January Dark Moon 2023 - Quieten down...

Hello again Moonchild :)

If you have been on a journey with the Moon and me, you may have explored some deep inner work with the last few practices! We are now at the New Moon phase - the first one of 2023 :) The Dark Moon peaks on January 21. She beckons me to quieten down and just be. From silence and nothingness come clarity and peace. So let us pause all the active 'digging in' and allow ourselves to settle :)

Yoga Nidra is a lovely practice for the time!

I have been following the guided Yoga Nidra from one of the most authentic sources - Swami Niranjanananda Saraswati (the successor of Satyananda Saraswati, founder of the Bihar School of Yoga). This is powerful. I would invite you to try it too. It is best practised in the evening, around sunset. I would suggest that you don't try it at bed-time, as there are high chances that you will doze off :)

(Credits to @mysticaditi for uploading this on her YouTube channel)

In this guided audio, Swamiji speaks of making a Sankalpa (intention). I would recommend that you keep this simple in the context of 'being'.

Here are some options to choose from:

I am peaceful.

I am calm and grounded.

I am grateful and content.

I am rested and relaxed.

Some tips for preparation:

This is a 45 minute practice.

Make sure you are in a quiet room where you will not be disturbed.

Let the lights be dim.

Keep your phone on silent mode.

In the weather is cold, cover yourself with a blanket. It could get cold during the practice.

Wear loose clothes and remove jewelry/accessories that can cause discomfort.

Keep a journal and pen just in case you need to jot down anything after the Yoga Nidra.

If time permits, you could do this for 3 days consecutively at the same time. Keep observing yourself during this period to see what this state facilitated by Yoga Nidra births for you. Make notes. If you have been doing the last few moon rituals, go back to your insights and actions from then, review them after the Yoga Nidra practice. You may get more clarity or even be challenged to change some things. Go with what feels right for you. The practice and the Moon's energies will guide you along!

Have a soulful practice :)

Hugs, love & gratitude

Sheetal