Return to Ease

As I've said, this summer has been "busy". I am feeling stressed by the nagging sensation that I am behind on responsibilities, and also the feeling that I'm not taking time to enjoy summer days. 

Monday is my day to reset for the week and get my ducks in a row - make some plans for health and home, and prepare for Grandson fun and for a return to ease.

Agenda:
1. Read "The Sweet Spot"

2. Plan for summer ease

3. Big outdoor building projects

Step into Nature

I have a love of nature on a very local level - I do not desire to drive to the woods every weekend. That said, I would like to return to some habits of walking and biking to local natural areas - we do have some great ones - and also having an occasional adventure in the woods or at the ocean.

Agenda:

1. Practice a Reverent Way of Being

2. Read "Step into Nature"

3. Plan some adventures

New Lotus Moon (for Integrity)

It's a Chinese leap month, so a repeat of the sixth new moon, know as the Lotus Moon. The lotus is the "flower of open-heartedness", an emblem of purity, fruitfulness (because of its many seeds) and creative power. And since lotus leaves protect the goldfish under them (a symbol of prosperity), the lotus also symbolizes abundance year after year. 

Detail from "Connect", acrylic

A lotus flower grows out of the mud, and blossoms above the muddy water surface. Buddhists teach that, like a lotus, we can rise above the suffering and conflicts of life. The Lotus Moon, then, is the natural time to dig into the mud of my life, and seek out the best ways to grow above the fray.

Agenda:

1. Retreat Day

2. Read "Creativity Takes Courage"

2. Choose a month theme

3. Set intentions

Summer Playing

I hope to have some good fun this week with family and friends - that's what summer is for: Playing in the pool, the garden, and with art.

Monday is my day to reset for the week and get my ducks in a row - make some plans for health and home, and prepare for Grandson fun.

Agenda:
1. Read "The Sweet Spot"

2. Playtime plans

3. Big outdoor building project

Saturday Creativity

Today I'm circling back to think about my creative projects. I'm working on a nice variety of artwork right now: Drawing motifs from nature for my book, sewing a Coat of Many Earth Colors, making butterfly hangers with my grandson, and stenciling earth posters to give away.

Agenda:
1. Read "Creativity Takes Courage"
2. Evaluate my creativity habits

3. Do the smallest thing

Third Quarter Moon of July

Today is the third Quarter moon. This waning third quarter 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 Today:

1. 

Read 

"Brainstorm"

2. 

Review my passion plan

3. Five days of passion

4. Meditation and Evaluation Journal

5. Monthly journal brainstorm