New Lotus Moon

The Chinese call the sixth new moon 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, 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 sink into the mud of my life, and seek out the best ways to grow above the fray.

Agenda for today:
1. Journal Queries
2. Lotus Meditation
3. Plan small steps to take

Becoming a Grandma

I have recently become a Grandma, something I've been anticipating with growing impatience for several years now. And it was worth the wait! I am so in love with my tiny grandson. I think about him everyday; it's a lot like falling in love, but the quality of the love is so uncomplicated. I don't have expectations, or resentments, or, really, very much responsibility.

Becoming a Grandma means I get to mother in a grand way: I can play with him, craft for him, talk, sing... and laugh, laugh, laugh. I melt at the sight of him, stare into his face, whisper to him. I miss him when I don't see him every day. I hope to be a role model for him, teach him skills, share my ethical wisdom, and my respect for the environment. But: I will follow his lead and his interests because Grandmothering is not about my ego. I get to dote.

Becoming a Grandma also allows me to parent my daughter again - cater to her needs and her parenting requests, bring her gifts and indulge her. I get to show her my respect for her by surrendering to her parenting decisions and playing second fiddle in her son's life.

This is a new phase of my life: I'm not teaching other people's children anymore - I'm reserving my energy for this baby boy who is my grandson. It's going to keep me young, and joy filled, and in the moment. And I don't have to make all the decisions this time, or be the disciplinarian. I look forward to the many, many grandma-treats and adventures, Grandma Camps and classes, birthday parties, and babysitting. And the BEST thing is: I get to do it all with Grandpa Wade!

“Becoming a grandmother turns the page. Line by line you are rewritten. You are tilted off your old center, spun onto new turf. There’s a faint scent of déjà vu from when you raised your own children, but this place feels freer. Here you rediscover fun and laughing, and reach a depth of pure loving you have never felt before.” ~Lesley Stahl

Full Thunder Moon and Asalha Puja

Tonight is the full moon called the Thunder Moon. 

July days have the humming energy of a summer storm. The sun is at the peak of it's power, lighting all corners with its radiance, and burning away all non-essentials. It's a month of passion and activity: I'm challenged to stretch, and try new, uncomfortable things. My life expands; my thoughts become clear. I am primed for success.

Today is also Asalha Puja, a Theravada Buddhist festival that takes place on the full moon of July. Asalha Puja celebrates the Buddha's first sermon, in which he set out the teaching of the four noble truths. The day is observed by donating offerings to temples and listening to sermons.

Agenda for today:
1. Update my altar
2. Journal queries
3. Study the Four Nobel Truths
4. Practice at my theme of Joy