Blue Moon Sabbath

Sunday is my day to be quiet (at least for a while), with the spirit, in contemplation and prayer, and in community with nature and/or other bipeds. This Sabbath is unusual because II'm not alone in the house - and I need a plan for how to be quiet with a partner: Well, I'll start off with my usual quiet morning writing time, and flow directly into Meeting for Worship. Then scoot outside for time alone in the garden. After that, quiet will be an inner feeling I carry with me!

Today is also the full moon called the Blue Moon, because it is the second full moon in May. Actually, the original definition of a blue moon is a fourth full moon in one season, but I'm going with the newer definition - the second full moon in a month - because I don't have any better name for this moon. Both are correct, because it's folklore, and folklore is fluid!

Agenda:

1. Read "12 Tiny Things"

2. Review, refine, and shift

3. Balance journal

4. Celebrate balance

5. Truth walk ceremony

1. Read "12 Tiny Things":

I'm reading this small book by Heidi Barr and Ellie Roscher, subtitled, "Simple Ways to Live a More Intentional Life". It's a book of practices how to tend your roots and "remember who you are". "There may be days, seasons, and stages where external circumstances make intentional living challenging ... Tiny things are available to us all. One tiny thing at a time, we can find ourselves thriving and more in love with our lives."

Section One is Space, about intentional time, and creating room to breathe. 

The Tiny Thing is to Say No to something - could be an activity, a possession, or a thought in my head. Notice the space this creates, and dwell in its power, potential and peace for a bit. 

"When we clear the internal and external clutter in our lives and let go of the messages and the stuff that aren't serving us, we open ourselves to personal transformation." 

This week. I want to look especially at my story about protecting myself from disrespect, and ask, "Can I re-write this story to serve me better?" I think a story about opening to the sting of deep listening might bring me the peace I need. I can say no to the quick retort.

2. Review, refine, and shift:

The full moon shines a bright light on everything, and I might experience intuitive and creative breakthroughs. I might be shocked by the clarity of my insights. I might see some ugliness - the full moon illuminates all the things I've left in the shadows, some heavy truths and some embarrassing mistakes.

Today I access a shift of my spirit: I begin by reviewing my progress on the intentions I set at the new moon, asking "why?" and "why not?".

Then I settle into silence and access my intuitive mind - my connection to the Creator and the Inner Guide - by putting myself into a relaxed, trance-like state, and seeking a leading of the spirit with an open mind and heart, and perhaps writing a new intention.

Today I call on the Spirit of Light to guide me, bring me clarity and open my eyes. What is the Truth that is coming into focus for me now? 

1. Am I doing things I believe in? What are my highest priorities in life?

2. What's something I dream of doing that excites me, and why do I want to do it?

3. How do I create space to be fully present and open with others?

4. How do I stay present with each moment, and allow myself to flow with life’s uncertainty?

Full moon journal: My intentions have been good guides through the last couple of difficult weeks. Now I am on the home stretch and can "bring it in". The key words are equanimity, tenderness, beingness, and flow. The shift I want to make is towards inner peace.

Full moon intention: I intend to shift my inner dialogue from one of self-protection to one of strength: I can open and receive the challenging messages, and assign them a holding place of loving contemplation - it will not diminish me!

3. Balance journal queries:

This month I've been starting my day with some thought about my priorities, and choosing the top one or two to write a brief intention for, that helps me to clarify the why. I ask-

What is the purpose these tasks support?

Then I think about the connections I will make this day, and ask- 

What is the patience and equanimity I might need? 

The balance I am seeking includes also rich, thoughtful inner dialogue, so I list some things I want to contemplate today.

Where is the flow of life taking me today?

 

My balance journal: Today my biggest priority is writing about Hope (teaching). The equanimity I will need is to shift my inner story and open to deep listening. And the flow is towards peace.

4. Celebrate balance:

My theme this month has been Balance and Intentionality: I think about balance as "being in unity with the universe", the feeling that I can let go of my opinions and wants, and let God work through me, and feel calm and centered in that. And intentionality is a part of integrity; I take the time to be thoughtful in word and deed, so that they truly reflect my beliefs. I proceed "as way opens", and the willingness to “be” with a question or decision rather than jump to a rash action out of panic or pressure.

Today I remind myself of my intentions, and then celebrate my accomplishments and reaffirm this theme for the next two weeks. Today I am ready to celebrate balance in three ways:

1. Write about Hope, with deep care.

2. I intend to be vulnerable and shift my inner dialogue from one of self-protection to one of strength in all my interactions today.

3. Make intentional time for a slow and quiet flow throughout my day.

5. Truth walk ceremony:

When I receive a full moon truth, I like to mark it with a simple ceremony, preferably under the light of the full moon. Tonight I will be with my moon zoom friends, so I'll perform this ceremony directly after being with them: 

This is a spell to invite the energy of gentle strength: Go outside at dusk and seek a delicate flower like the Columbine. Sit near to it, and pray:  

Spirit within and without me, I feel your gentle healing energy streaming down. I am a gentle soul - open me like this flower. Fill me with the abundance of your love. Thank you, Mother, for your gift of strength. Each time I see a flower I will remember to show my gentle flower nature.