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

1. Read "The Achievement Habit":

I'm reading from this book by Bernard Roth (2015), subtitled "Stop Wishing, StatDoing, and Take Command of Your Life". This is a book about design thinking, applied to achieving goals in your life.

Design thinking has 5 principles:

1. Empathize with whoever I'm designing for and figure out what the issues are.
2. Define the problem and narrow down my parameters.
3. Ideate- generate possible solutions with brainstorming, mind mapping, etc.
4. Build a prototype or develop a plan.
5. Test and get feedback.

Chapter 1 is Nothing is what you think it is. It's about how nothing and nobody in our life has any meaning until we give it meaning; meaning is not preordained and it has endless possibility. "Once you understand that you can choose what meaning and importance to place on something, you also understand that it is you, not external circumstances, who determine the quality of your life." 

2. Projects for the week:

A couple weeks ago I did a brainstorm for goals for Grandma Earth Teacher and Dragonfly Studio for April: First steps for healing my space and my Light, 

possible projects, and a possible spring class or workshop or retreat - a way to inspire and transform. I've taken some small steps and I'm ready to commit to more:

Thursday

1. Clearing: I need to take back the yard from all the junk that has spilt into it. Today I will ind a new home for the table - reclaim or give away?
2. N-C blog: Today I will brainstorm platforms and formats.
3. Choices: Set up the Godzilla clay project outside OR offer a sign board for sanding - follow his lead! 

Friday

1. Clearing: I need to clear out the studio so I can access my supplies and so I know what and where my tools are. Simplify the supplies and tools in the cabinet. 
2. Choices: Make room for Choice Bins for the boys: Stock one for wood-working, kid tools, paints.
3. Sign-making: Attach a stake, and varnish the whole thing. (Really feel how this satisfies me!)

Saturday

1. N-C blog: Plan a format.
2. Clearing: Move the old planter so I can begin to dig out the drain field.

Next week

1. Clearing: Work next on the big shelf space - clear space for more paintings.
2. Sew Blue Mason Bee flag: Take pleasure in sewing! Add his name with stamps.
3. Stepping stones: For Ezra.
4. Choices: Plan lures for visiting every day (big motor, process oriented). Stamping, painting, hammering... Just lure them out there, then start to paint or stamp myself - no expectations.

Doing the smallest thing is a great way to make courageous creative work less frightening; also finding the "minimum effective dose", the amount of work that keeps me challenged and joyful, and if I keep at it will get me to the finish line on time.

3. Journal queries:

Today, at the first quarter moon, I prepare to give full effort to my priorities; I remember that for each opportunity in life there is a challenge. My theme is synergy, which requires me to seek unity, embrace teamwork, live holistically, and take persistent right action.

I remember that for each opportunity in life there is a challenge. The challenge to synergy is rigidity. If I’m stubborn and uncompromising, I can't be a useful teammate. Practice giving in, and being willing to offer help.

Which of my priorities am I having the most trouble acting on this month?

What do I need (tools, information, allies) in order to best practice the habits of synergy (flexibility, love, unity, right action)?

What do I need to do or learn in order to be a better team player at home and on my committees?

From my journal: Though I do still struggle with rigidity, my creative mind is my strength. When I take the time to turn things around in the Light, and see different angles, I am able to transcend the mindset that holds me in stubbornness and worry. When I can forgive the inadequacies of others, and let go of my defeating paralyzation, I am able to give full effort to what I CAN do.

4. Make a full effort plan:

I've been working on framing an intention to design a Nature-Culture blog, releasing it a little bit at a time, in order to share my insights with the wider world, partly because I've heard that people NEED it, and partly because I need the feedback. 

The first question is: What is the most effective format for these two goals? I know a book format won't fly for a blog (and it won't work for feedback either, apparently).

Today I make a full effort plan for my N-C blog. 

1. Research formats and platforms.
2. Write first post (balance intro and content).
3. Make an email header and footer.
4. Choose photos and finalize format.
5. Make an ad with QR code.
6. Send invitation to a list.