First Quarter Moon of Late September

Monarch in St. Paul

Tonight is the First Quarter Moon; we are one-quarter of the way through the moon cycle. The moon is waxing - growing in light and energy, creating a time for decisive action. I use this end-of-September quarter moon's energy to find clarity and balance in the chaos of travel.

Agenda Today:

1. Read "Earthwalks"

2. Journal queries
3. Make a full effort plan

1. Read "Earth Walks":

I'm re-reading a book by James Endredy called Earthwalks for Body and Spirit. In the introduction he says, "These walks have the ability to move energy in very precise ways that lead to personal transformation and healing for both yourself and Earth by allowing yourself to see your life and actions from the perspective of the natural world."

This is a practice for how to walk through life at all times, on a healing path, walking "into and out of lessons" as they appear. The author calls it walking the endless school: "It is the truest form of movement that we have been given ... Through walking we can look at our lives and our place in the grand scheme with new eyes while in communion with everything surrounding us."

I'm using this book to understand how to see through nature's eyes: How does a lake see? Tomorrow we will be at a lake, so I'll let you know what I find out.

"Water is the fundamental building component of all life."

Endury says:

1. Stand by a lake and notice its stillness, even while it's in motion. Try to take in this quality of moving stillness.
2. 
   Begin to walk in a way that that calms you. Feel your heart slow and your mind grow still like the lake. Walk for 20 minutes.
3. Now, drop a small stone into the still lake and watch how the ripples spread. Because the water is one connected body, the whole of it is affected by each small action. Take in this quality of connectedness, and how every actions ultimately affects the whole.
4. Walk again, realizing that your life is like the calm water and your actions are like the stone. 

2. Journal queries:

At the first quarter moon I prepare to give full effort to my priorities. My theme this month is balance, which requires me to have equanimity, be present, find clarity in chaos, embrace paradox, and allow myself to flow with life’s uncertainty.

I remember that for each opportunity in life there is a challenge. The challenge to balance is obsession. If I am consumed by one part of my life or being, I can’t be centered. Practice gathering ki to be grounded. 

What are the creative habits I use to stay mindful and grounded throughout the day? 

 

Where in my life am I stuck and how can I step away from my comfort zone into the movement that creates flow and balance? 

 

What is my inner critic telling me and what is the still small voice advising?  

From my journal: As our vacation in Minnesota winds along, I find myself surprisingly calm and centered. I have been able to go along with what the moment requires without checking my schedule. I'm not able to accomplish my priorities in the way I'm accustomed to, but I'm connecting with family, taking walks, eating pretty well, having fun, and expressing myself.

3. Make a full effort plan:

At any point in my life I will always have some things to pause and think about, and other things I'm ready to act decisively on. While it's hard to be very decisive while traveling, I've got a plan to act on my health and healing for the next few days:

1. Buy some healthy food: I've got nuts, carrots, and an apple. I want to pack a banana, some granola bars, bagels, yogurt, and cream cheese.
2. Pack water: Remember to fill both my water bottles. 
3. Walk the train: Continue to walk every day.
4. Chair yoga stretches
5. Minimize alcohol.