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Full Moon Wisdom | |
"There is a muscular energy in sunlight corresponding to the spiritual energy of wind." - Annie Dillard
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| Dear Michael, | 
Previously, we discussed the excitement of the summer solstice and the energy the sun brings to us. Look around you, it is here and now is the time to celebrate and embrace the warmth and energy of the sun.
As most people know, the summer solstice identifies the moment when the sun appears at its most northern point. But, the etymology of the word, solstice, had a deeper meaning to the Romans who coined the phrase. Here, sol (sun) and stice (standing still) indicate that this is the time when the sun appears to stand still. Indeed, the sun actually comes to a stop at its northernmost point before reversing direction, and with that, the tangible source of light-energy on the planet pauses for a moment so we may take the time to see it fully, to appreciate its strength. I ask you to stop and take a minute to feel the celestial forces that are pulling and pushing at us. It's invigorating and a time when we should marvel at the rich pageant of life and color that the sun brings and soak up the energy ourselves to fully feed on it as well.
Imagine what we could do if each of us fully embraced nature's energy and applied it to how we approach the goals in our lives, living more in alignment with nature's rhythms and cycles. Taking advantage of nature's gifts makes sense on many levels and, ultimately, is essential to any hope for enlightenment, not to mention basic health. Indeed, the muscular energy of this moment can uplift us. For me, the summer solstice is a reminder to look up.
With Warmth,
Michael |
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Consider This...Skillful Reflection | |
We know this is the time to honor the sun, but how do we actually appreciate this beautiful season properly? We briefly said that solar energy is bounding around us and now is the time to embrace it. We know that nature is what speaks to us and it's in our best interest to listen. At the time of the summer solstice, when the sun is at its highest point the days become longer and the nights become shorter, leading to the longest day of the year next week. What does that mean? The earth and the sun are telling us to stay awake, take in the light and run with the energy.
If you take a moment to reflect, you might recall times when you have mentioned how quickly the summer passes. Indeed, you can feel the energy and the speed of summer. For many, there is a sort of melancholy as we count the weeks go by at blazing speed, but this doesn't have to be a source of sadness. Instead, I would suggest you incorporate the force into each day, making the best use of the extra daylight to do the things you never have the time for. By contrast, recall how you may have felt during the winter, when your mood and energy were low and kept you indoors and still. Just as the "tiredness" then is normal, now is the time to move. Let the energy force be your support. Move regret, melancholy and indolence aside and start making things happen.
Think of the warm sun rays gently kissing your skin and what the solstice brings to each part of your life; gently kissing your mind, body and spirit with light. Each part of your being is affected by this beautiful time of year, energizing the linkage of your body with your mind and soul.
Spend as much time basking in the light of day as you possibly can. As you plant your garden that produces fruits of the earth for you and your family, think of how the sun's powerful rays reach down to help your vegetables grow and flourish. So too can you flourish and grow as you take in the energy of sun. Instead of hiring someone to patch the roof while you are at work, come home, smile at the sun and climb up to do it yourself. Whatever the "chore", experiencing the self-worth and pride that doing it yourself would only bring, you can transform the task to a genuine gift.
And, one more thing....though the sun is the obvious star of the moment, we must not forget the beauty of night. Stay outside even after the sun is down and watch as the moon gently shines in the sky. Indeed, the sun and moon are quite related, as we can only see the moon because of the sunlight that falls on it. Yet, the moon appears as the reflection of this energy and offers to lead us to our own deeper thoughts. It is not wise, then, to think of the moon as a mere shadow of the ball that shines throughout the day. We know that it is more than that. The moon is its own entity separate from the sun. Enjoy the additional clarity the moon's subtle light provides and the calmness that it brings. After a day of bountiful work and dedication, moving with the speed of sunlight, take time with the moon. Stay up late and howl at it! Sing your praise and calmly reflect on how beautiful the full 24 hours can truly be if you embrace it with a positive attitude. Welcome each day with the spirit of the sun and welcome each night with a serene reflection, and you will find new fulfillment at this special time when the solstice and full moon appear so close to one another.
Please share your thoughts...
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Advice from the Skillful Doctor | |
Question: Lately, the relationship between me and my mother has become quite strained. We have always been close, so this is hard to understand. Recently, she stated that "I only see her with one pair of eyes." I wasn't sure what she meant. I am grown now, almost 40, and this seems to have appeared out of the blue. Apparently, I treat her too much like "Mom" and not enough like "Maria." Our last argument started when she was telling a story about a trip she is taking to Spain with a friend. She said she's going to brush up on her Spanish language skills. I must have made a remark about her ability to speak Spanish and she really reacted badly to that. She said there's more to her than just being a mother. Am I missing something?
Answer: This is actually a very common dilemma that many children, especially sons, face when dealing with a mother's identity later in life. We are raised calling her 'mother' and 'mom' and we are taught as children to identify her as such. It is not until we are much older that we are able to even see our mothers as an independent self and separate being. It is often hard to accept your mother as more, but just because we understand the root of the problem doesn't make it easy to make the adjustment. 
Think of your mother as the moon and you as the sun. The moon is a beautiful ball that provides us with clarity and reflects the light of the sun, but it is much more than that. The moon and sun are two separate entities and although they are connected and rely heavily on one another's existence, they are have very different qualities. If you look closely at the moon you will see the shadows that reside subtly within the large sphere. Think of your mother as the moon that she is, reflecting your light proudly for years. Now look beyond that and into her shadows. You see the unique character that makes the moon so special.
By not seeing mothers any other way, it's as if they were nothing until you existed. On the other hand, it can be argued that motherhood is the most important job on the planet. Indeed, mothers maintain the most fundamental and essential connections that people have to each other. And while they play out this role, the women who happen to be mothers also possess other skills that enrich our lives. They are dancers, singers, listeners, thinkers and philosophers, travelers, writers, cooks, lovers, doctors, lawyers, executives and teachers at every level... and even with everything that makes them so uniquely special... they remain steadfastly devoted to their children.
Take a moment to reflect on that calm serene woman who gave life to you, but this time take 'you' out of the reflection. Look in her albums and at the pictures throughout her life. Ask her personal questions on things you don't know the answers to. Learn a little more about the woman in the shadow and give the moon the respect it deserves.
Submit your own question here.
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, Announcements | |
The next three episodes of The Skillful Living Room will be available here the day after they air. You can, of course, listen live, by tuning into the "listen live" link at Business Talk Radio. The show airs every Saturday at 12 Noon EDT.
- On June 18th, I will be joined by Anne Finan and Birindir Bhullar of The Ananda Yoga and Healing Arts Center to discuss the role of community in developing and deepening enrichment, mindfulness and wellness, and specifically to address the question of "igniting the flame inside."
- On June 25th, I hope to have one of the participants of the current SunRaven Group Juice fast to discuss their experience from the week.
- On July 2nd, Dr. Andrea Iannuzzelli and I will discuss her experiences as she emerges from the Western Medical Paradigm into a more holistic and expanded view of health and healing. Indeed, her personal story is one of freedom, apropos for the holiday weekend.
- On July 9th, astrologer Pamela Cucinell and I will discuss the importance of guiding ourselves to validate our path through the blueprint of astrology, and in particular about the moon and what we need to know!
The last three episodes of The Skillful Living Room are available here.
Coinciding with the current Group Juice Fast, Warren Falcon and I will be leading an introductory workshop on the Power of Dreams and initiate the SunRaven Mid-Summer's Night Dream Group. The first meeting will take place on Friday June 17th. For more information send an email to michael@sunraven.org. All are welcome to attend.
On Saturday, June 18th, I will be hosting the first "Summer Solstice Celebration at SunRaven," featuring sacred music, singing and dancing, with Sharada Wen and Friends. To pre-register for the festivities on the bountiful SunRaven lawn or for more information, email michael@sunraven.org. Advance tickets are $20 ($25 on the day of the event).
The next SunRaven Book Club will take place on June 20th (coinciding with the juice fast, though all are welcome). The book is Broken Open by Elizabeth Lesser, a critically acclaimed book that has inspired readers in the understanding that there is great potential for growth as a result of the pain we experience. Clearly, this is difficult subject matter, but so vital to our ability to create meaning in our lives, especially in the face of the challenges we face. If you are interested, please write to: bookclub@sunraven.org.
Coming up, I will be recording a lecture with the Learning Annex about detox and juicing. Stay tuned for more information as dates of availability become available.
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
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FINALLY! A MeaningFull Action for the Full Moon
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I close today's letter with this suggested activity for the full moon:
Take the next several weeks to enjoy the sun and all of its energy. Utilize the solar energy to make healthy and skillful choices that can benefit your overall well-being and the well-being of your loved ones. After each energy-packed day, take time each night for skillful reflection. Look beyond the moon and look closer into its shadows.
This Skillful Installment is dedicated to my mother, a wonderful and unique woman. Others know her as Estelle. Happy Birthday, Mom.
Mitakuye Oyasin,
Michael Finkelstein
SunRaven
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The Next Installment:
