intentions: the moon + the breath

“Our breath is constantly rising and falling, ebbing and flowing, entering and leaving our bodies. Full body breathing is an extraordinary symphony of both powerful and subtle movements that massage our internal organs, oscillate our joints and alternatively tone and release all the muscles in the body. It is a full participation on life.”

~Donna Farhi

Nature is dynamic and as humans, we are a part of nature and are also dynamic beings. Everything within and around us is in constant flux + flow. With today being a new moon, I was reflecting on how the cycle of the moon affects me and in particular how the cycle of the moon is mirrored by the cycle of the breath.

The breath takes us from the external environment towards our inner self and offers some insight to the internal landscape of our being. The breath is constantly in communication with what’s happening within. For example, when we are experiencing stress or fear the autonomic nervous system kicks in and the breath tends to move up into the chest, is rapid and shallow. On the other hand, if we are relaxed or calm the breath tends to be in the belly, is deep, long, and we are not taking as many breaths. By connecting to your breath you can come to understand the state of your mind and perhaps the state of your being.

Within the microcosm of the breath the top of the inhalation is when prana (life force) is greatest and could be said to correspond to the full moon - a moment of potentiality and where energy is moving upwards, ungrounded, expansive and open. The new moon energy (of new beginnings) could be said to correspond to the bottom of exhalation when the force of apana is greatest. Apana is a contracting, downward moving force with qualities of being calm, grounded.

The Farmers Almanac recommends planting seeds at the new moon when the rooting force is strongest and we can parallel this idea of planting the seeds of our intentions, goals and visions. With today being a new moon, consider what ideas, projects, plans, intentions do you want to plant?

As we become more attuned to the cycles of nature and our breath, perhaps we are better able to recognize the rhythms of nature and ourselves so that we can live in greater harmony.

Namaste.