Waning Gibbous Moon

Photo by Alan Gillespie

Now the moon is waning - getting smaller - until it is new again. During the waning moon, the moon's energy changes, and we move gradually into the yin phase - slow down, go within, and focus on inner work. I back off a bit on actively pursuing my goals, and allow the ease of being a loving, thoughtful person to carry me towards my dreams and goals.

The waning gibbous moon is a time to practice opening to receive blessings, feeling and expressing gratitude, and generosity with giving (towards others AND with myself).

Agenda today:

1. Journal queries:

During the waning moon, journaling takes on a new importance. I'm engaged in inner work, and journalling is one way I access my Inner Guide. I especially want to focus on my theme for this month, which is Joy, so I remind myself today: 

“Knowing life is short, enjoy it day after day, moment after moment.” ~Zen master Suzuki Roshi

What have I learned about how to cultivate unshakable happiness?

In what areas of my life do I want to be calmer and even happier? How do I interrupt my habitual patterns of worry, judgment, and annoyance?

How can I be more generous with my time and my help, and my joyful spirit?

2. Generosity Practices: 

Every month after the full moon I take some time to plan ways I can be more generous with my time and attention. I start with ideas for being generous with myself, then my household, my family, my neighborhood, community, and the earth. I might decide to give money or a gift, or simple acts of helping and sharing my time. This next week I plan to:

• Get a haircut in an actual salon!
• Take time to season my earthcare leadings with a committee of close friends.
• Take weight loss semi-seriously and enjoy a competition with W.
• Offer an extra day of care for my grandson.
• Prepare a rock-painting project for the children's meeting.
• Finally start the "Busy-board" gift I've been planning.

When I'm motivated by the desire to give, just my willingness to listen and my intention to offer help will begin to lessen suffering in the world.

3. Gratitude walk:

I have not been able to keep a gratitude journal with any continuity - I get bored and it becomes a chore. But when I remember to feel grateful for my blessings, my days take on a different tone: I have more vigor, optimism, compassion, and peace. By noticing how I am blessed, my impatience decreases and I realize how satisfied and fulfilled I really am.

This next week, when I'm out on my daily walk, I will remember to ask myself "What do I value most about my life?" and give thanks to the universe.

The work of intentional Being, rather than Doing, is life changing! When I slow down I can see what my hard work has produced in the world and in myself, and I have the leisure to notice, absorb, and expand.