Whenever there's a full moon, (and tonight, July 29th is a full moon) I find myself asking a version of this question….

What am I ready to let be illuminated?

Other questions…

What am I ready to let the moon shine a new light on?

Am I in a place to fully turn toward something?

To see it and then let it move through my system?

To let things either nourish me on the way through?

Or let things that are not serving me leave and, on the way out, grab whatever is connected, as I say, "Good riddance," to them?

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I ask myself these questions because I believe the moon can offer shifts.

Shifts in my mind, my heart, my body and my nervous system.

For me shifts come when I choose to let the full moon’s energy, beauty and illumination share things with my energy.

This may sound woo-woo…..It used to sound and feel that way to me too....So I invite you to stay with this for just a bit....

In the Yogic tradition, the moon is full of lunar energy. And some of the things lunar energy can invite are: rest, fresh starts, calm, and beauty in a new form of light.

I personally need regular reminders to slow down and check in with my body to see if I need any of these. And a full moon and these types of questions offer me this.

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One of my favorite ways to slow down (okay, I have lots of 'favorite' ways, but one I want to share with you today), comes from the Taoist practice of the Six Healing Sounds (found in Qigong).

Traditionally, each sound is connected with an organ system and an emotional quality. Whether you embrace that traditional perspective or simply enjoy the practice of breathing with sound, there is something beautiful about intentionally slowing your exhale using different sounds.

Science tells us that slower breathing and vocalization—including humming—can activate pathways involved in calming the nervous system. Researchers studying Qigong have also found improvements in stress, anxiety, and overall well-being.

Sign me up for all of that.....Especially right now, when my body keeps reminding me that, even as I am healing, it still wants me to take it slow.

So turning to healing sounds is a way for me to do that.

With the full moon tonight, I'd like to invite you into a simple practice.

- Before we add in Taoist sound...try this first -

Step outside if you can. (Or look out a window).

Notice the moon—or simply imagine it if it's cloudy.

Take a slow breath in.

As you exhale, make one long, gentle sound.

Then pause.

Do it 2 more times...

Instead of asking, "Did it work?"

Ask:

What changed or shifted?

Did your shoulders drop?

Did your breath become a little easier?

Did you feel vibration in your chest, your throat, or your face?

Or maybe you noticed absolutely nothing.

Every one of those answers is valuable.

Because healing isn't about creating a particular experience.

It's about learning the language your body is already speaking.

And then I invite you to try it again with a different sounds.

The Taoist sounds are:

Haaaaaa,

Whooooo,

Chooooo,

Ooooo,

Ssssss,

Heeeee.

Choose a sound,

Notice the full moon,

Then take a slow inhale,

And then, on the exhale, make the sound,

Letting the vowel continue until you run out of breath and naturally inhale again.

You did it! And now...

You can play with making it a whisper, making it a strong sound the whole time, or letting the sound go from loud to soft or soft to loud on a single exhale.

It can be kind of fun and I invite you to explore the practice with different sounds or with just a normal exhale…..whatever your body wants. ​
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I invite you to practice for 3-5 minutes.

What do you discover?

Feel free to journal about your experience, share with someone you trust or reply to this email.

And if you'd like someone to guide you in learning your body's language, I'd love to meet with you for a free 30-minute chat.

Remember, ❤️

You Matter. Your Healing Matters. You Are Worth It!

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