Changing Cycles

When you feel happy, really happy,

it somehow seems that you've always been happy

and that you'll always be happy.

The same is often true when you feel sad, or lonely,

or depressed, or broke, or sick, or scared.

Something, perhaps, to remember.

THE UNIVERSE

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I have my groove back on.  I am in the flow.  I can do no wrong.  Luck is looking my way.  Hooray, hooray, how long will I remain this way.  Life is ever changing and very fickle.  Happiness here one day, then gone the next.

When the sun is not out and it is raining, I automatically know that I will not be doing yard work or mowing the yard.  I have a reset button that adjusts my intentions to indoor tasks.  The opposite is true as well.  If I have plans to do indoor chores and the sun comes out, I automatically adjust my schedule by going outdoors.  It is a matter of action and perception.

Perhaps we can apply the same to our cycles with happiness and sadness.  We could pre-determine what our actions will be if it is a dreary emotional day, such as:  read a favorite book, write letters, nap, or attempt something creative and artistic.  We can acknowledge our tempered mood and adjust our environment to be less chaotic and more nurturing.  The same for happiness.  We can have predetermined tasks for good mood days, such as:  yard work, shopping for flowers, meeting a friend for coffee, walking in a park, or napping outside in nature. 

Both kinds of emotional days will then have a reward, like silence or excitement.  These intentions will help regulate our moods.  For instance, if we really like jigsaw puzzles but never take the time to work them, purchase one the next time at the store.  Tuck it away in the closet, knowing it will be a spirit lifter the next time a sad day appears.  We can build in available distractions and the hardest part is remembering to do them.

We can be more accepting of  our lovely selves when we acknowledge our position in a down cycle.  We can remember we will not always be discouraged.  By reminding our selves repeatedly that this too shall pass will help our selves to be more patient until the up cycle returns once again.

"I see the moon and the moon sees me."

 

 

 

The moon is a loyal companion.
It never leaves. It’s always there, watching, steadfast, knowing us in our light and dark moments, changing forever just as we do. Every day it’s a different version of itself. Sometimes weak and wan, sometimes strong and full of light. The moon understands what it means to be human.
Uncertain. Alone. Cratered by imperfections.

 

Tahereh Mafi

SHATTER ME

 

 

 

Last night when I went to bed, I looked up through the sky light and I saw the moon.  It was half hidden by moving tree branches, but  the beams streamed down brightly lighting our room.  I moved to the center of the bed framing the full moon in the sky light frame. 

 

 

Astrologically, I am a "Moon Child" (Cancer) and I will admit I fell in love with the moon as a young child.  The moon has always been there for me whether I see it or not.  I simply glance up to the sky and I sense it is there listening to me. 

 

 

Lying in my bed, I keep repositioning myself to stay covered by moonbeams as the moon gently glides across the sky.  This old friend of mine has heard me beg, bargain, and cry.  I have witnessed its passage across the dark sky more times than I can count.  I reposition myself again, as the full moon continues on its path and soon will be out of my sight.

 

 

We will be flying back to Illinois, leaving this paradise.  We will be returning to the possibility of  ice and snow.   There will not be vibrant flowers to greet us, nor will there be swaying palm trees, the ocean or the gulf.  The fishing boats and yachts will all be left behind.  The outdoor eateries and diversity of mankind, absent.  Art galleries, street artists and art festivals will all carry on without us.  There is a sense of loss within me, but it is balanced by the hope of another time to return.  This is not goodbye.

 

 

Upon returning home, I will be joyful to once again find the moon waiting to reflect all parts of my self ... the rotation  of full radiance, shadows, darkness, and cycles of on going change, never the same.   The moon is a comforting constant in my life, no matter where I go. 

 

 

This  is a perfect way for my last night's stay in Key West ...  communing with the full moon.  For me, the moon is a promise of tomorrow and the beholder of my gratitude and thanksgiving.  It is never really clear to me if I am witnessing the moon or if the moon is witnessing me, but we seem to be present. for each other.  "I see the moon and the moon sees me."