The Breath of the Moon

Breathe,
In and out, in and out, 
Slowly, mindfully, intentionally, 
With gratitude 
And listen to the breath of the moon. 


Ceremony is often done in conjunction with the full and new moons, but have you ever wondered why? Recently, I was working with a patient on blowing bubbles…a seemingly simple action for most, and while witnessing the challenge in initiating volitional breath, I recognized how working with the breath parallels our ability to work with the energetic cycles of the moon via ceremony. 

When we are first born, the wave of the inhale and exhale generates the first cry in life as our soul embarks upon this earthly experience. Thanks to the autonomic nervous system, our breath generally flows effortlessly to survive, to speak, to sing, and to cry out. But the breath serves an additional purpose and is often an untapped resource. Through the practice of breathwork, or pranayama, one can increase the effect on the body by lengthening the breath cycle, retaining, or suspending the breath. We can actively and intentionally shift our nervous and energetic systems entirely, altering our mental and emotional state, and even consciousness. ​

Engaging in ceremony in conjunction with the moon cycles is akin to working with the breath, but on an energetic level as a tool/vehicle for change and moving energy and to consciously interact with the energies of the Earth and cosmos as well as our own energetic system…riding the waves of that cycle. Ceremony is the way to work with the breath of the moon. We essentially have a bigger wave to ride.

We often hear that a full moon is a time to “let go” or move on, but it is more like an energetic exhale, part of a cycle. A full exhale squeezes out residual air, literally clearing out waste left over from the respiration process and leaves us with greater lung capacity to take in more life giving oxygen. Through ceremony, we energetically clear out the residue from what was created, good or bad, so we can keep the cycle going. We then have the energetic space to bring in the creative forces and energies that assist us in cocreation. When we understand the bigger picture of cycles in nature, and how we are truly a part of it, we can better interpret and shift mental, emotional, and energetic states. Of course, you can survive without knowing how to work with the breath, and you will survive without delving into the world of developing a deeper connection with the energetic forcers of our universe, but, you can dive deeper and deeper and find your innate power when you access these tools.

Exhale fully!!!! Be ready for that glorious inhale bringing new life and new energy into your life and into the new year!

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