And just like that, the full moon is back.

As a fun little moon ritual, I’m really going to try to start this week with the same intense energy as the full moon gives off.

Also, it’s a great time for me to look at my time spent since the new moon and release anything that’s holding me back: beliefs, habits, anger, sadness…any emotions that are not serving me.

I’ve been loving Tara Brach’s latest podcast series on living with awake awareness.

The general theme fits perfectly with my 2016 intention. It’s all about being aware of others around us, and just slowing down: “the speed of our lives is a setup to not being able to feel our hearts.” and “be the stillness that’s aware of this living world.”

In the series, though, she discusses becoming aware of our thoughts and beliefs.

She says we have this constant narrative going in our heads (Yes! I do!), and a lot of times, it’s false. That our habit is to frame things as a problem.

She suggests taking our thoughts, our troubles, our beliefs, and exploring them. Relating to them with thoughts of “every time I think there’s a problem, I decide there isn’t one.” and “this, too.” –letting life be just as it is. Not a problem.

Engaging thoughts and life with awareness, interest, tenderness and friendliness.

I swear I listen to these podcasts every day on the train, fiercely taking notes (but wait, does that mean I’m still not being aware of my surroundings?).

So my full moon ritual will consist of releasing any thoughts that are false and emotions that are not serving me.

And start the week with renewed energy and awareness.