Did you know that every month you have an opportunity to let go of that which no longer serves you so you can make space for that which you desire to create? This perfect time for release and renewal happens during the New Moon.
The moon has a 28-29 day cycle around the Earth, during which you see the moon in her many faces. At her brightest, we see her in her entirety at the Full Moon. The New Moon is the point where she is at her darkest. It is during this magickal time of darkness that your ability to discover and release these negative aspects of self is at its most powerful. This is also the best time in the moon's cycle to bring forward your intention for new creation or new healthy patterns.
What can we do to prepare for this time of release?
One of the best ways to prepare for the energetic release made possible by the New Moon, is by getting in tune with all the things that are coming up for you so you can shift into awareness. How this might manifest in your life is through relationship issues, depression, anxiety, heightened emotions, and even physical body aches & pains. Everyone is going to have different and unique experiences, pay attention to yours. Become curious about your experiences, your emotions, and particularly your reactions to the world around you, these are all great reflections of your inner psyche.
Here are a few tips on how to get in tune with yourself:
1. Meditation
Meditation is about learning how to quiet our inside world in order to hear authentic selves more clearly. It is also about training the mind, and relaxing the body. In fact, there are countless medical, physiological, and spiritual rewards that come from developing and maintaining a meditation practice in your life, meditating regularly seems like a no-brainer.
Why, then, is meditation such a difficult thing to institute and remain dedicated to, when we know there are such positive rewards?
We all live in a world with millions of distractions! There is television, radio, movies, streaming services, and, especially, now the smart phone which makes all of these things and more available at our fingertips 24/7. You are constantly being bombarded with information and stimulation, and your mind is becoming saturated. Now, you hear, meditate, meditate, meditate, and yet when you attempt to sit quietly it is nearly impossible to shut down the overactive mind. This can leave you feeling frustrated with meditation or with the false belief that you just cannot meditate.
One reason I am so impressed with the meditation system I teach called Max Meditation System™ is that it a complete system of training for the mind. In 5 steps, this system brings you through relaxation, quieting the mind, recharging your energy system, an empowering visualization, and a cool-down, all while supporting the mind, body, spirit connection. Max Meditation System™ is offered regularly. Check the calendar for upcoming dates.
Breathe. Inhale, exhale & repeat.
Until you can make it to a Max Meditation System™ class, here is a tip for quiet mindfulness.
Seat yourself in a comfortable chair, keeping your feet on the floor, and resting your hands in your lap.
Start by closing your eyes, and taking three deep breaths, in through your nose, and out through your mouth. Allowing your body to relax more and more into your chair with each breathe.
Now, using your breathe, focus on your physical body, breathing vitality and life force into each body part starting from your toes working your way up to the top of your head. Paying close attention to organs and areas of tension or chronic pain.
Continue this process for 5-10 minutes. Always bringing your awareness back to your breath.
This technique can be done once a day, and, for best results, twice a day.
2. Journaling
Journaling is an important aspect of any process of self-discovery. Journaling doesn't need to be grammatically correct, have perfect punctuation or spelling, in fact, journaling is at its most powerful when it becomes a stream of consciousness without filtration or judgement.
You've tried to journal and have troubling getting started.
Yes, believe it or not, journaling isn't always easy! Resistance comes in all forms, and can be especially strong when you are about to rock some serious self-discovery! I recommend, if you have writer's block when it comes to journaling, you create a list of questions you can work on answering to get you writing.
Here is an example of questions or sentence starters that can inspire a journal writing session.
When I think about my [fill in the blank with an issue you've been facing] how does it feel in my heart? In my physical body? In the past?
If I could picture the perfect outcome for [fill in the blank with the thing you are wanting to create in your life] what does it look like? Feel like? Smell like? Taste like?
If there was one thing in my life I could change right now, what would it be, and why?
I felt at my most powerful and alive when....
I am at my most vulnerable when....
Of all the experiences in my life, I am most grateful for....
If I had no fear or worry, in what ways would my life be different?
3. Safe-space Processing
Safe-space processing occurs between two people, with established ground-rules and expectations. This option is great for people who are highly verbal. It opens up a space for self-expression, emotional release, and reflection that is free from conversation, fixing or explanation. You are able to get out all the things you need to process in order to make decisions, let go of stress & worry, or discharge emotions. Leaving you with a clear mind & a pathway forward.
How do you create a safe-space agreement?
First, find someone you trust. Ask if they are willing to hold space for you to process.
Holding space needs to be defined. What does that look like for you? For example, I prefer someone to listen to all that I have to say, without interruption, until I've said all I need to say. Then, they can ask clarifying questions. If they have feedback, I ask that they get permission from me before sharing.
Perhaps you would prefer a dialogue, or someone to just listen without questions. You get to decide what feels right for you. Also, your definition of support needs to be revisited for each safe-space processing session, as your needs might shift.
This session isn't about complaining, it is about expressing in a safe way your thoughts, feelings, ideas, etc. Also, if you are feeling highly emotionally charged, let your safe-space partner know ahead of time. Be careful to not discharge emotions with someone who isn't prepared or equipped to handle it.
Bring a notebook with you. You might want to jot down notes before the session so you can stay focused, and you will definitely want to take notes once you've processed.
Provide appreciation and gratitude to your safe-space partner! What a gift they have given you - honor that gift.
Pick One and Get Started
These three tips, outlined above: (1) Meditation; (2) Journaling; & (3) Safe-space processing, are just a few ways you can get in tune with yourself. Keep in mind, this is a process, and isn't accomplished overnight. Rather, it is a worthy component of self-care & ought to be cultivated regularly.
You are worth every second of self care investment. You will find that as you implement these simple, yet effective, tools for preparing for an energetic release the whole process will become second nature. Before you know it you will be moving through life with more ease and with a peaceful mind.