The Power of Focus

Focus is my friend as I navigate this new path we are on. Focus has many benefits - it narrows my attention so I can be more effective, keeps me in the moment so I can have less anxiety, and helps me to stay positive.

Agenda:

1. Read "The Power of Less"
2. Caregiver self care
3. Simplifying

Days of Shock

My family has had a big shock and we are each responding true to form. For me that means drawing in, getting sad, analyzing, and planning what to do. Before I go into full on problem-solving mode, I'll take some time to be receptive and reflective. 

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.

Agenda:

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

3. Monthly receptivity practices

4. How to live with a stoic person

5. Caregiving 101

Full Harvest Moon and Asian Moon Festival

 

The full Harvest Moon rises this evening -- obliquely, close to the horizon -- and remains big and bright for a long time, giving extra light to harvesters. This moon is called Atchiutchutin, the After-Harvest moon, by the Kalapuya of our area, because the big harvest in our area comes earlier. We are enjoying the first weeks of the rainy season, a profound time of transition for me.

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.

Today is also the start of Chung Ch’iu, the 3-day Mid-Autumn Moon Festival. It's a happy and beautiful Asian family celebration that comes each year at the time of the full moon in September or October.

Agenda for today:
1. Take a vision walk
2. Celebrate balance

3. Make moon cakes
4. Have a moon-viewing party

Cusp of Autumn

We are on the cusp of Autumn, and I want to take time to prepare myself - body, mind, and spirit. I'm taking this whole week to bring my attention to the shift we are undergoing - attempting to slow down, simplify my schedule where possible, and celebrate.

Agenda:

1. Fall possibilities

2. Practice a Reverent Way of Being

3. Nature culture practices for fall

4. Fall art themes

5. Make bread

6. Fall vignettes

Retreat for Beingness

I'm in great need of a retreat - a quiet day alone to think, write, read, and work in the garden and the house. It's been a stressful week, with robbery, and lots of emotions and fights. I'm going to take this day one step at a time, and pause often to remember to just BE.

1. Read "The Power of Less"

2. Creative Visualization

3. Simplifying my shelves

4. Home sensations

Mid-September Garden

The September garden is cooler and calmer. The summer harvest is dwindling, and we have some rainy days to refresh the green. My fall planting is going well, and I can relax with the watering. This is the time to begin a little garden clean up, and preparing for winter.

Agenda: 

1. September garden tasks

2. Garden clean up and winterizing

3. September planting

4. Save seeds

5. Freeze tomatoes