Third Quarter Moon of June

Today is the third Quarter moon. This waning third quarter 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, renewal, and self-care. This isn’t a moment for starting new projects but for finishing up old ones, making peace with the past, and preparing for a fresh start at the next new moon. 

Agenda Today:

1. 

Read 

"5 Resets"

2. 

Renewal plan

3. Meditation and Evaluation Journal

4. Ritual for Release and Realignment 

5. Monthly journal brainstorm

1. 

Read 

"5 Resets":

I started this book for Lent: "The 5 Resets: Rewire Your Brain and Body for Less Stress and More Resilience" (2024), by Aditi Nerurkar. I'm into the 5th and final reset: 

Bring Your Best Self Forward, about silencing my inner critic.

Gratitude was the first technique, and the second is expressive writing: Write for 15 minutes for a few days in a row on any topic focusing on emotional issues such as regrets, anger, loss, etc. The instruction is to get very deep and write my innermost thoughts.

This seems like a great way to finish off the moon cycle, so I'm going to try it for the next few days.

2. 

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.

This mid-June finds me working at being in-the-flow of life, physically grounded, mentally aware, and building equanimity. Things I'd like to add to my renewal pan:

1. Shibashi: I long to practice this elegant dance to loosen my joints and get some gentle aerobics.
2. Creative Visioning: I want to grow a practice of asking "What if..." to picture myself feeling good while changing the world. 
3. Skepticism: Whenever I notice that I'm hooked by a thought that is affecting my equanimity I will pause, invite skepticism, and ask:
   1. Is this really true? Am I sure?
   2. How else could I interpret it? How can I expand my thinking?
   3. What additional information could I seek?

3. Meditation and Evaluation Journal:

Today I get to reflect back on the first 3/4 of the Peony Moon lunar cycle that I'm passing through. My theme has been Balance and Flow. I ask myself, What lessons have I learned in the last weeks? What has been completed? What has shifted? and what can I set aside?

I sit with these queries and write in my journal in a reflective way: My insights, emotions, and the clarity I’ve gained during the last lunar month and how I’ve grown. 

I review the intentions I set at the new moon, and write about what I've accomplished. I also write about 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.

This reflection will prepare me for moving forward with grace and purpose.

4. Ritual for Release and Realignment:
Gather pen and paper, and a bowl of water. Light a candle and turn on soft music. 

1. Write down the things I regret the most about the past month, and things I want to release: Emotions, habits, thoughts.
2. Read my list out loud, then tear it up and place it in the water. As it dissolves, say:  “I release what no longer serves me. I welcome clarity and healing.”
3. End with a cleansing bath with salts and essential oils, envisioning washing away the old and emerging refreshed and ready for new beginnings.

5. 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 write down my goals, dreams, and exciting ideas for the next 30-days, including at least a few crazy, improbable notions. 

-Start with a list of seasonal themes and celebrations, vacations, and other events.

-Write about my biggest priorities this month, how they might fit into my life, and how they connect to my values and principles.

-Write about possible obstacles and factors such as the weather, upcoming schedule changes, or money problems.

-Write about the parts that excite me and the parts that might be hard to find motivation for.