Waning Gibbous Moon of August

Grandson Art - 1 year

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.

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

2. Generosity practices

3. Gratitude journal

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 the month, which is Depth and purpose, so I ask myself today: 

What is my biggest view of life and my place in it?

What are my guiding principles and values?

What steps do I need to take to bring my life into better harmony with my beliefs?

If I can come to a sense of what my life is about, then I can begin to make sure that all the parts fit into the whole picture. Every detail and choice I make can afford scrutiny, and keeping my head straight requires constant attention and effort. I don’t want to over-think or analyze myself; just try to be honest and clear about the Why of my actions. 

The gap between my values and my behavior is the cause of all my self-dissatisfaction and unhappiness. It‘s an essential practice, then to work daily towards bringing the two into balance! Scrupulous self-honesty helps to give me the edge on my fears and desires; I can accept and acknowledge that they exist, and then choose not to indulge in them. I have a strong will, and my spiritual practice makes it even stronger. 

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 week I plan to:

1. Take care of my neighbor's dog and chickens
2. Plan some cool Climate Revolutions events
3. Extra weekend baby care
4. Take a Sabbath retreat day for myself!
5. Dig up raspberry volunteers to share
6. Finish my grandson's busy board toy

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

3. Gratitude journal:

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. I have not been able to keep a gratitude journal with any continuity - I get bored and it becomes a chore. But I CAN remind myself once a month of all I feel grateful for. Today I will write a few new entries (probably focused on my grandson!) 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.