We live in a Full Moon culture. We prefer light over darkness, revelation over mystery, harvest over planting and strength over weakness. However, when we only celebrate one stage of life, we miss the beauty and wisdom of the stages in-between. Transitions are just as important as destinations; or as Ernest Hemingway once said, “It is good to have an end to journey toward; but it is the journey that matters in the end.”
The Moon, and its 8 phases, is a powerful metaphor of this truth. Starting in complete darkness, it waxes and wanes over 27 days, cycling through shadow and light as it orbits around our planet. To the human eye, it appears to move at a snail’s pace; yet in reality it is actually moving quite fast – traveling over 2,200 miles per hour! If we watch and listen, it teaches us to slow down, to embrace each cycle and to lean into the dark times as much as we revel in illumination.
Yoga, sound meditation and breath exercises are practices that do the same thing. Movement grounds us in our bodies, music calms our anxious minds and mindful breath draws our attention to the present moment. When combined with the natural ebb and flow of celestial rhythms, we experience a profound synergy that teaches us in form and function an insightful wisdom; namely that each moment, each breath and each encounter is sacred.
The Sonic Moon Sound Bath is the embodiment of this synergy. Blending the beauty of yoga, sound, breath and essential oils with the depth and mystery of the lunar phases, it moves musically over 90-minutes leading people on a journey that begins with the darkness and potential of the New Moon, to the brightness and realization of the Full Moon. Accompanied by crystal and brass singing bowls, gongs, drums and chimes, participants will practice breath awareness while being guided through simple body movements before settling into savasana – a lying down posture – for the duration of the experience.
Sonic Moon is a calming and relaxing reminder that every day counts; every season matters; every stage of life has something for us. It teaches us through shape and sound not to resist the times of hiddenness, or only celebrate the times of light. Breathe, lean in and see what each moment has to teach you. In the end, our lives are like the Moon, a beautiful interplay of shadow, light and transition.
Written by Mark Carter and originally published on September 27, 2018 by Sojourn Healing Collective