Third Quarter Moon of Late November

Today is the Third Quarter Moon: This waning moon energy is yin - quiet, internal, heart-driven, intentional Being-ness. At this phase we can ease off a bit on actively pursuing goals, slow down, go within, and attend to inner work and self-care.

On this late November morning, when the air is cold and our future is uncertain, my focus turns to making plans for transforming my world.

Agenda:

1. Renewal plan

2. Evaluation House

3. Review how to transform my world

4. Monthly journal brainstorm

5. 

Surrender, rest, recuperate

1. Renewal plan:

I try to renew all four dimensions of my life (body, mind, heart, and spirit), as Stephen Covey taught: I spend about an hour each day on a combination of physical, mental, and spiritual regeneration activities, plus work to improve my social skills and relationships. Today's waning half moon is my opportunity to review how I'm doing, and make note of new ideas for the month ahead.

My plan:

• Body & Discipline: Stretch every morning; take a daily walk. Plan and prepare healthy meals.
• Mind & Vision: Write in my journal and blog about my priorities; set realistic goals: simplify to 3 projects; practice a short daily meditation; choose a new advent book to read.
• Spirit & Ethics: Go into our garden every day for 15 minutes to connect and provide service to nature; continue to research and write about earth care; start a "Know my Neighbors" notebook for ID-ing birds, insects, trees, etc .
• Heart and passion: Be sure to PLAY with my grandsons, and be creative! Meet with friends to vent; practice my Formula for Calm, keep a Trigger Journal, and review active listening.  

2. Evaluation House:

Today I get to reflect back on the first 3/4 of the Kindly Moon lunar cycle that I'm passing through. My theme has been Abundance and Gratitude.

I reviewed the intentions I set at the new moon and drew a house with 2 rooms: 

• A room for celebration of all I have accomplished already this month.
• A room for discerning what to do with the unfinished parts (Some of these I will finish in the next couple days, some I will save for next month, and some I will release because they have become irrelevant or didn't go as planned.)

3. Review how to transform my world:

In the second half of the year I began reviewing some of the transformative habits I've developed over the years - how I get my ducks in a row. 

This third quarter moon of November I will begin to review my efforts to transform my world. 

When I say "transform my world" I am suggesting a shift towards a better life: It could be mostly an inner renovation, or lifestyle alteration; it could be an adjustment in my relationships; it could be a new project or area of growth; or it could be a move into activism or service. That's the gift we have - to see what needs to change and do the work to change it. No matter our limitations, we CAN make the world better, one smile, kind word, or conversation at a time. 

I have an inkling of where I'm being nudged, and this week I'll start to find clarity. First, I will take time to hear my truth, and then later I will test my leadings, and find the courage to act on them.

 

This week, I'll go through the steps of discernment - the process of making deeply important decisions in my life:

-Use my practical wisdom, collect information, reflect on my values, and weigh all the possibilities for action. 

-Seek a leading of the spirit (God or Inner Guide) with an open mind and heart. 

-Seek clearness by inviting thoughtful questioning (not advise) from some people I trust.

4. Monthly journal brainstorm:

At the new moon (next week) I will transition from one focus to another, and a whole new field of opportunity. This week I'll take time to brainstorm my goals, dreams, and exciting ideas for the next 30-days, without judgement - including at least a few crazy, improbable notions - and write a very brief synopsis of the next month of my life.

As I collect lists today of things I want to do next month, I'll especially focus on those that will lead to some kind of transformation - my inner world, relationship world, community, or universe. I'll write down any exciting ideas for my future that could lead me to change my world for the better. And also include any foggy areas or vague yearnings - an itch to transform something that is not clear yet.

Part 2 - reflect. Write about what I want my life to stand for - how I wish my world could change, and what would make it better for everyone. Write about big and little problems in my life and in the world that you would like to see solved.  

Ask, If I could change anything in the world, what would it be? 

If there were no barriers to what I could do in life, what job, work, or activity would I undertake that would bring me personal fulfillment?

At old age, what do I want my family, friends, and community to say about my life?

Part 3 - weigh the possibilities. Take a break for a few minutes. Get a fresh cup of tea or go outside to look at the sky, then come back and read what I wrote. Write a list of the choices and options I have for transformation now and in the future.

5. Surrender, rest, recuperate: 

This next few days is a time to be empty; the time for striving is past. As the moon’s light fades into darkness I get to relax and surrender to the universe. 

Some things will always be out of my control. As the moon's appearance dwindles, I let go of useless beliefs, unreasonable expectations, grudges, defensiveness, projects that don't fit into my life, and anything else that isn't working for me. I turn these all over to the Divine and give thanks, my way of opening to receive new intentions in the new month.

Then I give myself permission to rest!