Comets, New Moon Mandalas and Yin Yoga!

Comet Neowise is visible to the naked eye until July 23! This frozen ball of ice won't return to our inner solar system for 6,800 years! Look up at the northwest skies about an hour and a half after sunset. Find the Big Dipper and follow its ladle as it arcs in the direction of the horizon. The Comet Neowise will be about as bright as a constellation's stars. Over the next few days, the comet will move higher in the sky and be easier to see, reaching its apex on July 23, when it makes its closest approach to Earth. I have been watching out for it over the past few nights, but the sky has been too hazy. The pictures that have captured the comet on the move have been amazing! The image above is from a New York Times article that details the comet Neowise. Let me know if you see it, I'll keep looking too.


Today is our July New Moon, a celestial awareness of reflection that we are in constant transition every moment of every day. Change isn't coming, change is here. As a way to honor these constant evolutions and our collective growth in life, the boys and I created two New Moon mandalas out of our collections from nature. Creating art as intention brings in a divine quality to our everyday actions. Mandala in Sanskrit, means 'circle'. It is a symbol that focuses one's attention on establishing a sacred space. We created these mandalas as a representation of the greater universe that surrounds us. We will keep them together for a few days to remember that we are a part of something much bigger than ourselves. Try it for yourself. See what you have lying around your home, arrange the found pieces in a circle inside or outside. Notice how the image changes for you as you go about your week.

Sean's mandala is called 'Seacrest'.

Will's mandala is called 'Moonmagic'.

MOVE ~ BREATHE ~ MEDITATE

Yin Yoga: Heart/Lungs/Intestines

This yin style practice focuses on the energy lines of the heart, lungs, and intestines. Yin connects with a slower moving energy of the interior-what lies beneath the surface. Yang energy is faster moving and closer to the surface. In nature, we see yin energy as roots, earthbound, oceanic and phased with the moon. Yang energy is in the bloom of a flower, the heat in air or fire, and in the radiance of the sun and sky. In the body, the heart energy connects with the small intestine, and the lung energy connects with the large intestine. Enjoy these yin poses that bring awareness to the chest, rib cage, spine, upper and lower abdomen. The goal is to bring balance into the mental, physical, emotional, and spiritual aspects of the body. 

This video ends in relaxation with legs above the heart. To enhance the experience, listen to your favorite relaxing music or Soften & Shine, a free guided meditation intended to ease your transition into summer.

Set a timer or flow with your intuition. 

Settle, sink, and stay.

As we enter the middle of summer here in NE, be gentle with yourself. Take time to stay cool, rest and relax. If we push ourselves too hard, the motivation runs low and becomes depeleted. My hope is that these simple offerings bring you deep connection with yourself and with the world around you. 

Change is here. 

A donation has been made to The Bail Project, as a gift to all the prayers, hopes and dreams that exist in the hearts of those who are risking their lives for freedom. The National Revolving Bail Fund is a non-profit organization, it is a critical tool to prevent incarceration and combat racial and economic disparities in the bail system. 

"You cannot be afraid to speak up and speak out for what you believe. You have to have courage, raw courage."

John Lewis

2/21/1940-7/17/2020

With love and care,

Michelle