October 13, 2021

First Quarter Moon of October

Photo by Alan Gillespie
 At the First Quarter Moon we are one-quarter of the way through the moon cycle. The moon is waxing - getting larger - until it's full again. 

Now is the time to remain flexible, use my obstacles as fuel for growth, and show full effort for priorities.

Agenda:
1. Journal queries
2. Make a full effort plan

1. Journal queries:
Today, at the first quarter moon, I prepare to give full effort to my priorities. 
Which of my priorities am I having the most trouble acting on this month?
What potential challenges and obstacles do I face this week and month (things I don’t enjoy, don’t know how to do, or feel blocked on)? How can I best meet these challenges?
How will I find the inspiration that will spark full effort for my priorities, every day, over and over? 

I will certainly face obstacles. Today I feel my greatest obstacle is over-indulgence, excess of emotion, and speaking before I think. I can use my obstacles as fuel for growth - I need to practice moderation - temperance, silence, and equanimity.

2. Make a full effort plan: 
Full effort (sometimes called exertion) is one of the steps of mental discipline on Buddha’s eightfold path. Buddha was urging full effort for awakening the mind; a first step is to practice full effort for whatever is most important in your life right now - for your priorities. 

Full effort requires attention (remembering what it is you want to do and your deepest reasons why), a spark of energy and determination (connecting to your excitement for life each day and each moment, and sustaining it long enough to accomplish your priorities), and balance (holding your intentions lightly in the complexity of life).

I've been steadily falling behind on my home and garden tasks. My plan this week is to complete two tasks from my list  every day:

Tuesday: Prune the grape, and mount the corner cabinet
Wednesday: Clean up front beds, and clean the studio
Thursday: Cover lettuce with a cloche, and wipe kitchen cabinets
Friday:  Plant fava beans, and paint pantry doors
Saturday: Plant tulips, and mop kitchen floor
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1 comment:

  1. maryannpetersen.comOctober 13, 2021 at 6:50 PM

    Nice. I like your chores. Martha Stewart has her calendar in her magazine and I have always liked it because it spreads out seasonal chores and reminders for doing things in a way that seems possible. I try to do this too and it helps direct my actions.

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