Hands up if you’ve ever gone a bit woo-woo on a full moon? I’m sure we’ve all been there and wonder what the bleep is going on? According to research, the full moon can cause people to have a restless night’s sleep. Perhaps because there is more light we become more alert, active and restless? It can also affect the animal kingdom. Turtles like to lay their eggs on a full moon. The ocean tides change. Women in particular, begin their menstrual cycles, others give birth. Personally, I get emotional and irritable and can’t sleep.
There are ways to use the full moon to our advantage. For example, during a full moon, the body has an amazing ability to magnificently absorb! The full moon is a time for acknowledging, cleansing and celebration. Here are some suggestions you may want to play with.
Meditate
You did it, you made it through a cycle of some sort. Imagine the full moon as the end of a phase or cycle and all the accomplishments you’ve made since the last full moon. Acknowledge and give your thank-yous for all the wonderful things that happened, however small they may be. Don’t underestimate the power of a full moon and don’t let its beauty go un-noticed. If you’re lucky enough to live in a place where it is very visible, take the time to go outside and stand under its shimmering light (even better if there is an ocean there!) Mention all the things you were grateful for that month. Then set your intentions for what you would like to achieve or bring into your life for the month to come. Say it, hear it, FEEL it, then give it over to the universe to take care of it.
Cat Stevens’song Moon Shadow is about being present and joyful. See life as it is, right now, and don’t compare it to others’ lives, or other times in your life. Every moment in life is rich and unique; whether we are aware of it or not, we are always leaping and hopping on a moonshadow – the inescapable present moment. If we are wrapped up in our whirlpools of worry and concern about what could be, or what has been, we are missing the richness of life as it is.
Finish by celebrating with a moon dance or sing along to Doris Day and Rae McRae’s old classic, By the Light of the Silvery Moon.
Cleanse with a Salt Bath
A bath anytime is wonderful for relaxing, healing and detoxifying. From personal experience, I have found it to be an opportunity to do a self-care ritual for myself, to take time out and just relax.
A salt bath can also help with: Spiritual and mental balance, lighten depression and negativity, regulate sleep, relieve stress and restore harmony, help reduce inflammation of sprains and strains of muscles and joints, relieve pain and soreness and stimulate circulation just to name a few.
Dry brush your body before getting into your luxurious bath. This helps to loosen dead skin cells, increases circulation and opens the pores. Use circular movements with a medium pressure.
How about adding our favourite aromatherapy oil, healing clay, herbs or milk. Use Himalayan or Irish course sea salt both which are super good for you. Turn the lights off and use candle light. Play soft high vibe music to keep energy flowing; Drink a glass of your favourite tipple; Why not throw some flower petals in there, you are a GOD/GODDESS! Rest for at least 30-minutes after your bath – there’s no rush
* Consult your doctor if you have heart or circulatory problems.
Juice for the Day
If you’re up for it, how about trying a 24-hour fast, only consuming your favourite, yummiest juices with purified or coconut water! This allows your body to take a rest from its usual digestion and clean your body of toxins. It’s great if you can check your exact full moon time. For accurate moon cycles I use Moon Giant.
Remember, 24-hours: no solid foods and drink plenty of water to really feel the effects and allow the magic to happen. Our bodies are all different, so feel into how much your body needs to drink. Stay hydrated. You shouldn’t be thirsty at any point. Drink water, freshly squeezed fruit juice and vegetable juice. Feed your body with nutrients. Avoid processed sugar, replace with honey if you really want things sweeter. Herbal teas are also a great option. Avoid alcohol, this is unhealthy and will dehydrate you!
You may find that the body will naturally flush out extra stored up water and toxins that have built up due to slow digestion created by a poor diet. Your immune system will strengthen and love you for it. Gentle yoga and stretching can also help, but avoid anything too strenuous. You will also feel lighter and cleaner. Enjoy!
*Please note: consult your doctor, as this is not recommended for women who are pregnant, trying to become pregnant, or breastfeeding.
Honour movement with a yoga sequence: A Moon Salutation
The practice of Moon Salutation (Chandra Namaskar) is a reflection of Surya Namaskar (Sun Salutation). This gorgeous sequence of asana is almost the same as Surya Namaskar except there are a couple of variations. It is best practiced from twilight onwards and especially under moonlight! This is a great accompaniment to the juice fast when your stomach is empty.
The Moon Salutation has the opposite effect to our regular Sun Salutation. It has a cooling, relaxing effect. It stretches your whole body: your spine, hamstrings, and the backs of your legs. It strengthens your leg, arm, back, and stomach muscles. Take your time to develop this. Go easy and be gentle. It’s great if you can learn this under supervision and guidance from a yoga teacher.
A Story…
One gorgeous morning, I went about my normal routine of excitedly getting ready to teach my yoga class. As I walked to the yoga pavilion, I thought about the previous day. How I had effortlessly taught a calming yet, very mindful class which left us all feeling well, just lovely.
Fast forward, hoping it would be a repeat of the day before, unfortunately, was not so. There were not enough mats or space for the over populated class, but we all managed to all squeeze in. The class I wanted to teach didn’t flow and went totally out the window, along with my confidence. Not sure if it was just me on the sensitive side but I could’ve sworn the birds were louder than usual, monkeys were out and about, and even the ocean waves were wilder than ever. It certainly was a very different day. You could say the energy of the class was somewhat disrupted and left me in a bit of a flaffle.
I remembered it was the day after the Full Moon and realised just as the moon, we too have cycles. There is a restlessness that comes with the beginning of a new phase, a small adjustment period before you feel a connection to life again. Notice and trust your life cycles. Especially, when something feels different, or in my case, out of whack. I invite you to take a moment to pause. Take a deep inhale and long exhale before it’s time to start new, get going and follow through with whatever you do. When I feel the nudge to create, I do exactly that, pause, take a deep inhale and long exhale then allow the ideas to flow and calmlyget things done. The key is, to take note of the beginning of the cycle (energetic and erratic) and the end of the cycle (slow and steady).
JOURNAL: Have you ever noticed your own cycles?