Today's meditation will focus on the waxing moon.
You can use this meditation during the period between the new and full moon or at any time when you need to be reminded that you are growing into the person you want to become.
This meditation is for anyone who wants to draw inspiration and permission from the moon regardless of gender identity or expression.
Before we begin I would like to acknowledge the origins of the breath work we will be practicing.
Science is just now validating the wisdom that was revealed to the generations of people from East to Southeast Asia.
Because these traditions cultivated and safeguarded these practices we are now able to incorporate them into our spiritual practices.
Close your eyes if that feels comfortable for you.
Taking a slow intentional inhale and working to release the tension from your forehead.
Scrunch your eyebrows down and then release letting them come to a natural relaxed state.
Release any pressure around your eyes breathing in and experiencing the relief of fully focusing inward giving space to your internal self free from performance free from requirement.
Unclench your teeth and move your jaw around a few times and then let it come to a natural resting place.
Breathe in your nose and out your nose.
Scan your body for any other tense places maybe your shoulders your belly your hands be here and bring peace to this moment.
The waxing moon begins after the new moon and continues up to the full moon.
The word waxing means growing.
The waxing moon corresponds to the season of spring.
After the darkness of the new moon at first we see a tiny sliver of light and each day the light grows brighter and brighter up until the full moon.
During the new moon we plant the seeds of intentions and during the waxing moon the process of growth begins.
This may be a time when you feel more energetic to take on creative projects and to work towards completion.
You may also have more social energy during this time more capacity to take on something new to try some new leadership role or just to lean into play and curiosity.
In this season where there's more energy remember the intentions that you set during the new moon and let those guide how you spend your time so that you can stay focused on what is important for you.
Be careful to not over commit during this time.
This is also a good time to ask yourself where you're off balance.
Where are you spending too much of your energy?
Are you spending more energy on others to the detriment of your own needs and priorities?
The waxing moon corresponds with the follicular phase of the menstrual cycle.
This is also known as the pre ovulation phase of the cycle.
Typically during this time hormonally estrogen is increasing and that results in more serotonin and dopamine being available in the body creating fresh energy.
You may find that this energy is helpful for you to work towards your goals in this phase and that you're finding creative breakthroughs and you may feel more decisive during this time.
Let's tap in to this waxing moon energy together.
Before we begin I want to share a note of caution.
We will be practicing a type of breathing called Kapalabhati breathing which is also known as breath of fire.
If you have cardiac problems,
High blood pressure,
Spinal issues or a respiratory infection,
If you have vertigo or if you're pregnant do not practice the breath of fire.
Instead you can continue to breathe deeply and rhythmically in through the nose and out through the nose trying to balance your inhales and exhales.
Let's start by returning to your breath in through the nose and out through the nose.
You'll have time to ponder any information you took in at the top of this meditation later.
As you breathe begin to visualize a golden yellow light coming from the moon and connecting with your solar plexus region.
Your solar plexus is located in the very center of who you are below your sternum within your torso above your belly button and your solar plexus represents your power to act.
With every inhale the golden light grows bigger and brighter.
Imagine that energy growing with each inhale and as you exhale let go of anything that is weighing you down or distracting you.
We'll move into the breath of fire and imagine spreading that golden light throughout your body.
This is a very invigorating form of breath work.
To start sit up straight with your palms resting gently on your belly.
Relax your body to allow your diaphragm to do the work.
To begin you will close your lips and begin to exhale forcefully through your nose with each exhale contracting your core muscles.
Your inhale will be passive and the exhales will be forceful and quick.
The reason why I have asked you to place your hands on your belly is because you can check to make sure that whenever you exhale your belly is pulling back towards your spine and when you inhale your belly is expanding.
So this is a bit of a core workout and it sounds something like this.
If you need to take a slower cadence feel free.
I will cue you to practice for 30 seconds,
Take a break and practice for 30 more seconds.
If you feel lightheaded at any time feel free to stop the breath of fire.
Take a few deep breaths and then if you would like to return into the breath of fire practice feel free.
Enter back into that breath of fire cadence and I'll let you know after 30 seconds have passed.
Take a breath,
Allow your breathing to return back to a more calming state.
And when you're ready enter back into that breath of fire cadence and I'll let you know after 30 seconds have passed.
Ending the breath of fire you will release all control over your breath and just allow your body to breathe for you.
Say out loud to yourself I am powerful to achieve my goals.
Allow any sensation to flow through your body noticing if you feel tingly,
Excited or energized.
Continue to focus on calm breathing and stay in this space enjoying the sensation created by your very breath and the potential it created in you.
I'll close the meditation and when you are ready open your eyes and connect yourself back into the present moment.
