Full Strawberry Moon

Photo by Alan Gillespie

Tonight is the full moon called anishnalya, the "camas ripe" moon by the Kalapuya of our area, and the Strawberry Moon by others.

We are now at the peak of the strong-energy yang phase of the waxing moon, and will soon begin the quiet-energy yin time of the waning moon. 

Agenda:

1. Read "Intrinsic Hope"

2. Review, refine, and shift

3. Celebrate integrity

4. Truth walk ceremony

1. Read "Intrinsic Hope":

I'm reading this book by Kate Davies (2018), with the subtitle, Living courageously in troubled times. She talks about what she calls the global eco-social crisis, and how everything is interconnected: biodiversity loss, habitat destruction, climate disruption, invasive species, pollution, overpopulation, over harvesting, agricultural and lumber practices, housing and infrastructure, water scarcity, poverty, unemployment, fascism and racism - all the environmental problems and their social, cultural, and economic contexts.

"Hopelessness leads to paralysis and inaction, guaranteeing that things will continue to get worse. To stop this downward spiral, we urgently need to uncover a realistic sense of hope and find ways to nurture it." 

Chapter 3 is Intrinsic and Extrinsic Hope. Intrinsic hope is not dependent on anything in the external world. It is the faith in the oneness and interdependence of all life; we accept all that is happening with no particular expectations - only the aspiration to make things better. Whatever action we take can be its own reward.

So we tend the garden for the sake of tending the garden, without anticipating the harvest.

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? 

What is bringing passion and expansion in my life now?

What do I need the clarity of the fire to illuminate?

What is my process for discerning my "Truth"? How do I keep these priorities central in my daily actions?

How am I challenged now to "speak truth to power"?

Full moon journal: I've been dancing around my intentions. The key phrases are equanimity-habit-building, camp-preparation, earth-care-project, and big-home-projects. The shift I want to make is towards clear goals.

Full moon intentions: 

• I intend to list clear intentions for building an equanimity habit;
• I intend to set summer priorities for big home projects (with my project partner);
• I intend to schedule a better weekly block of camp prep time;
• and I intend to make a plan for involvement in the Eugene Energy Fund project, including a crafty project.

3. Celebrate integrity:

My theme ​this month ​is Integrity, and the call to Truth. 

Today I remind myself of my intentions for the month, and then celebrate how far I've come. I give thanks for the lessons learned and the blessings received, and reaffirm this theme for the next two weeks.

Today I am ready to celebrate integrity in three ways:

1. Finding a reserve of calm to carry through this long day with family.
2. Seeking books on equanimity, model-making with kids, ...
3. Drinking 4 cups of water!