Third Quarter Moon of September

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, 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 "The Earth Keeper's Handbook"

2. Spiritual growth goal

3. Renewal plans

4.

 Ritual for Release and Realignment

5. Meditation and Evaluation Journal

6. Monthly journal brainstorm

1. Read "The Earth Keeper's Handbook":

I've just begun this book by Loren Swift (2019), subtitled "Assuming Leadership in a New World." The premise is that lack of care for each other (people) results in lack of care for the earth. "This book details the practical steps to shift the paradigm internally from conflict to cooperation and to make the same shift in relationships and in group endeavors." Well, that is the work I need to do this fall and winter. 

The first section is The Way In. Chapter 1 is The Inward Journey. Her premise is that our own "inner landscape" is like mycelium, an invisible matrix of connection to everything, so going inward is the way to reconnect. "Deep self-connection affords us a wide range of insights via our expanded awareness."

She proposes a new approach to mindfulness: a path of deep acceptance; an internal shift that allows room for whatever arises, without judgement. We start with self-acceptance, which will inoculate us from the fear of judgement, make us "free to share what is gritty and authentic of ourselves with others," and empower us to act.

2. Spiritual growth goal:

Last week I worked at developing the strength of my convictions: standing firm in my beliefs, and in my resolve to act with integrity and authenticity.

This week my practice is Mindfulness - reconnecting to my highest values; experiencing joy, wonder, awe, and beauty in every day life; finding greater meaning and purpose; noticing the way all things (including myself) are interconnected. I'm going to practice the Earth Keeper's approach to mindfulness, which has 3 parts:

1. Kindness meditation
2. Bodily awareness
3. Mental awareness

3. Renewal Plans:

Every week on Sunday I check in to see if I'm taking care of my self. The self-renewal process must include balanced renewal in all four dimensions of my life. 

 Am I spending about one hour a day on a combination of physical, mental, and spiritual activities?

 Am I working daily to improve my social skills?

 Am I making gradual changes from day to day to maintain and improve the things that help me to accomplish my work and other desires?

Plan this week: 

• Body & Discipline: Walk every day - set some destination plans + Chair yoga 5 times.
• Spirit & Ethics: Practice mindfulness of acceptance.
• Heart and Passion: Practice non-violent communication.

4. Ritual for Release and Realignment:
This phase of the moon is for releasing and cleansing. This month I want to release a certain separation from and judgement of the human race, because it is holding me back from my priorities.

This week I'm going to practice the Earth Keeper Awareness Practice and also take a class in nonviolent communication, but today I'm going to just notice and release all my petty judgements as I go through my day.

5. Meditation and Evaluation Journal:

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

6. 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.