New Moon in Virgo + Setting intentions + inviting in the spirit of play into your world

I love the new moon for setting intentions. Even though we can set intentions whenever we want, I find that having the backdrop of the moon's energy is like an extra blessing we can use to supercharge our magic. It always feels like a special time to pause and connect within. 

My intention I'm setting for this super new moon in Virgo is to play more -  as I uproot my perfectionist tendencies, I see the benefit in making time for pure pleasure. The dictionary defines play as engaging in activity for enjoyment and recreation rather than a serious or practical purpose. Just because we're grown doesn't mean play becomes less important to our own holistic development.

I used to be so over-scheduled I had no idea who I was. I know now it was exactly for that reason - if we're so busy we can't think, we're escaping ourselves, but we're also selling ourselves short. If we're not on earth to find out who we are - then why are we here?

By honoring and exploring our interests and committing to give ourselves time to play, we can open ourselves up to the divine, the bigger picture, and invite magic into our lives. 

How are you creating time for recreation and relaxation in your life?

If the idea of using your time for pure pleasure is triggering - dig into that. I found for myself that I didn't believe I was worthy of giving myself time to enjoy what I wanted to enjoy because I was so set on a productivity mindset. Creating space for joy and recreation takes thoughtfulness and time as we strike out the programming that tells us to be practical with our pursuits.

It is worth it to examine your beliefs and carve out time for yourself. Play is an extraordinary gift and perhaps one of the most important things we can do for ourselves. If you need more of a reason than getting to know what you like and enjoying that for enjoyment's sake - then know that giving yourself time to chill out is essential for your mental health and wellbeing. 

I invite you to reflect on where you are in your life right now. Take 10 minutes and journal or sit quietly in meditation. How are you showing up for yourself? How would you like to show up for yourself as you progress into Fall? 

Some of my resources along the way

here are a few things that have shaped my views

In my 20s living in the TINIEST East Village apartment caused me to come face to face with my shopping habits. In tandem with learning about how much waste is produced through fast fashion, I began my journey into paring down. I learned a ton from the podcast and blog by The Minimalists. I also recommend their Netflix doc, Minimalism: A Documentary About The Important Things - the music for the doc was specifically made for the movie and it’s super calming.

In the same vein, reading Marie Kondo, The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up: The Japanese Art of Decluttering and Organizing was also hugely helpful at making my home joy-FULL. Those who know me know I have the ability to ruthlessly cut down on my belongings. Marie’s book is truly where I gave myself permission to lean into that talent.

One of my good friends turned me on to Lacy Phillip’s manifestation process at  To Be Magnetic a few years ago and it has challenged me to think about WHY I want something. While Lacy herself can be a bit controversial, I love to listen to her podcast, Expanded, because of the variety of guests who come on - you just never know what you might learn about! I find it so interesting.

Gay Hendricks & Kathlyn Hendricks’ book Conscious Loving, which I’m pretty sure I read because of GOOP. I know this may seem absolutely wild, but no book has changed my life more than this one. No matter your relationship status, this book will open your eyes to how you communicate.

Gay Hendricks’ The Big Leap is the other book that opened my eyes and helped me change course on my life. After learning about Lacy Phillips, I realized this book is what taught me how to manifest in my own life.

Finding Kundalini yoga (and specifically Jarrod & Melody from Brooklyn Healing Arts ) was a blessing and another turning point in my spiritual development. The kriyas and breathwork really helped me connect with the deeper current and because of that, I was able to actually understand the point of yoga. Jarrod’s Friday night sound baths at Golden Bridge Yoga (HOW I MISS THEE!) kept me sane when I was in graduate school + working full-time as a first-year teacher.

I was lucky to be a part of Medi Club/The Big Quiet when I lived in New York City, helping to run small group gatherings where people could connect and meditate and share in the fellowship of likeminded souls. While circles no longer exist in those groups, having a community grounded in genuine connections was such a blessing. Some of my closest friendships have sprung from those gatherings and because of the community, I was able to step into my own power even more.

What are the things that have shaped your viewpoint?