The lunar cycle and the labyrinth are two ancient patterns we use at Inside Awareness for encouraging one to become self-aware and align with life purpose. These patterns have the potential to ‘free up destructive self-talk’ in a fun and active way of shifting focus.
Both of these patterns compliment the integrative learning models that are a foundation of our coaching and mentoring programs at Inside Awareness to support one to be their best selves. These are models of self-improvement that where created in this century by Dr. Moshe Feldenkrais, Founder of Feldenkrais Method of Somatic Education and Dr. Marshall Rosenberg, Founder of Nonviolent Communication. The lunar cycle and the labyrinth can deepen an aspect of increasing awareness of where ones focus of attention is that both these models are based upon.
An example of this is the New Moon Labyrinth Walk we held in September, 2018 in Greater Victoria where we hosted a group walk at #yyj’s Irving Park on a guided pathway to acknowledge our intentional focus for this coming this lunar cycle using movement. The labyrinth symbolizes letting go, unwinding, pausing for clarity and walking out with a fresh start. Some in our group had a focus on finding love, others to improve relationships and others to improve quality of life.
Irving Park Labyrinth
A labyrinth pathway is a great alternative to mazes. Mazes reflect the puzzles solved in everyday life. A maze is a mental exercise to solve problems while a labyrinth disengages the mind to create a more balanced experience. A labyrinth is a fluid pathway that reflects the flow of life.
The Dance of the Labyrinth
- There are three parts to walking a labyrinth:
- Guided journey in to center point created by the path itself
- Center – pause for being present
- Actively walking out into the world possibly with more purpose – action
Journey in
The suggested focus walking into the labyrinth was on listening to the drum beat that resembled a *heart beat. The request to the participants was to come back to the sound if they found themselves drifting off in thought or emotion.
Walking mind-fully through a labyrinth can expand one’s senses bringing them into a closer somatic experience with themselves and their surroundings.
Reflecting in the Center
In the center of the center of the labyrinth we spent time in silent introspection and then later we shared, “See me Beautiful,” by Red Grammer. This reminds us that we are beautiful.
Actively Re-entering
Walking out of the labyrinth reflected action. For me I experienced a joyful stride and took pleasure in the experience.
intention & the New Moon
The New Moon in the lunar calendar represents a fresh start also. It is the opportunity to become attentive to the changes you are longing for and time to acknowledge the changes you long for.
Aligning the labyrinth walk with the new moon is just that, ‘ aligning ones motivation and inspiring action.’
Pictured below are are the 8 phases of the lunar calendar cycle. Each phase is an opportunity to consider and refine your goals. It is a model or pattern that can increase the agility of mind and calming emotional responses. It is a pattern of integrative learning that actively supports educating oneself in a new way of thinking, acting and speaking.
- For more information on lunar calendar activities visit our calendar.
- For more information on coaching contact us directly.
- Visit here for more on 8 steps for setting goals.
8 Phases of the Moon
