Day 169 of 365 - Spring Contemplation
Since we are still in the energy of the spring equinox and full moon, I decided today to listen to a recording of a reflection/ritual/discussion on aligning with these energies. Further to my writing a couple days ago about easing into spring are some concepts brought to my awareness.
Full moons are often a time when people choose to do a ritual of releasing what no longer serves them. A different way of looking at releasing came up in the discussion. The point was, that we don't necessarily need to get rid of some disliked aspect of ourselves or our life experience, expecting to completely clear it from our awareness.
What might be more fruitful is to fully acknowledge those things and then turn them over in ritual to be transformed into something more radiant. The more we accept them, the easier they are to release. It seems to be one of the paradoxes of life that the more we try to bury what we consider negative, the more it unexpectedly returns to our awareness. Also, the opposite is true, in that the more we bring these things into the light of day, the easier it is to release the burden and tension of carrying them. It brought to mind for me the idea of putting the detritus from the garden onto the compost heap, so it can be regenerated into new nutrients in soil.
It was explained that ritual comes from the Sanskrit word rita, meaning to bring into order. In a ritual we are intentionally bringing ourselves into alignment with the universe and the laws of nature. Many rituals use symbols of the four elements for this purpose. They are air, water, fire and earth. Air is often presented in the form of incense and its smoke rising or being moved around in blessing. Fire is present via the use of candles. A small bowl of water, enhanced with a flower blossom or scented with essential oil can be used. For the earth, a stone, crystal or metallic object serves the purpose.
In an example of ritual, we call in new energy. We honor our past and thank it for what we have learned. We acknowledge and accept our present situation. We trust in the unfolding of our future in the right way and timing for us.
Spring is a time for expanding awareness and new beginnings. This includes finding a balance with the old and the new. The new awareness may come from better understanding what we are learning from those less beloved aspects of ourselves and our lives.
It's a time to begin again, for our energy to awaken. We may choose to prompt this via a ritual, by choosing to renew or expand some practice such as meditation, or writing in a journal, or spending time in nature.
Or, we may awaken this new energy by simply perking up our living space with flowers, light and color. However you choose to do this, may your springtime be blessed.
Full moons are often a time when people choose to do a ritual of releasing what no longer serves them. A different way of looking at releasing came up in the discussion. The point was, that we don't necessarily need to get rid of some disliked aspect of ourselves or our life experience, expecting to completely clear it from our awareness.
What might be more fruitful is to fully acknowledge those things and then turn them over in ritual to be transformed into something more radiant. The more we accept them, the easier they are to release. It seems to be one of the paradoxes of life that the more we try to bury what we consider negative, the more it unexpectedly returns to our awareness. Also, the opposite is true, in that the more we bring these things into the light of day, the easier it is to release the burden and tension of carrying them. It brought to mind for me the idea of putting the detritus from the garden onto the compost heap, so it can be regenerated into new nutrients in soil.
It was explained that ritual comes from the Sanskrit word rita, meaning to bring into order. In a ritual we are intentionally bringing ourselves into alignment with the universe and the laws of nature. Many rituals use symbols of the four elements for this purpose. They are air, water, fire and earth. Air is often presented in the form of incense and its smoke rising or being moved around in blessing. Fire is present via the use of candles. A small bowl of water, enhanced with a flower blossom or scented with essential oil can be used. For the earth, a stone, crystal or metallic object serves the purpose.
In an example of ritual, we call in new energy. We honor our past and thank it for what we have learned. We acknowledge and accept our present situation. We trust in the unfolding of our future in the right way and timing for us.
Spring is a time for expanding awareness and new beginnings. This includes finding a balance with the old and the new. The new awareness may come from better understanding what we are learning from those less beloved aspects of ourselves and our lives.
It's a time to begin again, for our energy to awaken. We may choose to prompt this via a ritual, by choosing to renew or expand some practice such as meditation, or writing in a journal, or spending time in nature.
Or, we may awaken this new energy by simply perking up our living space with flowers, light and color. However you choose to do this, may your springtime be blessed.
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