New Hungry Ghost Moon

The Chinese call the seventh new moon the Hungry Ghost Moon, or Ghost Gate, because today the Hungry Ghosts are let out of hell to roam the earth, looking for entertainment and seeking out their enemies. This whole month is called Ghost Month, and special ceremonies take place today, and on the full moon, and again on the last day of the month.

The Hungry Ghosts are depicted with huge, round bellies, large mouths, and very thin necks. They have two manifestations: They appear as the spirits of unhappy, homeless souls, and we also have our inner hungry ghosts. This month I acknowledge my unhealthy cravings and insatiable greeds, that are always hungry and never satisfied, and that haunt me - though I'm so used to feeding them, I don't really notice them anymore.

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.

Agenda for Today:
1. Read "Brainstorm"

2. Journal queries

3. Choose a month theme

4. Set intentions

5. Ghost Gate ceremony

6. Retreat Day plans

Transforming Power

Transforming Power is a term coined by the Alternatives to Violence Project, which was started by Quakers and inmates at the Greenhaven Prison in New York in the 1970's, at a time of great unrest and violence. Together the inmates and the Quakers developed non-violence workshops inside prisons, which continue to this day, with town and inmate students, and town and inmate leaders.

In a nutshell, Transforming Power is a river of energy at your core, made up of your essential wisdom, strength, and goodness, which you can touch in with in order to experience a shift. It might be a shift from anger or resentment to peace; it might be a shift from fear and powerlessness to strength; it might be a shift from sadness or worry to joy.

The shift you experience might be slow and steady or like a lightning bolt, but it will contain an element of love: You become part of the whole, no longer isolated. You will experience a self-acceptance and a sense of peace that allows you to connect with others without hesitation. It's this connection that transforms you: Your view of the world is transformed, everything is different. You see people and situations in a new light, are able let go of whatever was holding you back and act - one small step at a time.

Agenda:

1. Read "First Things First"

2. Define my goals for First Things

3. Seek accountability for progress

4. Use OM

Transformations

I've been thinking and dreaming about where I'm being nudged to transform my world. When I say "transform my world" I am suggesting a shift towards a better life: It could be mostly an inner renovation, or lifestyle alteration; it could be an adjustment in my relationships; it could be a new project or area of growth; or it could be a move into activism or service. 

That's the gift we have - to see what needs to change and do the work to change it. No matter our limitations, we CAN make the world better, one smile, kind word, or conversation at a time.

Agenda:

1. Love Meditation
2. Read First Things First
3. Transform my world intentions

Mother's Day

Today is Mother's Day, and a low-key time for me, now that my daughter is a mother and I am a grandmother!

Agenda Today:

1. Journal query

2. Mother Meditation

3. Read "Everyday Simplicity"

4. Transform my world brainstorm

Third Quarter Moon of Late November

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 and self-care.

On this late November morning, when the air is cold and our future is uncertain, my focus turns to making plans for transforming my world.

Agenda:

1. Renewal plan

2. Evaluation House

3. Review how to transform my world

4. Monthly journal brainstorm

5. 

Surrender, rest, recuperate