Full Wolf Moon

Tonight is the full moon, which is my monthly time for action and release: Today I look again at the “seeds of intention” I planted 2 weeks ago at the new moon, and decide on actions to take. In the next two weeks I take those actions, then I release my expectations in order to clear space for new ideas and new intentions.

Is that a wolf coming through the snow?

January is the first full month of winter, a time when everything is shrouded in mystery- the sky is gray, trees hold their buds tightly closed, and hidden seeds germinate secretly in the ground. 

The full moon of January is called the Wolf Moon because of the hungry packs of wolves that used to roam for prey at this time of deep winter. Even with no wolves, winter is a scary time- I worry when my family travels in bad weather; I'm anxious about winter illnesses and overdue bills; and I feel vulnerable and unsettled by the violence and political goings on in the world. Unfortunately, at this time of year I am sometimes engulfed in feelings of sadness or worry, with little energy and no motivation. 

Fear limits me; it drains my energy and initiative and stops me from trying anything risky or new. It puts me in a state of foggy stasis. The full Wolf Moon is a good time to ask God to protect my home, my family, and myself, and give me the courage, confidence, and stubborn enthusiasm I need to live well in the mystery of winter.

Agenda for today:

1. Journal:

Review the intentions I set 2 weeks ago, at the new moon. 

Do these goals all still seem vital? 
What are my next steps?
How can I act now with more courage, confidence, and enthusiasm? 

What are the current events or issues I want to study? 

What new skills might be useful?

2. Stillness and Study:

My theme this month is stillness. When I leave time in my daily routine for study, writing, meditation, and prayer, I honor the full rhythm of life; the yin time of "being" balances my yang times of action and doing. In the stillness, my ego disappears for a bit. I can then turn back to the outside world, seeing myself as a part of the whole rather than as an isolated individual.

This month I've been looking at these topics of study:

• "The Way of Silence" by Steindl-rast
• How to stay calm through conflict
• How to keep good habits
• Tai chi practice
• The history and form of Quaker worship
• Friendship and bullying

(Hmmm. That's a lot of topics! I'm going to need really good study habits!)

3. Mountain Pose Meditation:

Mountain Pose is the foundational pose for all standing yoga postures. It helps improve balance and inner calmness. It seems simple, but it’s important to learn how to do it correctly, so find out how here.

The image of the mountain represents meditation, and the resting of body, mind and spirit. When practicing the Mountain Pose I use this visualization:

Picture my favorite mountain- it’s shape, it’s peaks, the rocks, the trees, the undergrowth.

Imagine that I am this mountain, rising from the surface of the earth; say, “I Am the Mountain.” Feel my splendid stability. I have reached the peak of upward movement, and in stillness I hold my place.

See time passing- day turns into night, the moon rises over me, gradually dawn comes again. The seasons change- snow covers me, rain strikes me, then sun bakes me. My surface changes, but the essence of the mountain remains the same.

View from the top of the South Sister.

4. See the Full Moon:
The full moon always rises near to sunset. Since the sun sets early in the winter, it's my favorite season to try to view the moonrise; however, in my climate, the chances of a clear night are slim, and tonight is supposed to be cloudy. I will take a look anyway... 

5. Take Action:
The full moon is a time to celebrate life, stay up late, see friends, exercise harder, and be more creative and outgoing. The crazy full moon energy builds and builds; it’s best to acknowledge it so it doesn’t throw me off balance. This surge of energy allows me to take action on the intentions I set two weeks ago.

My big action this week is a trip to Portland to take part in the Women's March!