Moon Day

Today is a perfectly timed Moon Day, which for ashtangis equates to a day off from mysore (self) practice. Even though I technically am guided by DVD, I consider what I do self practice. Timing of this cycle could not be more perfect, with daylight savings time in effect and the pitch blackness that now marks early morning hours, I was grateful to sleep in until 6:30.

The following explanation of what moon days mean for ashtangis can be found at http://www.ashtanga.com/html/moondays.html.

"All things of a watery nature (human beings are about 70% water), we are affected by the phases of the moon. The phases of the moon are determined by the moon’s relative position to the sun. Full moons occur when they are in opposition and new moons when they are in conjunction. Both sun and moon exert a gravitational pull on the earth. Their relative positions create different energetic experiences that can be compared to the breath cycle. The full moon energy corresponds to the end of inhalation when the force of prana is greatest. This is an expansive, upward moving force that makes us feel energetic and emotional, but not well grounded. The Upanishads state that the main prana lives in the head. During the full moon we tend to be more headstrong.

The new moon energy corresponds to the end of exhalation when the force of apana is greatest. Apana is a contracting, downward moving force that makes us feel calm and grounded, but dense and disinclined towards physical exertion.

The Farmers Almanac recommends planting seeds at the new moon when the rooting force is strongest and transplanting at the full moon when the flowering force is strongest. Practicing Ashtanga Yoga over time makes us more attuned to natural cycles. Observing moon days is one way to recognize and honor the rhythms of nature so we can live in greater harmony with it."

So I putter around this morning; Mona Lisa and I are a little out of sorts, and no doubt I will be running late throughout the day. Before this writing, Mona has suffered a tummy ache and thrown up and I've spilled my coffee. The older I get, the more appreciation and respect I have for days off for nothing other than rest from my usual routine. I actually take rest on these days rather than fill them up with other activity. This requires a bit of discipline on my part; but with age has come wisdom so I don't have to try THAT hard - smile. Even with this morning's mishaps I feel harmonious. Happy moon day Monday ashtangis.