Third Quarter Moon of November

Today is the third Quarter moon. This waning moon energy is yin - quiet, internal, heart-driven, intentional Being-ness. At this phase we can ease off a bit on actively pursuing goals, slow down, go within, and attend to inner work, renewal, and self-care. This isn’t a moment for starting new projects but for finishing up old ones, making peace with the past, and preparing for a fresh start at the next new moon.

Agenda:

1. Read "Focus on the Good Stuff"
2. Ritual for Release and Realignment

3. Meditation and Evaluation Journal

4. Monthly journal brainstorm

5. Proaction and reciprocity plans

1. Read "Focus on the Good Stuff":

I'm reading this book by Mike Robbins (2007), with the sub-title "The Power of Appreciation". In the introduction he says, "Underneath every dream or goal we have is a desire for appreciation. We want to feel good about ourselves and our lives." He's not talking about being appreciated, but about appreciating ourselves, our own lives, and everyone and everything that surrounds us. Along with appreciation he uses words like empowerment, effectiveness, confidence, clarity, and success.

Part Two is The Five Principles of Appreciation, and the first principle is Be Grateful. "Gratitude is the first and most basic level of appreciation. ... Gratitude is an emotion, an attitude, and a state of being. ... When we close to look for the good things in others and find things we appreciate and are grateful for ... it becomes a state of mind..."

He suggest these practices:

1. Keep a gratitude journal.
2. Share gratitude with others regularly (at meals, etc.)
3. Create a ritual / prayer to remember gratitude.
4. Ask others what they are grateful for.
5. Use a gratitude rock in pocket to remember gratitude.

"Practice, practice, practice. Don't waste your time or energy getting overwhelmed or trying to do these things perfectly; just play with them and see which ones fit best for you."

2. Ritual for Release and Realignment:

This phase of the moon is for releasing and cleansing. This month I want to release my need to be perfect and adopt a "good enough" attitude.

3. Meditation and Evaluation Journal:

Today I get to reflect back on the first 3/4 of the Harvest Moon lunar cycle that I'm passing through. My theme has been abundance. I ask myself, What lessons have I learned in the last weeks? What has been completed? What has shifted? and what can I set aside?

I sit with these queries and write in my journal in a reflective way: My insights, emotions, and the clarity I’ve gained during the last lunar month and how I’ve grown. 

I review the intentions I set at the new moon, and write about what I've accomplished. I also write about the unfinished parts - some of these I will finish in the next couple days, some I will save for next month, and some I will release because they have become irrelevant or didn't go as planned.

This reflection will prepare me for moving forward with grace and purpose.

4. Monthly journal brainstorm:

At the new moon (next week) I will transition from one focus to another, and a whole new field of opportunity. This week I'll take time to write down my goals, dreams, and exciting ideas for the next 30-days, including at least a few crazy, improbable notions. 

-Start with a list of seasonal themes and celebrations, vacations, and other events.

-Write about my biggest priorities this month, how they might fit into my life, and how they connect to my values and principles.

-Write about possible obstacles and factors such as the weather, upcoming schedule changes, or money problems.

-Write about the parts that excite me and the parts that might be hard to find motivation for.

5. Proaction and reciprocity plans:

On Wednesdays I often journal a bit about the future, and my dreams and goals: What GREAT things do I want to accomplish? How will I serve people? How will I use my talents? How will I stretch myself? How can I become an “island of excellence”? What is essential?

Then I try to define achievable, meaningful goals and prioritize the goals and tasks with the greatest long-term impact.

This next week I hope to:

1. Write about regenerative gardening and leaving a wild winter garden.
2. Finish a new Earth Care pamphlet.
3. Share my essay about the intersection of Gardens and Earthcare in our Seasonal Reflections blog?
4. Write about a holiday with less plastic.
5. Gather speakers, and prepare for a recitation of the Haudenosaunee Thanksgiving Greetings - Nov. 30.
6. Join the Outdoor worship Nov. 16, 10:45
7. Write next week's action newsletter, and find ways to for us to connect to QEW.
8. Schedule a sign-making day.
9. Join a QEW class on Reimagining Our Values for a Restored Earth.
10. Continue to plant and transplant native plants - work on my hugelkulture