For the last two decades I have been intrigued by full moons. I find my passions, energy, and creativity at their greatest in the days surrounding full moons. This intrigue and effect frequently prompt me to spend time outside under the light of the full moon. Several times a year John and I love to paddle the lake on which we live by the light of a full moon. We typically paddle our canoe to the center of the lake and watch the moon during its early ascent into the night sky. Saturday evening (May 18), just before we set out on our journey, I received a text from one of my anam caras reminding me that the full moon I was about to experience was a Blue Flower Moon, one particularly good for reflecting on "Life Intentions." I was inspired. As one who practices and teaches mindfulness I was fully aware of the importance of intentions, and Life Intentions, but I was aware neither of the rarity nor the power of a Blue Flower Moon. After a bit of informal research, I discovered the following about a Blue Flower Moon. A Blue Flower Moon occurs once every 2 or 3 years. The next occurrence will be in 2021. It is a Flower Moon because it occurs in May, the month where flowers are in bloom ( remember: "April showers bring May flowers"). It is a Blue Moon because it is the 3rd of 4 full moons in this season. Apparently this moon has a particularly strong pull and hence is a good time to reflect on our Life Intentions. Life Intentions are consciously selected commitments for how we want to live our lives. They are not to be confused with goals which are external accomplishments we work tangibly towards achieving. Rather, Life Intentions align one's heart, with one's life. They are those things which we desire or will to be. They begin in the soil of our souls. They are healthy, life-giving desires that have been planted in the humus of our hearts. We acknowledge and claim so that they will root and grow in our lives. Typically Life Intentions are positively stated and can be expressed in a short phrase or single word. They aide us in our becoming fully human and enable us to contribute to making our world (micro and macro) a better place.As I reflected on my Life Intentions, I realized it was time for me to get back to my blog. My Life Intention is to be a grace-filled person who tangibly aids the journey and possible enlightenment of those whose lives I am privileged to connect. In my next blog I will write more about Intentions and Life Intentions. In the meantime, Live Well, Love Well, Be Well.
(For more information on Blue Flower Moons check out this link: https://www.geek.com/news/blue-flower-moon-how-to-watch-this-rare-type-of-full-moon-on-saturday-may-18-1787778/)
