New Moon Meditation

Find your most comfortable seat. It might be sitting upright in a chair with your lower back supported with a small cushion. It might be sitting cross-legged on a stack of blankets or pillow. If you’re feeling as though you need more support go ahead and lie back on the floor with your knees bent resting on one another and your feet flat on the floor.

After you have settled, release as much tension in the body as you can. Soften just between your eyebrows, your jaw, your neck, shoulders, low back and so on. 

Bring awareness to your breath. Following the breath as it enters through the nostrils, hits the soft palate of the mouth, follow it down the spine and into the belly. 

Exhale softly continuing to release any remaining tension while allowing the exhale to move from the belly, down your legs and out the soles of your feet.

Repeat this pattern of breath continuing to soften while you ground down into the earth.

After a few moments of bathing in your breath, bring your  attention to the space just behind your belly button. After a few moments you may find a sensation or color arises. 

Continue to hold your attention there.

Now ask yourself, “What parts of myself are needing compassion and acceptance”. Rather than trying to “fix” any part of yourself simply offer those parts love and compassion. See what arises.

“What have I endured, experienced or learned from that I can share with others?”

“What resources do I have available to me I can learn and expand from as a result?”

“Is there anything that I can let go of, that I no longer need, in order to grow and step into the highest version of myself”.

“What have I cultivated that I am ready to put into action in order to show up in the world as my most authentic self?”

“What am I ready to receive?”

The answers should not be forced…allow them rise to surface. It is Ok if there is no answer…it may come later…

Return your attention to your breath. Notice the sensations and emotions that arose during your practice. Offer compassion and love. Continue to allow the body to soften as you ground into the earth. Become receptive to what comes. 

When you are ready invite simple movements such as  wiggling of toes or rubbing hands on thighs to bring yourself back into the present.

Take a few moments to journal about your experience.