Full Snow Moon

Tonight is the full moon called the Snow Moon; also called the Atchiulartadsh, or "Out of Food" moon by the local Kalapuya.

Agenda:

1. Vision walk

2. Celebrate receptivity

3. Read "Revolutionary Witchcraft"

4. Ongo journal

5. Love cycle

First Quarter Moon of Late January

Today is the First Quarter Moon; we are one-quarter of the way through the moon cycle. The moon is waxing - growing in light and energy, creating a time for decisive action and full effort.

I use this late January quarter moon's energy to lean in to love.

Agenda Today:

1. Journal queries

2. Read "Revolutionary Witchcraft"

3. Ongo  journal

4. Love cycle

5. Full effort for order

New Bitter Moon

Photo by Alan Gillespie

Tonight is the new moon. This last new moon of the Chinese year is called the Bitter Moon, because we are into the month of the bitterest cold.

The new moon is the start of the lunar cycle, a time of high energy and clear thinking. Historically, the new moon is when women took time to be alone; it's a time to retreat, set intentions, and initiate something new.

1. Retreat Day

2. Read "Perspective"

3. Choose a month theme

4. Set intentions

5. Ongo journal

6. Love cycle

First Quarter Moon at the End of October

Tonight is the First Quarter Moon; we are one-quarter of the way through the moon cycle. The moon is waxing - growing in light and energy, creating a time for decisive action and full effort. I use this late October quarter moon's energy to help me get organized for decisive action. 

Agenda Today:

1. Journal queries
2. Read "The Earth Keeper's Handbook"

3. Proaction and reciprocity plans:

4. Make a full effort plan

Full Snow Moon and Lantern Festival

Tonight is the full moon called the Snow Moon; also called the Atchiulartadsh, or "Out of Food" moon by the local Kalapuya.

We've not had any real snow this month, and we are not out of food, but it is a lean time: Lean on light, barren garden beds, and low on energy.

Tonight is also Yuan Xiao, the 15th and last day of the Chinese New Year Festival. Yuan Xiao means "first night", meaning the first time that the full moon is seen in the New Year. 

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. The February full moon is a good time to explore what it's like to be the receptive earth, accepting the seed and willing to nurture it. 

Agenda for today:

1. Vision walk

2. Celebrate receptivity

3. Read "Mindfulness-Based Emotional Balance Workbook"

4. Make tang yuan, sweet dumplings
5. Hang a lantern
6. Riddle guessing

Honor my Friendships

I want to honor my friendships, my bond with those essential people who love and support me, teach me and learn from me, and who help me discover my true self. I want my friendships to deepen and grow stronger. I can take better care of all my friendships with a little intentional nurturing.

Agenda:

1. Read "Everyday Simplicity"
2. Resilience tasks
3. Friendship tasks

First Quarter Moon of February

Tonight is the First Quarter Moon; we are one-quarter of the way through the moon cycle. The moon is waxing - getting larger - until it's full again. Now is the time to remain flexible, use my obstacles as fuel for growth, and show full effort for priorities.

I use this February quarter moon's energy to lean in to love.

Agenda for today:

1. Read "It's a Meaningful Life"

2. Journal Queries

3. Full effort for Love

4. Make a full effort plan

Chinese New Year of the Snake

Today is the Chinese New Year, which starts when the new moon appears in China. This is the month of the Holiday Moon, and the year of the wood snake: The snake is an auspicious sign for inner work, for shedding toxicity in personality, letting go of the past, letting go of anger, releasing unrealistic expectations of loved ones, and getting rid of bad habits. The wood element holds profound meaning in Daoism, a sign of returning to one’s natural state or true nature.

Tonight is also the new moon. This first new moon of the Chinese year is called the Holiday Moon, because it's the start of a month-long holiday season in China. The new moon is a time of high energy and clear thinking. Historically, the new moon is when women took time to be alone; it's a time to retreat, set intentions, and initiate something new.

The first day of the Chinese New Year is called Yüan-tan, the "Day of Origin". This one day determines the luck for the entire year, so Chinese people are careful to use their best manners and to remain honest and peaceful.

Agenda for today: 

1. Retreat Day

2. Choose a month theme

3. Set intentions

4. New moon altar and meditation

5. Eat jai for breakfast
6. Give gifts

7. Make and give hóngbāo (money packets)

Boy Days

We are caring for our grandsons for over 30 hours a week now, and that requires a great deal of energy, creativity, organization, and patience. I am building all of those carefully, with attention to health and resilience habits, and by being prepared with Grandma projects, outings, and art.

Agenda:

1. Love meditation

2. Read "One Year to an Organized Life"

3. Clean and clear the living room

4. Creativity with boys

5. Co-regulation plans

Sabbath for Uncertainty

Today is my Sabbath, and I'm preparing myself for the uncertainty of the coming week. It will be extraordinary; we have never faced this kind of major surgery, nor the unknowns of cancer, and we are finding our balance in chaos.

