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Going through a phase


Look up in the sky tonight and you will see the full moon waning. As the predominant earthly satellite, humankind has long observed the moon and has imbued it with all manner of symbolism and power. It has been represented as a god, a goddess, an omen of death, a symbol of life. It has been called a place for souls awaiting rebirth, or just an abode for the dead. But if you can see it tonight, enjoy it, because it will be gone in a couple of weeks. Beautiful but not very mystical, right?


While our modern world has lost much of the awe and magic of earlier civilizations, that doesn't mean we can't take note of one important lesson the moon can teach. As the moon cycles from new to crescent to half to full and back through those phases to new again, we are reminded that cycles are a natural part of life. The storm will be followed by clearing. The snow will melt in the warmth of a spring sun. Discouragement will fade and be followed by hope. On the other side, joy will pass and sorrow will touch us again. Happiness is the twin to sadness. Knowing that patterns will cycle through our lives repeatedly can help us in times of stress and worry. 

 

Through it all, the comforting adage, This too shall pass, can enhance our understanding of cycles. Just as the moon's phases come and go, our moods come and go, our successes come and go, our worries, our anger, our frustrations, our achievements, our disappointments -- everything we create, everything external -- will come and go. Only love -- internal, eternal, universal and equally infinitely available to all -- is permanent, and is a source for all. Only love endures.


But love is selfless. We sometimes conflate love with attachment which is a different thing altogether. Enjoy your life's highs, persevere through the lows. When fear, stress or worry builds, remember that things will change. Knowing that can help you detach from the cause for the duration. Actively choose to let go off that which does not serve you including grievances, grudges, fears and resentments which are all attachments to events that have passed and no longer exist.  


Persevere through all your phases, and proceed with love -- for yourself and for others.


11/18/2024

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