MINDFULNESS + THE MOON: A Twilight Adventure Through the Phases

Mindfulness and the Moon: A Twilight Adventure Through the Phases

Have you ever looked up at the sky at night and noticed how the moon changes its shape? Sometimes it’s a small crescent, and sometimes it’s big and round like a glowing ball. These different shapes are called moon phases, and just like the moon changes, we can use those changes to help us feel calm, happy, and mindful!

Let’s go on a magical adventure through the moon phases and see how each one can help us practice mindfulness and feel good.

The Moon’s Phases and What They Mean

The moon has a special cycle, and every phase has something fun and important to teach us. Ready to explore?

1. New Moon – Time to Make Wishes!
When the sky is dark and the moon is hard to see, it’s called the New Moon. This is a time for new beginnings and making wishes. Close your eyes, take a deep breath, and think about something you’d like to do or learn. That’s your special wish for the moon!

Mindfulness Tip:

• Draw or write down your wish in a journal. Imagine it coming true as the moon grows bigger and brighter.

2. Waxing Crescent – Little Steps Forward
After the New Moon, the moon starts to grow, like when a plant first pops out of the soil. This is a time for taking small steps toward making your wish come true. Pay attention to what makes you feel happy and excited, and take little actions to reach your goals.

Mindfulness Tip:

• Go outside and look for something new, like a flower, a leaf, or a bird. Take a deep breath and enjoy the fresh air while you explore.

3. First Quarter – Finding Your Brave Heart
Now the moon looks like half of a circle. This is when you might face some challenges, just like the moon has to work hard to grow bigger. If something feels hard, it’s okay! You can be brave and try your best.

Mindfulness Tip:

• When you feel a little worried or scared, close your eyes, take a big breath, and say, “I can do it!” Focus on how strong you feel inside.

4. Waxing Gibbous – Time to Shine Bright!
The moon is almost full now, getting bigger and bigger. This is a time to keep trying and practicing whatever you’re working on. The more you practice, the better you get!

Mindfulness Tip:

• Try a fun breathing exercise: Imagine blowing up a big balloon. Take a deep breath in through your nose, then slowly blow out through your mouth, like you’re filling the balloon with air.

5. Full Moon – Celebrate Your Success!
When the moon is full, it’s time to celebrate! Think about all the things you’ve learned and done. It’s also a time to let go of any worries. You can celebrate by dancing, playing, or just being proud of yourself!

Mindfulness Tip:

• Do a “happy dance” under the Full Moon or in your room. Think about all the things that make you smile.

6. Waning Gibbous – Time to Share
As the moon starts to shrink again, it’s a time to share what you’ve learned with others. You can tell your family, friends, or even your pet about the cool things you’ve done!

Mindfulness Tip:

• Write a little note or draw a picture for someone you love. Let them know how much they mean to you!

7. Last Quarter – Rest and Recharge
The moon is getting smaller, and this is a time to rest, just like the moon does. Take some time to relax, nap, or snuggle up with your favorite blanket.

Mindfulness Tip:

• Try a “cloud watching” activity: Lie down outside or near a window and look at the clouds. What shapes can you find in the sky?

8. Waning Crescent – Get Ready for the Next Adventure
The moon is almost gone again, but it’s getting ready for a fresh new cycle! This is a time for quiet reflection. Think about everything you’ve learned and what you want to do next.

Mindfulness Tip:

• Close your eyes, breathe slowly, and imagine what your next adventure with the moon will be. It’s a time to dream big!

Conclusion

The moon is like a magical guide, helping us learn and grow. By following its phases, we can take time to make wishes, be brave, celebrate, and rest. Next time you look up at the moon, remember that it’s there to remind you to be kind to yourself, stay calm, and have fun on your adventure.

Check out these apps that we use in our household to keep track: Moon Phase Calendar(Android) and Moon Phases + Lunar Calendar (Apple)

We’d love to hear what phase of the moon is your favorite and how you use it to practice mindfulness. Let’s keep exploring the magic of the moon together!