During this time of the waning moon, the moon's energy changes, and we move gradually into the yin phase - slow down, go within, and focus on inner work. I back off a bit on actively pursuing my goals, and allow the ease of being a loving, thoughtful person to carry me towards my dreams.

The waning gibbous moon is a time to practice the work of intentional Being, rather than Doing. When I slow down I can see what my hard work has produced in the world and in myself, and I have the leisure to notice, absorb, expand, and just BE.

Sabbath Agenda:

1. Simple sabbath plans

2. Read "Comfortable with Uncertainty"
3. Love meditation

4. Monthly receptivity practices

Generous Love

Earlier this month I wrote about opening the door to love. I want to practice the habits that allow love to shine in my life: Compassion, respect, patience and equanimity, gratitude, forgiveness, generosity, kindness and care. At the start of the year, I set some goals for growth in this area of my life, and it's time to review them.

Also, I want to start a better set of practices that brings me to love and receptivity every month after the full moon, in the quiet-energy yin time of the waning moon.

Agenda:

1. Love Journal
2. Review and add to love goals
3. Love meditation

4. Monthly receptivity practices

Full Snow Moon and Lantern Festival

Tonight is the full moon called the Snow Moon; also called the Atchiulartadsh, or "Out of Food" moon by the local Kalapuya.

We've not had any snow this month, and we are not out of food, but it is a lean time: Lean on light, barren garden beds, and low on energy.

Tonight is also Yuan Xiao, the 15th and last day of the Chinese New Year Festival. Yuan Xiao means "first night", meaning the first time that the full moon is seen in the New Year. 

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. The February full moon is a good time to explore what it's like to be the receptive earth, accepting the seed and willing to nurture it. 

Agenda for today:

1. Vision walk

2. Celebrate receptivity

3. Read about inspiration

4. Make tang yuan, sweet dumplings
5. Hang a lantern
6. Riddle guessing

Chinese New Year's Eve and the New Holiday Moon

Tonight is Chinese New Year's Eve. In China, New Year's evening is called Ch’u-yeh, the "evening of discarding", because we can finally be done with the old year, and with winter.

This last day of the year is busy for Chinese families, because it’s the last chance to complete preparations and be ready to start the year fresh. When the running around is done, the family spends the rest of the day at home together -- family connections are the big theme for this holiday.

Tonight is also the new moon. This first new moon of the Chinese year is called the Holiday Moon, because it's the start of a month-long holiday season in China. The new moon is a time of high energy and clear thinking. Historically, the new moon is when women took time to be alone; it's a time to retreat, set intentions, and initiate something new.

Agenda:

1. Retreat Day

2. Choose a month theme

3. Set intentions

4. New moon altar and meditation

5. Thanksgiving ceremony

6. Welcoming ceremony

7. Have a family open house

Full Snow Moon and Lantern Festival

Photo by Alan Gillespie

Tonight is the full moon called the Snow Moon; also called the Atchiulartadsh, or "Out of Food" moon by the local Kalapuya.

We've not had any snow this month, and we are not out of food, but it is a lean time: Lean on light, barren garden beds, and (still) not much social interaction.

Tonight is also Yuan Xiao, the 15th and last day of the Chinese New Year Festival. Yuan xiao means "first night", meaning the first time that the full moon is seen in the New Year. This festival's other name is the Lantern Festival, because folks will make or buy lanterns of all kinds - shaped like flowers, or boats, or birds; made of bamboo, silk or paper; decorated with paintings, embroidery, paper cuts, tassels, and fringe - and tonight everyone takes to the streets to display their lanterns. It’s like a carnival: Children dress in costumes and watch parades with lighted floats, fireworks displays, puppet shows, and dances.

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. The February Full Moon is a good time to ponder what new seeds you want to invite into your life.

Agenda for today:

1. Vision walk

2. Celebrate receptivity

3. Read about loving-kindness

4. Make tang yuan, sweet dumplings
5. Hang a lantern
6. Riddle guessing

February Thoughts

February is a month of expectation and quiet growth. The grey veil of winter is still in place, but tinged with pink around the edges and exciting with potential. My dreams may still be dormant, but I can feel them swelling, ready to burst into bloom. I have great hopes for this spring!

The cold, wet days of February are perfect for prayer, reading, writing, contemplation of the deep questions of life, and listening for leadings and inspirations. It's time, though, to step out of the cloister a little and gently re-enter the world of personal relationships. In February I consider love, family, and friendships, as well as self-love and care.

February is also a time of clearing away the excess to make room for growth. I prune my trees, I prune out clutter in my home, and in my heart and my mind. The weather can be frustrating, though; I long to get outside to dig and to feel the sun! I need patience - I know the seeds are growing underground and the ideas are growing in my heart - warmth and sustenance will bring the growth I want.

Agenda:
1. February queries

2. Read It's a Meaningful Life
3. Vow practice

4. Household order

Loving Kindness

My theme this month is receptivity and love. The habits of love include generosity, honesty, patience and equanimity, forgiveness, gratitude, communication, respect, kindness and care - among others. 

