The last time we had a total solar eclipse visible here in NJ was 1979. I was 7 years old. This year it fell on my nephew's 7th birthday, 8.21.17. How cool is that?
It was so powerful to witness. There was such a profound stillness. A coming together of Sun and Moon energy into oneness, wholeness, togetherness. It felt to me like the cosmos was meditating. Did you see it? Did you feel it too? What an ironic, cosmic, juxtaposition to what is actually happening globally right now. It was a wonderful and important reminder from the universe that we are so much more than these human bodies and minds or the day-to-day insanity we often create for ourselves.
Many people have heard the term Hatha Yoga. Hatha is one of the 13 branches of Yoga; it is Sanskrit for the physical yoga practice we do on the mat. Ha means Sun & Tha means Moon & Yoga means to Yoke; or Union. So a total eclipse is literally a cosmic expression of Hatha Yoga or the Yoking or Uniting of the Sun & Moon. It is also an auspicious time to reflect on how the Sun & Moon Energies play a part in our own lives and have a direct effect on the outcomes we are experiencing in our lives - both wanted and unwanted. Here's how.
Sun energy is the Masculine (doing/action taking) energy and Moon energy is the Feminine (nurturing/receiving/creation) energy. Like the Universe, each of us has both energies within us. This is not about your gender or sexual orientation, but about the energetics within us and how they operate on a day to day basis and if they are supporting us or working against us in reaching our goals.
It is also important to note that being out of balance in these polarities can adversely affect your physical and mental health as well as wreak havoc on your interpersonal and intimate relationships. Let me give you an example.
In the past, whenever I found myself working really hard all the time, and doing doing doing, being busy busy busy, I was also making very little time for my own self-care. (Self-care is one of the key ways to nurture the feminine energy.) This, in turn, effected my eating habits, my weight, my sleep, my anxiety, my marriage, my social life, my self-esteem, and my bottom line.
That's right, the fact that you are "busy" and "have an endless to-do list" does not mean that you are making the money you want or reaching your goals or happy for that matter. HARD WORK is not synonymous to BETTER RESULTS. But, sadly, we have been conditioned to think that is true.
Because of this conditioning, woman and men alike, mostly spend time in the masculine energy. We often are told that the feminine energy - often associated with resting, relaxing, receiving, visualizing, taking time for creative endeavors, and being inspired, etc... makes us weak, lazy and ineffective. We think it's something that can be delayed for when we have the time; something to be done only AFTER you have worked really hard and burnt out or can't take it anymore.
Well, guess what? Here's a News Flash! That is completely backwards. In order to healthfully merge the masculine and feminine energy, YOU ACTUALLY MUST PRACTICE SELF-CARE, FIRST & FOREMOST. Then when you do take actions, those efforts are specific, directed, deliberate, inspired, focused and effective. AND IRONICALLY, you will actually wind up having more time and energy to do what you really want to be doing.
Taking action from a frenetic, chaotic, stressed and desperate place just creates more of the same. When you come from a place that is filled up, replenished, inspired, and nurtured, your actions will be smart, strategic and purposeful; aligned with your heart's desire and your bigger vision for your life. And you will experience greater happiness, success and fulfillment.
It's a crazy #winwinwin
Here are some of my go to self-care practices: Moving my body - Yoga, Dance, Walk; Meditation; Journalling; Healthy Eating; Good Sleep; Time with people I love; Singing - even in the car to the shower; Getting Support in areas of my life where I need & want it most. (That might look like an assistant, a coach, a trainer, a chef, a person doing the lawn or cleaning the house, a team member, a nanny, carpooling, etc...); Massage, Manicure/Pedicure, Haircut/blowout; Travel....
Try it. I dare you. ;)
In what areas of your life is an imbalance of energy effecting you most? What are your favorite things to do that make you feel nurtured and cared for? How would it feel for you to add some of these practices into your schedule on a regular basis? What would you add first? share your insights in the comments below.
