout the day is associated with frailty, slower walking speed, and fatigue in older adults. 

2. Choose a month theme:

At the new moon I choose a new theme to give attention to. My theme this next 30 days is strength and resilience.

Picture an unexpected storm; thunder shakes the earth and heavy spring rain falls- everything and everyone are surprised into creative action, and great changes are set in motion.

Shocks and sudden unforeseen problems cycle through my life like stormy weather. This is a difficult quality for me, very yang. The sudden distress makes me uncomfortable, but if I pause and lean in to the discomfort I'll see that it's an invigorating place to be. I'll see that it's not about ME.

Just as I need my home to be in good repair to weather a storm, I need to be strong myself. When I am physically and mentally strong, I thrive on moving forward without the baggage of fears and grudges. Strength goals might have to do with improving my vitality, my strength of mind and resilience, courage to act on a new idea, making lifestyle changes, or repairing and strengthening my physical infrastructure.

My strength and resilience practices this month:

• Practice new weekly habits of sustainable food shopping and preparation, and healthy eating.
• Make time to be outside every day! Play in my garden and give attention to nature.
• Take neighborhood Strength Walks, for exercise and simple focus on resilience, flexibility, purpose, and optimism.

3. Set intentions:

Last week I brainstormed some wild and crazy ideas for the next 30-days, and today it's time to narrow it down a little, to the priority items that I could possibly focus on this next month. This isn't a list of the practical things I need to do this month; rather it's my top actions, studies, and growth goals that fit with the "taste" of this month of my life.

After I list my top goals for the next 30 days, I'm ready to set some intentions for action. I've written just two intentions, the ones I might act on today, and will write more later.

I intend to continue to practice simple steps for living a simple, down-to-earth life (a simple schedule, simplifying my stuff, exercise, simple eating, energy-boosting habits, etc.), easing back to the basics of living my life, and exploring my relationship to the natural world and the cycles of the seasons with the simplest of actions, because taking control of my life in this way will keep me calm and happy, and useful to my family and the world.

I intend to embark on an immersive self-study and zen art practice with the theme "Nature lets me live here if I clean the toilet"; this is my witness to the world that nature is not here to make us happy or feed us - we are the annoying guest that has overstayed our welcome.

4. New moon altar and meditation:

It's time to discern what to put on my altar for the next 30 days or so. (For my thoughts on altars see About Altars). I generally keep it simple and choose only things that speak to me and feed me, and reveal what I believe in. I ask, what quality of Spirit do I want to invoke? 

From last month I'm keeping:

• my straw doll - for luck and protection

and today I added:

• a spring green candle - for strength, vitality, and inner growth
• a dragon - for strength and good luck
• a robin - promise of new beginnings, happiness, and renewal

Next I will light a small white candle on my altar, center, and give attention to each of my intentions, picture each one accomplished, and feel myself fill with thankfulness for all I have now in my life.