January’s Wolf Moon

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A quick Google search of lessons and themes for the Wolf Moon presents things like, introspection, community, releasing limiting beliefs and setting intentions…many of the same things you’ll see for any full moon throughout the year. People often message me asking for simple rituals they can do during this time and while I share some ideas with them, I think it is vital that we turn within to listen for what speaks to us. 

As I often say in Yoga, the practice is your own. What I present in class is suggestion, not prescription. It’s up to each student to take the reins in their practice, listen to their body and to trust their intuition on the mat. This translates to life off the mat, and especially when it comes to spirituality. 

Like Yoga, spirituality is an individual experience. 

For me, the Full Moon energy can feel like a lot, probably because I am a predominantly Vata constitution and I have a lot of excessive energy. To balance this, during the full moon, I like grounding exercises and “rituals” (for lack of a better word) like sipping hot tea, journaling, practicing meditation and gentle or restorative yoga. For people with more Kapha energy, they may want a Vinyasa or hot yoga flow to move stagnant energy through their bodies to find balance. A Pitta type might benefit from a cooling Yin practice. 

Some folks like to set intentions at the full moon, but you may want to reflect and set intentions during the new moon and that’s great too. Let your practice be your own. The magic of a personal practice is that you don’t need to emulate what you see and hear from others; create your own vibe. 


Making Time

If you have an altar for your spiritual path, or simply as a focal point for your meditation practice, maybe add in some things from nature that speak to you. This could be as simple as a pinecone or stone you found on a hike, or as elaborate as something you have created by your own hands. There are lots of things available these days to dress up an altar, but I still lean towards creating my own. This is not for everyone and that is okay. Regardless of what you choose, let it be chosen and used with love and intention. Perhaps alter it slightly to make it your own. 

If altars aren’t your thing, simply create a quiet space for prayer, meditation and yoga. You don’t need a room, or even a space permanently dedicated for this. Roll out your mat, or place your meditation pouf with intention, maybe light a candle and try to practice at the same time each day. Remember: you are the vessel. In many practices, you are considered the temple/altar. Nothing outside of yourself is needed to practice. 

January is an especially nice month for these types of practices, because the Natural world is resting and nurturing from within. The leaves are being nurtured within buds, waiting to burst forth when warmth returns, flowers and herbs are dormant - resting and nurturing. 

Let this time be to nurture yourself. 


Express Yourself Authentically

The Wolf Moon specifically may bring about deeper introspection, because the wolf is, by nature, a solitary animal. That said, the wolf calls to others with her piercing howl, and suggests that this could also be a time when you may want to express yourself in ways that feel best for you. Express from your authentic self and your “pack” will find you. Living according to your authenticity builds solid roots and you will attract those who will love and accept you for who you are. Living in this way will also help to regulate your nervous system - there is nothing worse than feeling like you’re torn inside. I know from my experience as a people-pleaser. 

Live your truth. Some people will get it. Some won’t. 

Neither of these really matter. Focus on how YOU feel. 


There was a time in my life when I truly had no idea what I wanted and expressing myself felt awkward and scary. If you feel this way, I encourage you to explore, try a new class or workshop, find a recipe for a new dish, go out in Nature for a hike or bike ride, meet friends for lunch, visit a new town or even your own town and be a tourist for a day. Exploration and curiosity allow us to find what speaks to us. 

From there, you can begin expressing yourself. 


On the Mat this Month: 

Find your edge. This is that sweet spot between effort and ease. It’s not straining, or pulling or tugging, but rather you are there, consciously working with even breath, not feeling overwhelmed or passive. Your mind is sharp. Your body is engaged. You are IN your practice. 

At the end of your practice, repeat the mantra: I am here, now. 

HERE, NOW is the only place where life exists. 


Namaste & Blessings, 

Resa 



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