Full Moon Meditation, a Wonderful Window to The Mind
The Power of The Full Moon on Human Beings
Throughout the world, the full moon is known to have influence over living beings in many ways. Whether it is through its tide weaving gravitational field, let’s not forget we are made of 70% of water! Or its theorized role in shaping the earth’s magnetic field [1], it is still up for debate. But one thing is sure, its influence has been observed for millennia now.
In Hinduism specifically the full moon is said to cause imbalance in the body which has direct repercussions on the mind. The Increase of sensitivity seems evident, just one step before irritability, higher likelihood for irrational and impulsive behavior.
As our senses are hyper receptive, isn’t it the perfect time to draw it inward to explore what’s happening inside us?
Full moon meditation is the art of wisely using this exceptional receptivity to experience our inner world and support us to unfold any deep-rooted emotions or memories.
The Full Moon meditation is a wonderful opportunity to wisely use our exceptional receptivity in order to experience our inner world and support us to unfold any deep-rooted emotions or memories.
Observation, Awareness & The Power of Attention
By turning our focus inward, we can observe and become aware of the direct effect of the outside world on our body and mind. This awareness allows us to focus our attention on subtle changes within us and fully appreciated the benefits our efforts bring to every aspects of our lives.
Being aware of, and controlling where our attention goes is a necessity throughout all of the Raja Yoga path’s limbs.
By turning our focus inward, we can observe and become aware of the direct effect of the outside world on our body and mind. This awareness allows us to focus our attention on subtle changes within us and fully appreciate the benefits our efforts bring to every aspect of our lives.
Being aware of, and controlling where our attention goes is a necessity throughout all of the Raja Yoga path’s eight limbs.
But one cannot focus his attention on something he is not aware of, thus observation, awareness and control over one’s attention is one of the most fundamental parts of a Yoga journey.
The Full Moon Day During Our Bali Yoga Teacher Training
Yamas and Niyamas require us to make a conscious effort in holding good behavior and actions, towards both ourselves and others.
It starts with the first Yamas, non-harming “Ahimsa” in Sanskrit. Long story short, it’s our ability to be kind, non-judgmental, compassionate in our thoughts, words and action toward ourselves and every living being. This is the first step of yoga and it’s applied day after day.
The Cleanliness, “Saucha “in Sanskrit is the first Niyamas. It reflects any practices toward a pure body & mind.
Thus, the day starts with a practice of a Kriya or Shatkarma, The Jala Neti.
Asanas and Pranayama can require us to focus our attention on intentions, sensations in the body, and visualize them.
We obviously chose to teach Yin yoga, as the Yin energy represents, among other things, the moon, the calmness, downward seek, surrender or fulfillment. Furthermore, this slow pace practice guides us to access unknown parts of the physical body as well as the subtle body.
Breathwork follows the previous Yin yoga practice in order to help release hidden emotions or memories.
Pratyahara and Dharana respectively have us learn to withdraw from our senses, and hold our intention without letting distractions reach us.
A genuine intention is chosen by our students on the first day of the yoga teacher training course. And during this special full moon day, the previous intention is the reminder, an anchor to focus on through all previous practices and for meditation.
Dhyana, the body and mind are now prepared. Dhyana in Sanskrit translates as meditation”, this wonderful moment when the practitioner & the focus point merge together to be just one. Thus, it is a complete manifestation of the intention.
It is after all these steps that Samadhi translated as enlightenment, bliss or liberation may be reached. The unique and ultimate goal of yoga.
[1] https://phys.org/news/2016-03-moon-thought-major-role-earth.amp