Today I'm thinking about loving-kindness, our outward expression of day-to-day love. I practice kindness with polite language, and other small acts and habits like gracefully waiting my turn, using a friendly tone of voice, offering help, giving a compliment, or a simple smile. When I'm at my best, I extend kindness to friends and family, co-workers, neighbors, strangers and service workers, and also to animals, plants, and to the Earth.

We begin to learn to be kind when we are small, so we should be experts, but we still manage to be rude and hurtful at least sometimes, maybe unintentionally, and if not out loud, at least in our thoughts.

My own growing edge is to remember to be kind in the face of the meanness of others; to "counter the barrage of contempt and disrespect in the world by bringing forth a kinder, gentler presence," as Marvin Thomas says in "Personal Village". I practice by using kind words in my inner dialogue (“She has a generous heart” rather than “What an idiot.”).

Agenda:

1. Start a Love Journal

2. Pink Light of Love meditation
3. Read from two books
4. Visualize God

5. Speak little, listen much

Chinese New Year's Eve and New Holiday Moon

Tonight is Chinese New Year's Eve. In China, New Year's evening is called Ch’u-yeh, the "evening of discarding", because we can finally be done with the old year, and with winter.

This last day of the year is busy for Chinese families, because it’s the last chance to complete preparations and be ready to start the year fresh. When the running around is done, the family spends the rest of the day at home together -- family connections are the big theme for this holiday.

Tonight is also the new moon. This first new moon of the Chinese year is called the Holiday Moon, because it's the start of a month-long holiday season in China. The new moon is a time of high energy and clear thinking. Historically, the new moon is when women took time to be alone; it's a time to retreat, set intentions, and initiate something new.

Agenda:

1. Retreat Day

2. Choose a month theme

3. Set intentions

4. New moon altar and meditation

5. Thanksgiving ceremony

6. Welcoming ceremony

7. Have a family open house

2nd Day of Christmas and Kwanzaa

This is the second day of the twelve-day festal tide - a sacred, festive season. In some old traditions, this whole season is seen as a sort of Sabbath: Prepare ahead of time and then spend the Twelve Days doing as little work as possible; rest, reflect, and find peace within.

This is also the start of Kwanzaa, a seven-day African-American cultural holiday - an American holiday inspired by African traditions. The word kwanza is Swahili for “first”, as in "first fruits", because in some parts of Africa this is the season for first fruits harvest festivals. Kwanzaa is a time of thanksgiving for the earth, but also a time to honor ancestors, and a time for African-Americans to celebrate their heritage and learn about African traditions and values.

Agenda:

1. Review the Divine Laws

2. Christmas retreat

3. Kwanzaa principles

4. Love reading

5. Love goals for 2023

6. Prayer Candle Ceremony

7. End of Year work list

8. Christmas pudding

Full Snow Moon and Lantern Festival

Photo by Alan Gillespie

Tonight is the full moon called the Snow Moon; also called the Atchiulartadsh, or "Out of Food" moon by the local Kalapuya. 

We've not had any snow this month, and we are not out of food, but it is a lean time: Lean on light, barren garden beds, no excursions and not much social interaction.

Tonight is also Yuan Xiao, the 15th and last day of the Chinese New Year Festival. Yuan xiao means "first night", meaning the first time that the full moon is seen in the New Year. This festival's other name is the Lantern Festival, because folks will make or buy lanterns of all kinds - shaped like flowers, or boats, or birds; made of bamboo, silk or paper; decorated with paintings, embroidery, paper cuts, tassels, and fringe - and tonight everyone takes to the streets to display their lanterns. It’s like a carnival: Children dress in costumes and watch parades with lighted floats, fireworks displays, puppet shows, and dances.

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. The February Full Moon is a good time to ponder what new seeds you want to invite into your life.

Agenda for today:

1. Vision walk

2. Celebrate receptivity

3. Gratitude practice

4. Make tang yuan, sweet dumplings
5. Hang a lantern
6. Riddle guessing

February Thoughts

February is a month of expectation and quiet growth. The grey veil of winter is still in place, but tinged with pink around the edges and exciting with potential. My dreams may still be dormant, but I can feel them swelling, ready to burst into bloom. I have great hopes for this spring!

The cold, wet days of February are perfect for prayer, reading, writing, contemplation of the deep questions of life, and listening for leadings and inspirations. It's time, though, to step out of the cloister a little and gently re-enter the world of personal relationships. In February I consider love, family, and friendships, as well as self-love and care.

February is also a time of clearing away the excess to make room for growth. I prune my trees, I prune out clutter in my home, and in my heart and my mind. The weather can be frustrating, though; I long to get outside to dig and to feel the sun! I need patience - I know the seeds are growing underground and the ideas are growing in my heart - warmth and sustenance will bring the growth I want.

Agenda:

1. Love intentions

2. February queries

3. Every day love rituals:

4. Home simplicity