“As far as the moon is concerned, (s)he is always full.”  [Terri Guillemets, an adaptation]

I happened upon this quote over the summer, smiling in recognizing its truthfulness and simplicity.  A sentiment full of whimsy and wisdom applicable to all creatures.  The fluctuations of Earth’s tidal patterns are often emotionally and/or physically felt due to the (discerned) lunar cycle throughout the month.  Geographically from where I write, we are about to experience a Full moon tomorrow night.  These shifts often have a great effect on people and relationships across work, with friends or lovers, and frequently for ourselves.  It begs the question, how might we apply a similar embodiment of “enoughness” within our own lives?  Can we begin to honor ourselves (and others) as consistently ‘full,’ and therefore build acceptance across daily interactions?  Can we be kind towards one another, and especially ourselves, despite encountering someone’s “bad” mood, or “dismissive” attitude?  Consider perhaps, the fact that everyone in every moment, is merely casting a striation of themselves, comprised of whatever unique light-and-shadow perspective is observable at the time.

In yoga, the Niyamas are 5-identified internal observances, performed continuously (in an ideal scenario), which assists the individual in working towards spiritual momentum, enlightenment.  One such Niyama is Samtosa (pronounced, “San-tōsha”), otherwise defined as contentment.  This capacity of accepting what is, and living life in a non-coveting manner, is importantly distinguished as an active practice, rather than a passive function.  It’s not an easy position to face pains or sufferings with acceptance.  Every person has his or her own examples:  a car accident that sets you back financially, a fight with a colleague that causes you to question returning to a negative work environment.  Many of us experience the promiscuous insecurity of which material things support our image or role by societal standards.

Instead, I encourage you to believe in letting be.  Believe that you already have everything you are meant to; your soul stirring away in the vehicle of your body is distinctive and purposeful.  Trust that pining for other ‘things’ in life may help with temporary woes, but objectifying happiness is not a cure to the longevity of gratitude.  Practice towards contentment, and know that we all travel along with the moon – illuminating and illuminated by one another.  Ridding of whatever no longer serves us, and fully engaging in the starlit possibilities that create space for tolerance, light, and love.