Third Quarter Moon of Advent, for Inner Peace

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.

This week of advent my theme is "Striving to find unity and peace with all the people of the world". One way I do that is to create and retain inner peace. Right about now, as the holiday energy builds and social demands increase, I need to review practices that help me to maintain an even-temper, patience, and grounded-ness.

Agenda:

1. Prayer for the light

2. Read "Perspective" 

3. Inner peace practice

4. Ritual for Release and Realignment

5. Meditation and Evaluation Journal

6. Monthly journal brainstorm

1. Prayer for the Light:

As the earth grows colder,
the winds blow faster,
the fire dwindles smaller,
and the rains fall harder,
let the light of the sun
find its way home.

2. Read "Perspective":

Today I am reading this new book by Meridith Elliot Powell, subtitled Reignite, Reinvent, Reframe (2025). This is the work I am dedicating myself to this advent - the Grace of keeping a positive and broad perspective, because when I open my heart to the grace and transformation of the season, and my connection to the universal Spirit, I honor All of Creation.

I'm continuing on Chapter one, When the World Shifts. "Perspective is more than optimism. It's the way you frame reality. It's the story you tell yourself -- and others -- about what's happening. It's the lens through which you define what's possible, what's valuable, and what matters."

Perspective is a tool for strategy, a way to shape culture and become a force for change: Shift your perspective from one of fear to one of possibility, and you can gain a new clarity and direction. "Perspective doesn't change reality. It changes your relationship to reality. And that changes everything." 

Each chapter has an action step, which she calls the Thrive Cycle:

1. Condition your mind for change- start with mindset
2. Control the controllables- focus your energy
3. Choose your focus- align your effort with what matters
4. Condition your team or uncertainty- build shared resilience
5. Communicate vision- make the future feel possible
6. Develop talent- grow leaders at every level
7. Deepen relationships- build trust
8. Maximize opportunity- turn disruption into advantage
9. Own it- embed perspective into your culture

3. Inner peace practice:

Perspective has been a theme in much of my recent reading and I am still contemplating this quote from "Present Moment Awareness":

"Whenever we feel overwhelmed by emotions, a shift in perspective becomes our salvation. When we take a step back and feel the still and quiet space that is always within us regardless of whatever else might going on, we can reduce any emotions we might be feeling to their proper importance." 

 

When I feel attacked, I tense up - because I'm trying to avoid the feeling - but I only manage to amplify it, as the pressure builds up behind the dam I'm creating with my body, and it will inevitably overwhelm me and burst out.

I'd like to figure out an in-the-moment practice that works when I feel under attack: A way to remember to: 

• Take a big breath and notice where the attack is hitting me. (Touch my heart.)
• Relax the tension and really feel the feeling. (Say "ouch".)
• Open my mind to find the inner peace place, and see a broader perspective. (Say "Love matters more") 

4. Ritual for Release and Realignment:

This phase of the moon is for releasing and cleansing. This month I want to release my need or self-protection and fairness, and adopt a perspective of Love and Inner Peace.

5. Meditation and Evaluation Journal:

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 grace. 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.