As we approach another new moon phase, which marks the beginning of a lunar cycle, I’m reminded of how the moon serves as a metaphor for transition, starting in darkness and uncertainty – and moving into light and possibility.
Whether we’re on a journey of self-discovery or contemplating a new project or creative direction, the moon offers us wisdom that can light our way, providing insights that spark new ideas, questions and thoughts.
The new moon phase is a perfect time to embrace a new beginning, even if it feels uncertain. (more…)
As we approach one of my favorite times of the year, Halloween – I’m reminded of all the costumes and masks people wear to celebrate this festive occasion.
It triggered my thinking about the many masks we have all worn in our lives – and may still be wearing.
How many of these masks serve as an authentic extension of who we are? And how many of these masks are a cover-up for drowning out our own inner voices?
Have you ever stopped to think about the many labels that you wear in life – maybe you’re a spouse, a parent, a grandparent, a teacher, a loyal employee, a neighbor – and the different masks that are required to show up in these roles?
For some of us, these labels are true extensions of who we are – therefore, there are no masks required. We just show up authentically and shine our inner light in a different direction.
But for many of us, these labels serve as expressions of obligations or beliefs that were imposed on us, by self or others.
On an evening walk two weeks ago, I couldn’t help but take in the beauty of our lunar goddess as she began to make her way out of her new moon darkness and into her first sliver of light. It was a glorious sight!
It was just enough light to see the definition of the moon in the night sky, bringing her out of complete darkness – but not quite enough light for the waxing crescent phase.
It reminded me of those many times in my life, when I would peek my head out of that place of “not knowing” into the light of possibility – with a vulnerability and a curiosity about what life might be like if I stepped out without my masks?
Like the moon, we all go through phases in our lives. We have ups and downs, we go forward and backward – and sometimes we seem to circle back around. We may hide behind the clouds or peek from beneath the clouds. But in the midst of what can feel like a blackout, when we are open to making a connection with our authentic self, we can get to a point where we’re able to beam with full light.
During a new moon phase, the sky is completely black, with the exception of little sparkles of light in the form of stars. It’s the point in every month when the moon takes a retreat and begins to grow again, redoubling her light and reflecting new creative energy on all worldly things.
The Journaling by the Moonlight (JBTM) brand is expanding!
Come join a dynamic team of JBTM facilitators and add a rich, life-changing process to your menu of client services by offering workshops, retreats, and coaching programs based on the Journaling by the Moonlight process.
Originally created for mothers, this unique process is ideal for creative and spiritually-minded individuals who yearn for a deeper connection to self, and who are ready to tap into their inner light – what I call the “full moon within” – and claim their authentic self, both personally and professionally. Based on the phases of the moon, Journaling by the Moonlight gently guides individuals from darkness to light as they create an authentic vision filled with purpose, passion and creative expression.
Like the moon, we all go through phases in our lives. We have ups and downs, we go forward and backward – and sometimes we seem to circle back around. We may hide behind the clouds or peek from beneath the clouds. But in the midst of what can feel like a blackout, when we are open to making a connection with our authentic self, we can get to a point where we’re able to beam with full light.
During a new moon phase, the sky is completely black, with the exception of little sparkles of light in the form of stars. It’s the point in every month when the moon takes a retreat and begins to grow again, redoubling her light and reflecting new creative energy on all worldly things.
For women with a strong desire to live life more authentically, this phase represents a time for our own retreat and withdrawal from the outside world. During the darkness, it’s an opportunity to reflect on who we are -underneath the layers of life. It’s a time to turn within and write about our inner thoughts and feelings.
It’s a time to ponder where we’ve been, how we got to where we are now and where to go from here. It’s an opportunity to explore new ways of thinking and to prepare for a new path of travel – and it marks the ideal time for connecting with our inner selves and our heart’s desire.
This is a time where dots start to connect and patterns start to reveal themselves – just as the stars do in the night sky. Everything has a place and everything has a purpose. Now it becomes our job to find our place in the next phase of life’s journey.
The energies of the dark moon can feel especially potent. That’s because they are. They represent the unknown – and they can send a magnetic pull to lure our willingness and our desire to find out – “What is it that is waiting for me?”
Grab your journal during this dark moon phase and ask your authentic self, “Who am I and where do I want to go from here?”
One of the gifts that the full moon gives us is an overwhelming desire to come alive. Whether that’s bringing a passion front and center or finally making the decision to take a giant leap forward in a new direction that is fully aligned with our life purpose.
Imagine driving through a fast food window and placing an order – only this time the menu lists the one thing that you’ve been contemplating for quite some time.
Perhaps it’s that life-changing book you’ve been working on for eons, but keep finding yourself facing one creative block after another. Or maybe it’s that passion-filled business that you’ve been wanting to start, but you haven’t yet gotten the courage to just go for it. Or it could be the foundation you’ve been pondering, the one that’s destined to change the world.
Whatever it is – it’s on the menu right now. And the clerk (who happens to be representing the positive energies of the universe) says, “What can I get for you today?”
This is your moment! Will you order it? Will you tell the universe, “Yes, this is the right time for me. I’ll take it.”
And then the clerk says, “Would you like to super-size that?”
What would it take for you to say, “Heck yeah!”?
Whenever the moon is full, her energies are incredibly powerful. With her light beaming brightly from the sky, she showers the earth with the capacity to forge ahead. Projects and endeavors that are began during a full moon carry a special passion and energy that is unmatched during any other moon cycle.
If you’ve been sensing “your calling” knocking at the door, it’s time to answer! Open up the door – and step into a whole new world of possibilities!
What would it take for you to fully step into your life purpose?
As we approach one of my favorite times of the year, Halloween – I’m reminded of all the costumes and masks people wear to celebrate this festive occasion.
