First Quarter moon for Synergy

Tonight is the First Quarter Moon; we are one-quarter of the way through the moon cycle. The moon is waxing - growing in light and energy, creating a time for decisive action. I use this May quarter moon's energy to create synergy with all my partners, and spark synergy within myself.

Agenda Today:

1. Read "Everyday Simplicity"

2. Journal queries
3. Make a full effort plan

1. Read "Everyday Simplicity":

I bought myself this little book, by Robert J. Wicks (2000), as a birthday treat. The subtitle is: A Practical Guide to Spiritual Growth.

Chapter 15 continues on the topic of prayer, which is how we join our spiritual life with our day-to-day life. "As we become naturally aware of God throughout the day, we journey in both worlds simultaneously."

Prayer is divided into 6 building blocks that he calls "a little rule", a set of practices. This week the topic is to Practice Sacred Reading. He says this is not so much about what I read but more the way I go about reading, immersing myself in the subject and feeling the themes within myself. 

Practice for this section: Underline, then copy out anything worth remembering as I go along, and then take time go back to review and immerse myself in the themes of a book.

2. Journal queries:

Today, at the first quarter moon, I prepare to give full effort to my priorities. My theme is synergy, which requires me to seek unity, embrace teamwork, live holistically, and take persistent right action.

I remember that for each opportunity in life there is a challenge. The challenge to synergy is rigidity. If I’m stubborn and uncompromising, I can't be a useful teammate. Practice giving in, and being willing to offer help.

Which of my priorities am I having the most trouble acting on this month?

What do I need (tools, information, allies) in order to best practice the habits of synergy (flexibility, love, unity, right action)?

What do I need to do or learn in order to be a better team player at home and on my committees?

From my journal: I struggle with rigidity and indignation - my high standards make flexibility and generosity difficult. But I can offer help without compromising my integrity, and I can work on forgiving the inadequacies of others (because heaven knows I have my faults!) Also, I need to let go of my defeating paralyzation - just give full effort to what I CAN do.

3. Make a full effort plan: 

I'm thinking today about full effort for my projects. I can't seem to make art or home projects a priority. What I need is a "next steps" vision and list for each one:

Synergy Vision:

Watercolors:

1. S: Set up a space - move art supplies indoors.
2. M: Define a project goal and best practices.
3. Paint one thing this week

Clothesline pole:

1. S: Paint the bottom.
2. M: Mount
3. T: Paint the rest and attach the new line.

Earth stencil:

1. M: Find manilla folder, linseed oil, poster boards; prep.
2. Th: Draw stencil
3. F: Cut stencil
4. S: Make a sample to take to Meeting