New Moon on Monday

One of my goals for this year was to find peace.

It's my one little word for 2014.  

I won't lie, almost 4 months in, it has been a struggle. I'm finding new ways to redefine what peace means to me, and some of the results have been surprising. I used to think that peace meant the absence of something. Instead, it's also the presence of things too.

I love the sound of my son's laughter, and hearing it stills my soul.

My cat purring quiets my mind.

Snuggling with my dog gives me a sense of well being.

Yoga settles me.

A good meal, with mindful preparation and consumption, can end conflict.

Just being. 

Ritual has also been a big part of my journey toward peace. 

It's a new moon tonight, and traditionally, it's a time to start something new. To be open to new possibilities. To manifest. 

I have been part of an Intenders Circle off & on for a while. One of the basic precepts is about manifesting, and I believe that it has great power in our lives. If you pray for something to happen and it does, you just manifested. You can do that by writing a list and reviewing it regularly.

You can also do it by using a blank check from the universe. Don't worry about how outrageous it might be, put it out there. If you believe it, it will happen. Trust that the universe will provide.

 The new moon is a great time to make a list of things you want to achieve in the next month. I use this time to set my goals. On the list for April, I've included:

Go to the gym 4 times a week

Get back on the Fly wagon with FlyLady

Drink half my body weight in water daily

Make healthier food choices

I also do some cleansing. I smudge my house at the new moon. It helps clear stagnant energies. The bonus is it smells great. 

I also cleanse myself. I take a detox bath, soaking in the tub and relaxing. 

Detox bath salts

1/2 c Epsom salts

2 tbsp raw apple cider vinegar

8-10 drops frankincense essential oil

Add to a hot bath, soak for at least 20 minutes

Most pictures come from Pinterest, other than the obvious ones of us