First Quarter Moon of Early June

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 early June quarter moon's energy to build my physical energy and discipline to consistently take creative action (and build my creative muscle through doing the reps). 

Agenda Today:

1. Read "A Book That Takes It's Time"

2. Journal queries
3. Make a full effort plan

1. Read "A Book That Takes It's Time":

I just got this pretty book by Irene Smit and Astrid van der Hulst (2017), part of "A Flow Book" series. Chapter 1 is Time to Breathe, about taking some unscheduled time.

I'm reading an essay called, "Step Out of your Comfort Zone". The writer warns that if you never allow uncertainty into your life you will become inflexible. All of my stuck places are caused by inflexibility

- can I try something new? Einstein says, "Life is like riding a bicycle. To keep your balance you must keep moving".

She suggests that I cultivate my courage in small ways now so I'm prepared when the big challenge comes. And don't confuse the inner critic (telling me I'm not good at that thing and it will be a disaster) with intuition - intuition is a gentle voice which will probably advise some steps for discernment.

And she also advises me to know what I want; what will tempt me out of my comfort zone. When I work at creativity I will get in touch with the next big challenge.

2. Journal queries:

Today, at the first quarter moon, I prepare to give full effort to my priorities. My theme is balance and flow, which requires me to have equanimity, be present, find clarity in chaos, embrace paradox, and allow myself to flow with life’s uncertainty.

I remember that for each opportunity in life there is a challenge. The challenge to balance is obsession. If I am consumed by one part of my life or being, I can’t be centered. Practice gathering ki to be grounded. 

What are the creative habits I use to stay mindful and grounded throughout the day? 

 

Where in my life am I stuck and how can I step away from my comfort zone into the movement that creates flow and balance?

 

What is my inner critic telling me and what is the still small voice advising?  

From my journal: How does one stay persistent without having a little creative obsession? There is a paradox! 

3. Make a full effort plan: 

I'm thinking today about full effort for creativity. I set these intentions to: 

• Train my brain to be creatively mindful throughout the day, and become more open and eager for new experiences. Experiment with mindfulness games, and a flow of habits that bring me back to the present moment; make a weekly plan to explore a new activity; say yes more often to random experiences; talk to more people.
• Challenge myself to take creative action every day, in some way. Build my physical energy and discipline to consistently be creative, and build the creative muscle through doing the reps: Create a piece of art or a craft, OR come up with a creative idea or vision every day. Think about problems or experiences in my life, or big challenges the world is facing and brainstorm ways to improve them.

Today I made a full effort plan / schedule for creativity:

Camp fun:

1. Use OM to find the love and equanimity.
2. Glue beans, sew bean bags, plant more beans, play Giant.
3. Envision next week's theme.

Creative Self-Care: 

1. Finish my peace amulet: Find a dogwood seed; write ingredients; choose charms, beads; make fringe...
2. Clear more studio stuff and Go to MECCA!
3. Brainstorm next project, and a new activity to explore.
4. Meet with Tami to check in.

Earth care:

1. Prep for poster making: Find new paint, poster board; invite others to join us; cut cardboard strips.
2. Neighborhood native project: Call Habitat place; make a plant list for neighbors; collect emails.
3. Write about our sick culture and how we can opt out of it; stretch beyond earth care to system changes.