Wow — we left for a week of full-on activity, celebration, and family time in beautiful Beaver Creek Colorado. The air was cold and crisp, the trees snow covered and majestic, and the stars and moon so close you felt like you could touch them if you just stood on tiptoes.
We returned and Atlanta had a budding fullness herself, the small buds and greening leaves and trees had taken on a different look in just one short week. Then… wham, Day Light Savings time and the full moon hit all at once. More light in every way for sure. It was almost overwhelming… Maybe even over full? With all this light, why was I tired and more self-reflective? I always thought the big full moon would give me an extra boost of energy, like maybe abundance, or even “enlightenment”.
Then I read a good article on different rituals and customs around the full moon. In all cultures the fullness of the moon is considered sacred and a wondrous beauty, compelling people the world over to stand in stillness for a moment and behold. I particularly enjoyed the Buddhist philosophy of the Full Moon as one of abundant spiritual energy, a time of transformation, a tad magical even. It involved more of the big picture energy of Mindfulness, a be here now philosophy without judgment or attachment.
Mindfulness helps us become the observer of things rather than the doer. Mindfulness brings us closer to a neutral stance where we can see more clearly. The moon is said to illuminate our way to this clarity. When we do this, we begin to awaken.
The Moon can represent the Cycle of Being, each stage moving toward Fullness, and then dissolution and beginning again. It’s an energy continuum, ever changing, yet dependable and predictable.
The Buddhist honors the Full Moon as a holiday, a reminder to take time to reflect, meditate, do a yoga practice….a quieter time even to balance out the intense light energy of the Big Moon. It is recommended that we get grounded and calm. Get outside if possible and let the space and vibration of Nature soothe the potential frenzy of an out-of-balance, overly bright, full life.
I like the idea of less versus more on a Full Moon night. After all, Full on top of Full, or Light on top of Light can be overwhelming, over stimulating, Leaving us….well, stuffed and burned out.
So, take it easy, get still, and bathe in the Light of Awareness.
Blessings of Abundant Light,
RuthAnn
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