For many the moon is an energetic representation of feminine energy, for others she is a reminder of how we are a floating ball in a vastly unexplored galaxy in a pretty much unknown universe. To me, she is a reminder of my purpose and my desire to evolve.

Because of this I’ve been getting into the habit of meditating each new and full moon. It is said that at the time of a full moon, energy is magnified and it is the completion of a lunar cycle – symbolically making this a good time to let go and to be thankful. This way negativity is released and therefore won’t be magnified, and gratitude is called to mind to feel the amplification of such.

Science is now fully supportive of the beneficial effects of meditation on calming brain waves and lowering the stress hormone “cortisol”, so regardless of your feelings toward the full moon, it can simply be a reminder to take time to “just be”.

What are you carrying?

Carrying the past – the inability or unwillingness of the human mind to let go of the past is beautifully illustrated in the story of two zen monks, Tan Zun and Akido who were walking along a country road that had become extremely muddy after heavy rains. Near a village they came across a young woman who was trying to cross the road but the mud was so deep it would have ruined the silk kimono she was wearing. Tan Zun at once picked her up and carried her to the other side, the monks walked on in silence. Five hours later as they were approaching the lodging temple, Akido couldn’t restrain himself any longer: “Why did you carry that girl across the road” he asked “we monks are not supposed to do things like that.” “I put the girl down hours ago,” said Tan Zun, “are you still carrying her?” (Taken from Eckhart Tolle’s “A New Earth”)

Take a moment to reflect upon that story. What are you still carrying? It might be holding you back more than you realise. So using the full moon this evening as a marker, set aside 15minutes just for yourself and practise the following ritual:

Step one:
Phone on airplane mode, set a 15minute timer with a soothing alarm to bring you back to the room. Make sure for the next 15minutes you will not be disturbed by external stimulus.

Step two:
Write down on a piece of paper the contents of your mind. Try not to think too much, just let the pen and ink flow. The words need not make sense or be chronological. Just empty your mind onto the paper in no more than two minutes.

Step 3:
Close your eyes and take 3 deep breaths. As you exhale feel your muscles release as though you were releasing their contents onto that piece of paper too. Keeping your eyes closed ask yourself “what am I ready to release?”

Step four:
Whatever the answer is, open your eyes and write it down on the other side of the paper. Read the words you’ve written to yourself and then tear the paper up. Close your eyes and say to yourself “I release this burden, this negative and heavy weight. I let go of the old and welcome the new”. A very powerful method is to burn the paper if you have a safe way of doing so.

Step five:
For the remaining minutes just close your eyes and breath normally. Make no effort to control your breath or your thoughts. Just be.

Step six:
When the alarm goes off, before you move or open your eyes, call to mind 3 things you are truly grateful for and feel the joy of each thing individually. Then mentally send them each some love and return to your day/evening.

Fifteen minutes and I promise you will feel lighter and content.

Very soon I will be back on UK ground, so please see the events page for upcoming retreats!

Really looking forward to getting back on the mat with you all,

With love

Chloe and Nacho