Greeting on the first New Moon of 2024 – January 11th
If your new year resolutions have already fallen flat or perhaps not off the ground yet, don’t worry – the lunar cycle is your answer. We don’t have to be stuck with an annual cycle for setting intentions and goals. It’s way too long. The lunar cycle which happens every 29 days (approximately) provides a better and more imaginative way to think about changing habits or beginning new projects.
The shorter time frame lends itself neatly to focusing on the smaller steps of bigger goals. Also, it allows us to prioritize one small change at a time rather than being overwhelmed with a long list of habits we want to change. And whether you think lunar energy affects us on a physiological level or a symbolic one, aligning our energies with the moon cycle can have profound effects.
The new moon is a time of darkness and the moon’s seeming invisibility. We can imagine our new intentions as seeds planted in the dark soil of possibilities. As each day passes and the moon’s illumination increases, we can feel our resolution growing stronger.
An Invitation
Each new moon is an invitation from the universe to align with the darkness. And to know that hidden in that darkness are aspirations you want to shine a light on. There are creative ideas and solutions to problems that want to bubble up from the shadows. New projects and positive habits are wanting to be born.
One of the gifts of aligning with the new moon energy is that we can choose just one thing to focus on. We’ll have another opportunity to choose a different focus in just a few short weeks.
With that in mind, what intention do you want to set on this first new moon of the year?
Lunar Cycles as Mindful Practice
Whether or not you use the lunar cycle for setting intentions, the phases of the moon can provide a focal point for mindful practice.
Our modern world creates some challenges for staying in tune with celestial happenings. If we live in a city of any size, there may be a lot of artificial light in the evening sky. It is harder to see the moon and stars. However, we can make a point to pay attention and see what we can.
Taking the time to tune into the lunar cycle can be a gentle mindfulness practice. It connects us to the present moment on our planet in a very centering way. The dependable rhythm of the moon’s waxing (increase) and waning (decrease) can be an anchor in a world that sometimes feels chaotic.
If possible, make a commitment to head outside each evening for a full lunar cycle. Just take the time to look up at the night sky. Stopping to notice the moon’s changes and beauty can deeply connect us to this moment, time, and place. Happy first new moon of 2024!
About this Blog Post & and Global Healing Circles
This post is part of my lunar blog series. For the time being I’ll be posting on each new moon (not the new and full moon as I did the last few years because of some other writing projects). Blogs will post each new moon will be related to plants and ideas featured in my book, Growing Mindful. or on other topics related to mindfulness, gardens, and intentional living. For more details and a list of past lunar blog posts, click here.
An invitation to healing circles: One of my new projects this year is partnering with other graduates of the IIQTC (Institute of Integral Qigong and Tai Chi) to offer virtual HeART of Body Compassionate Self Care Practice Circles based on qigong and tai chi. Check out the information here: Global Healing Circles or contact me if you need more information.
I hadn’t considered using the lunar cycles for setting goals, and yet it makes so much sense! I have been stuck, and by breaking the project down into smaller,
more attainable goals, it feeds my motivation. Powerful! Thank you for this wonderful suggestion!
Katy, You’re very welcome! It feels so much more accessible and I love working with lunar energy! Wishing you success with your goals!