|
|
|
Full Moon Wisdom | |
"Life is pleasant. Death is peaceful. It's the transition that's troublesome." - Isaac Asimov
|
|
|
| Dear Michael, | 
As we ease into the latter part of February, we embark on a time of year when we are most tempted to peer into the moderately near future and seek the first signals of the spring that we so deeply yearn for. Indeed, it is enticing to look to the onset of a season of warm, refreshing breezes and flowers in full bloom that we commonly equate with late March and beyond. However, it is important to resist rushing into the transition up ahead and in so doing it would serve us well to embrace the winter as it exits. This is not only important because it keeps us in the present, but it also serves to help us with the transition itself.
Since we are in the last full lunar month, we have technically arrived at our last chance to incorporate the solid characteristics of this powerful season. Each year, we have a tendency to forget winter's vigor - just how cold the days and nights can get and just how long the season can sustain itself. In our haste, these characteristics may get drowned out by the anticipation of spring. However, if we take the time to enjoy them in their entirely, it will help us to remember winter's steadfast ability to persist until it - like any cycle - has rightfully and respectfully run its course.
As the Full Moon graces this evening's rich winter sky, I encourage you not to allow yourself to become distracted by the promise of the warmer months ahead. Instead, prepare yourself for the transition by planting yourself solidly where you are now. Have faith that without any hesitation or inhibition, your will to stay grounded will prevent the last days of winter from frivolously slipping by and support you fully to experience the beauty and meaning in each day.
Here's to the sacred time before a skillful transition.
Michael |
|
|
|
|
Consider This...Skillful Reflection | |
 For a moment, I would like for you to think as though this is the last winter of your life. Imagine that you are witnessing your final snowfall, gazing for the last time at the bright blanket of stars across the cold night's sky, or taking your last breath of clear, crisp February air. When faced with the reality that things you might have taken for granted may never present themselves to you again, you will start to appreciate things you previously may not have.
On the other hand, if you think of winter as a restriction, it will only be a matter of time before you become a prisoner of your own limitations. Recognize that you currently possess the unyielding ability to seize and enjoy the great beauty that makes itself evident in so many of the season's unique properties.
Candidly, the true skill we need to develop is to patiently look forward to spring without allowing anticipation to desecrate the sanctity of the current moment. If we succumb to the temptation of adopting a disparaging viewpoint about where we are currently, we will only undermine our own experience.
Another important task is to view the elements the season presents to us with an open mind and a welcoming spirit. Rather than regarding winter as a time when we easily become immobilized, recognize that these elements make us behave in a certain manner and identify the value of these behaviors. In many ways, winter provides us with a will to survive and in turn makes us stronger.
When faced with the excitement of a positive change, we owe it to ourselves to prepare for the transition. The best preparation is to station yourself firmly where you are now. Shed any hesitations you might feel and resist that urge to rush ahead. Use this unique opportunity to tap most intently into where you are now and explore the concept of spending "one more day" with winter.
Please share your thoughts... |
|
Advice from the Skillful Doctor | |
Question: My birthday is coming up, and although I still consider myself a young woman, I always find it challenging when this time rolls around not to start feeling down. The strange part is, while my friends and family complain that this month seems to drag on for them, I feel as though it's the opposite for me. When winter rolls around, time always seems to be slipping by, and I'm astounded when I find myself celebrating another birthday. I feel caught between anticipation and apprehension. Is this normal?
Answer:  Let's backtrack. You say you start to feel down when your birthday rolls around, but what are you feeling in the days and weeks leading up to it? If you are having trouble answering this question, perhaps you are focusing so intently on the event itself that you're missing the enjoyment of the time leading up to it. During this time of year, it is of paramount importance to have solid footing. Transition is not too far off and it is crucial to be prepared for it...but while thinking about the future is prudent, thinking too far ahead without appreciation for the valuable time you're experiencing currently can sabotage your gratification and lead to apprehension. Although you would probably like for me to tell you that there is something specific you are suffering from and write you a prescription for what will cure it, I would rather you do your best to honor and accept the cycles of life and see each passing season, or year, as the hallmark and sine qua non of growth. As your birthday approaches, think about what you accomplished by just being born, and revel in how much more powerful you've become year after year. One more thing....it sounds as though you have been living with this recurring feeling long enough to really "know" it. If that is the case, rather than trying to avoid it or question it, take ownership of your feelings and without judgment take the opportunity to navigate them more skillfully each time they present. Like a caterpillar struggling to shed its cocoon and become a butterfly, unpleasantries are sometimes the result of a beautiful and necessary change. Next time you feel as though time is slipping by, instead of fearing that you are caught in a downward spiral that is impossible to evade, record the cycle with pride in the evolution of your wisdom and maturity that allows you to appreciate life's true meaning and value more and more. Remember that birthdays are simply man-made measurements and know whole heartedly that the days and months will retain their usual pace if you allow yourself to focus on the beauty of the moment you are living in now. Submit your own question here. |
|
Announcements | |
I will be hosting a Group Juice Fast beginning February 24that SunRaven. Two programs will be offered--a 4 day program which will conclude on Monday February 28th and a week-long program which will end on March 4th. If you have been thinking about undertaking a true "cleanse" or detox, a green juice fast along with a comprehensive protocol developed by one of the leading experts in the field can be an extremely valuable experience. The SunRaven Juice Fast is unique in that it offers the support from a group of participants who share this interest and live in the same community, as well as my guidance and participation. There is still time to sign up, but time is of the essence! For more information, write to: juicefast@sunraven.org
Coinciding with the Group Juice Fast, Tuesday March 1st at 7 pm will the first 2011 meeting of the SunRaven Book Club. The book to be discussed is Women Food and God by Geneen Roth, a look at what people's relationship to food says about their relationship to life as a whole.
For more information, write to: bookclub@sunraven.org
Please look out for the next three episodes of The Skillful Living Room.
You can listen live, by tuning into the "listen live" link at Business Talk Radio. The show airs every Saturday at 12 Noon EDT.
- Tomorrow, February 19th, I will be interviewing Jan Johnsen on the subject of Serenity. In particular, as a landscape architect, Jan's focus is on how we can create Serenity in our Gardens, both figuratively and literally. Please listen in. As we think of our plans for our gardens this year, this the perfect time to be clear in our intentions.
- On February 26th, I will have the pleasure of being joined by my Juice Fast group to discuss detox and cleansing from a broader and personal context.
- On March 5th, I will be joined by Susan Markel, M.D., who will be talking to me about how to help parents and their children achieve healthier, happier and more skillful lifestyles.
- On March 12th, I will be speaking with coach and best-selling author Lauren Mackler about liberating your authentic self and achieving your full potential.
- The last three episodes of The Skillful Living Room are available here. You can, of course, listen live, by tuning into the "listen live" link at Business Talk Radio.
Links
- For more information on SunRaven, Dr. Finkelstein's holistic health center in Bedford, NY, please visit Sunraven.org
- Twitter
- To comment on this letter, please visit The Skillful Living Blog
- Skillful Living Room
|
|
FINALLY! A New Thought for the New Moon
| |
FINALLY! A MeaningFull Action for the Full Moon
I close today's letter with this suggested activity for the full moon:
Think of something you can only do in the winter, and do it. Make a snowball, create fog with a short exhale, or anything in between. Remember the ease with which it was done, and incorporate that ease into your perception of the season.
Mitakuye Oyasin,
Michael Finkelstein
SunRaven
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The Next Installment:
