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Full Moon Wisdom | |
"There is no justification without sanctification, no forgiveness without renewal of life, no real faith from which the fruits of new obedience do not grow." - Martin Luther
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| Dear Michael, | 
As we set our clocks forward and watch the days grow longer, we can now rejoice and truly step into spring. While transition is powerful and essentially consistent, one cannot deny that in this moment of the vernal equinox, spring has truly arrived, and that we have earned the right to finally shed the anticipation of an imminent and uncertain shift and embrace it fully.
Of all the seasons, the arrival of spring is perhaps the most dramatic, as the colors and activity in nature contrasts so steeply with the darker and more still period before it. It is especially during this period of growth and movement that we can contextualize the sanctity of nature and its bountiful balance. Although it is easy to allow the weather to dictate our mood, and in this case uplift you, I would still encourage you to recognize this time as a period of equal value in the cycles and rhythms that mark the passing of time, and continue to focus your energy on the necessity of orchestrating your own schedule in alignment with nature. In just a few short months, the heat of summer may oppress you. Take the time now, to make the full use of this period without taking it for granted.
Tuning in to this rich and melodic schedule offered by the turning seasons takes us on an empowering journey. Right now, the full creative energy of the earth is embodied in the spring, and it is ours for the taking. We are invited whole-heartedly to capture and utilize this energy. Now is the time, rather than just marveling at and respecting nature's power, to tap into it.
All winter long, we've had the opportunity to formulate our thoughts. We have been rewarded by the strength and perseverance we've exhibited and found solace in our stillness. Now, as the buds begin to blossom and the flowers start to bloom, we too can include ourselves in these growth cycles. At the onset of this mighty and beautiful trajectory, we can seize this moment to plant our seeds, both literally and figuratively, birthing a lush and inspiring garden of new life.
Here's to a sensational and skillful season.
Michael |
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Consider This...Skillful Reflection | |
Even though we ar e now faced with the promise of a new season, many individuals may find it challenging not to possess some level of fear for the planet right now. With civil and environmental unrest taking place in so many parts of the world, the earth can be viewed as a scary place, embattled with the dangers and pitfalls of our darkest hours.
While I will not, in any capacity, dismiss the gravity of the problems currently occurring on the home front and abroad, I believe that we can gain understanding and more complete appreciation for these periods of turmoil by examining nature and its history, and by simply acknowledging the essential and omnipresent existence of cycles.
At one time or another, our earth has been hot, cold, stormy, volcanic, calm and tropical. What's more, many of the more recent "episodes" may be due to or exacerbated by the effects of man's neglect or abuse of the planet. While it's not inaccurate to label extreme accounts of nature that result in catastrophes as "bad," we cannot deny the role that many of them have had in the essence of our existence. In all fairness, some disasters and upheavals reflect normal cycles, which actually have brought us to this place and moment in time. From the point of view of human existence, the epic tragedies of Hurricane Katrina and the Indonesian tsunami were exceedingly awful. However, in retrospect, in may be unfair to classify every extinction, flood, tornado, eruption, and hurricane as a calamity. Looking at it from an evolutionary perspective, if a meteor had not struck the earth 65 million years ago wiping out nearly 90 percent of all living species, then human beings might never even exist.
Every day we see beauty emerge from tragedy. Fires in the Redwood Forest may destroy thousands of acres of beautiful trees, killing hundreds of animals and decimating the landscape for generations to come. Yet, these fires may be what are needed to return nutrients to the soil and generate the heat required for seedlings to germinate. What we consider "good" or "bad" depends on where we sit in relation to it.
Clearly, this is a time of pain. However, in addition to the shared feelings of grief that we experience at this time, it is also natural to feel afraid. The truth is, the earth is a dangerous place. The recent events call for a revitalized focus on how we protect our cherished lives and our relationships, whether that is with other people or the planet itself. Indeed, of all the animals on the planet, perhaps it is only the humans that can intentionally make a difference. In and of itself, this is perhaps the best way to react to such conditions.
In this way, nature forces us to confront our behavior and, in particular, may be our greatest resource for reestablishing balance, and for finding health. Fittingly, in the spring, we see how nature renews itself. The same goes for its inhabitants. Sometimes this renewal process is gradual and gentle. Sometimes it is violent and destructive. Nevertheless, these cycles are endless sources of wonder, healing, and inspiration. Please share your thoughts... |
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Advice from the Skillful Doctor | |
Question: Although I have a great deal of compassion for what the people of Japan are currently experiencing, I can't help but feel anxiety when the topic comes up. In turn, I've noticed that I have developed a tendency of turning a blind eye on the strife being experienced on the other side of the world, and am undergoing feelings of guilt because of it. While I want to remain informed, it's as if I am involuntarily shutting out any more news on the disaster. I do not feel good about this. I have never been one to take what I have for granted, but as of late, the more knowledge I have on the situation, the more immobilized I feel. Is this wrong?
Answer:  No, you are not wrong. You are stirring with intense and conflicting feelings that are hard to make sense of--tension between empathy and the need for self preservation. Because these seem at odds, they are creating a state of anxiety, which is further adding to your distress. All of this makes sense, though it can be difficult to come to terms with it all. The only thing I question is the guilt you say you are feeling. Thinking about it more, is it not natural, in the face of such a disaster, for individuals to be concerned with their own well-being? On the other hand, you mention not taking things for granted which is an important insight. I often tell my patients that getting sick is an opportunity to identify an unhealthy behavior, see how it is causing imbalance, and correct it. Similarly, witnessing catastrophe gives us an opportunity to gain perspective, and use it to appreciate our own circumstances. As I mentioned before, the earth is not entirely safe, no matter how much we try to "manage it." This forces people to consider the ephemeral nature of their lives and to find deeper meaning and to align their behavior with that in mind. This is not to minimize the impact of the tragedy that others are experiencing. But it does not serve anyone if we suffer so much that we fall apart. Although you mention that you are finding it hard to look at the images, I actually see this as a necessary form of compartmentalization. Our subconscious mind actually protects us in this way, preserving our ability to function at the highest level in the face of such a crisis. That being said, if exposing yourself to the knowledge of what's going on in other parts of the world is important to you, find a place for it in your life, and keep it there. It would not be prudent for anyone to constantly consume thoughts and images that are disturbing. As an example, I too like to stay informed, but I make it a point to watch the news in the morning, and never before bed. This, I've found, manages my sensitivity to tomorrow's images. I would encourage you to do the same. You can be educated, sympathetic, and even see how you can help, but be sure to do it skillfully by first establishing and then maintaining the balance necessary to stay level headed. As important, remember that the inevitability of tragedy does not have to become a cause for more fear. Instead, we can harness our balance in order to be prepared for whatever happens so it does not paralyze us. It is said that people who go through traumatic experiences ultimately live happier lives because their trauma allows them to gain a valuable perspective. In addition to witnessing their own strength through the very act of survival itself, there is a bond that occurs between people that face the same crisis. Together this creates a deeper appreciation for what it means to live. In many ways, people may be scared of the earth right now, identifying its power as a malicious force...but we know better than this. It does not have good or bad intentions, and since is not something we can control, we can only embrace it, or at least learn from it, respecting that it is this force itself that is life affirming. In the face of these events, all that you have expressed is natural and I thank you for your question. But please don't forget to focus on the miracle of survival that we can witness at the same time. Once again, it is a matter of choice. Submit your own question here. |
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Announcements
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The next SunRaven Book Club will take place on Thursday, April 7th at 7:00pm. The book to be discussed is The Spell of the Sensuous, by David Abrams, which is about our relationship to the Earth. The bookaddresses such seemingly daunting topics as where the past and future exist, the relationship between space and time, and how the written word serves to sever humans from their primordial source of sustenance: the earth. Please join us. If you have any questions, send an email to: bookclub@sunraven.org.
The next Group Juice Fast I will be hosting will begin on Monday, June 13th at SunRaven. The 8 day program will conclude on, the first day of summer, Tuesday June 21st. 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 personal guidance and participation. If you have any questions, send an email to: juicefast@sunraven.org.
Coming up, I will be recording a 2-part lecture series with the Learning Annex about detox and juicing. Stay tuned for more information as dates of availability become available.
Please look out for the next two 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.
- On March 19th, coach and author Claudia Fox will join me to talk about unconventional paths that lead to success.
- On March 26th, I will discuss hope, faith, courage, and a product of personal integrity with Anoa Gollman, founder of SHEAGO - Cosmetics with Consciousness.
- 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
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FINALLY! A New Thought for the New Moon
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FINALLY! A MeaningFull Action for the Full Moon
I close today's letter with this suggested activity for the full moon:
Embrace an element of nature. Hug a tree, or put your hands in the dirt and smell the earth. Revel in the heightened awareness that fills your senses. Cultivate your life; make a point to grow.
Mitakuye Oyasin,
Michael Finkelstein
SunRaven
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