Moon Gazing
Magnificent moon…
Have you ever taken the time to pause a gaze at the moon? I always try to take a picture of it and end up with a little white dot on the screen, just like the one you see here. There is a reason for that, which is a good topic for a photography blog. Since I'm inspired by earth, art and animals, I'm going to stick to the moon for this post.
As the moon peeks up over the eastern horizon, I can’t look away. This is the most mesmerizing time to see the colors reflected by the moon. I like to think about the names of seasonal moons too. There is the strawberry moon, the harvest moon, the wolf moon. There is lore and history that goes with each name. I love to think of the stories and how they endure the tests of time.
I've seen full moons glowing with peachy grandeur like you imagine in a science fiction saga, ones that are low and orange, and my favorite --the simple bright white orb casting shadows in the night. The moon always seems to glow with what seems to be an internal power. My logic knows that it is only a reflection of the sun, and I still love to imagine the surface of the moon has some magic source of light.
When I pause to imagine the magic, and share a moment with the moon, I don’t feel any of the drama or baggage from the day. I enjoy feeling the stillness in the air. It especially thrills me to see the full moon in the winter. The moonlight turns the snow into a shimmering blanket of sequined performers in my mind. I get lost in the movement.
I give myself permission to be fully present observing the moon. Life is good. There is strength in the stillness. I wonder if there is something I need to know about this moment. It is the simple gift of presence, being in the stillness and the light of the moon. No traffic, no birds, no demands, only peace and quiet.
These tiny moments of moon gazing deliver the freedom that I seek when I feel overwhelmed or stressed out. It is freedom to be still, imagine, and soak in the strength of stillness. I feel a connection with my feet on the Earth. I’m aware of the smallness of my place in the grand universe. I feel the power of Divine Source. I recognize the full moon is only a phase. The moon cycle is a brilliant symbol of transitions. Soon I’ll be gazing at the waning gibbous moon. It makes me think about transitions and cycles.
The full moon is an invitation for me to pause and reflect on what shines bright for me. It is a time when I think of my own cycles and what I want to continue (like communication) and what I want to transition away from (like self-doubt). I'm excited to be past the solstice and gaining daylight! I'm excited to be at the beginning of a new calendar year.
I’m grateful for the people in my world who shine brightly and bring me into a place to reflect that light to others. I’m grateful for my own inner light that is stoked with earned wisdom. Thanks moon, for perspective and light.
