If there is anything that brought peace and happiness in our lives it would be walking outside on a clear night or even a night with a little bit of clouds and stopping and just staring up at the moon. Looking up at the moon or “moon gazing” as it is sometimes referred to, is one of the most relaxing, peaceful and serene things that you can do. When you stop to appreciate the sounds of nature: the rustling of the leaves and the wind blowing through the trees, looking up at the sky and at the moon, there’s nothing like it!
When you think about the moon, how large it is, how far away it is and how much of an influence it has on our lives as well as our earth, it makes all of our big problems seem so small. Thinking about how many other people are also looking up at the moon at the same time that you are, it helps to create a sense of oneness with the earth; that there are animals looking up at the moon, there are wild dogs howling at the moon and the tide as well as the flow of the ocean is all affected by the moon. There’s nothing that can help to calm yourself and ground yourself then stopping and just gazing up at the sky and marveling at the wonder of the moon.
How can you best “moon gaze”, or” moon bathe”?
1, Find a place that is safe from foot or automobile traffic. A field, poolside, beach, or a park is a safe bet.
2. If you choose to stand, barefoot is a suggestion, it helps you to be closer to the earth. Maybe on the grass or sand if you are standing on the ground or a yoga mat or blanket if grass or sand is unavailable. If you choose to lay down, a beach towel or blanket is ideal.
3. Try to find a place with as little artificial light as possible, try to let the moon be the only source of illumination.
4. Focus on your breathing, inhale slowly in deeply through your nose for a count of three; hold it for three and then slowly release it. Some people refer to this as square breathing. One side is a three second inhale, the next three seconds holding your breath, three seconds exhaling, and then finally, three seconds holding, then returning to the first step.
5. Focus on the features of the moon, its curves, colors, crevices and craters.
6. As you are gazing at the moon, entertain any thoughts or feelings that flow through your mind. Don’t try to pick them apart or chase them down, but just let them come. Meditation and focused breathing is about increasing your mindfulness and inner peace, not engaging in self-criticism.
7. Once you have done this for a few minutes stop and take a second to appreciate all of the good things that you have in your life and focus on the things that make you most happy and grateful.
8. Take this inner peace and happiness and help to spread it to the people around you. Joy breeds joy.
A bit of nostalgia and warm feelings to share, as we were writing this, Jennifer began to hum this song and we figured it would be nice to share with you all.: Somewhere Out There, from the Disney masterpiece, An American Tale https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2jzlSeFLr7A
Buy the movie here from Disney Plusàhttps://www.disneyplus.com/