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​What I Heard in the Silence

6/26/2025

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Reflections from Gethsemani Abbey

This past week, I entered silence.

I stayed at Gethsemani Abbey, a Trappist monastery tucked into the rolling hills of Kentucky, for a silent retreat. No small talk, no texts, no background noise. Just quiet. And I wasn’t alone—I shared a room with my freshman-year college roommate, someone I’ve known for over two decades. We were randomly paired back in 2000, and despite (or maybe because of) our very different ways of living and thinking, we’ve built a relationship rooted in deep respect and honest curiosity.

(Mostly) Not speaking to each other for a full week was hard. But we honored the rules, and more importantly, we honored each other. In the silence, our friendship took on a new shape which is less about words, and more about presence.

I spent most of my time listening: to myself, to the universe, and to God. I’m not devout, but I do acknowledge: God is real. And I am never, ever alone. Neither are you. Even in total silence, the world hums. Birdsong in the morning, crickets in the dark -- these were the voices of a larger conversation, one that’s been happening long before I showed up and will continue long after I’m gone.

In that stillness, I remembered: creation is vast, connection is always available, and it’s often us with our busy minds and our constant noise who get in the way of what’s already waiting.

This week reminded me that the sacred doesn’t require belief, only attention.
And attention, it turns out, flourishes in silence.
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Slow Down with tonight's New Moon

6/24/2025

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​New Moon in Cancer: Intentions Rooted in Nurturing Energy

The New Moon in Cancer brings a soft but powerful invitation: come home to yourself. This moon doesn’t shout—it whispers. It wraps you in a blanket, hands you a warm drink, and says, “It’s okay to feel everything.” Cancer energy is deeply intuitive, emotionally rich, and focused on care—both for ourselves and for the people and spaces we hold dear.

During this lunar reset, we’re asked to turn inward and ask: what truly nurtures me? What parts of me need tending, gentleness, and space to grow? The answers won’t come from logic—they’ll come from stillness, from the heart, from the body.

To align with this New Moon, I suggest soft, intentional practices:
  • Heart-Centered Journaling
    Write without editing. Let the pen move with your emotions. Ask yourself what you need more of—and what you’re finally ready to release.
  • Water Rituals
    Take a bath or even a long shower. As the water flows, imagine it rinsing away outdated patterns, grief, or fear. Visualize renewal.
  • Create a Sentimental Altar
    Gather objects that comfort you—a stone, a photo, a flower, a childhood trinket. Light a candle beside them and speak your intentions aloud.
  • Tend Your Space
    Clear one small corner of your home. Make it beautiful or peaceful. When we tend our external space, we signal that we’re ready to care for our inner one.
  • Slow Down
    Cancer energy asks us to pause, not push. Let yourself rest, cry if you need to, and remember: quiet is productive too.

Let this New Moon mark the beginning of a gentler relationship with yourself—one rooted in care, safety, and the kind of nourishment only you can define.
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Harnessing the Energy of a Gemini Moon for Wellbeing (Strawberry Moon)

6/9/2025

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The Gemini moon brings lively, curious, and communicative energy. This air sign inspires intellectual engagement and social connection, making it an ideal time for learning, networking, and sharing ideas.

During a Gemini moon, your wellbeing can benefit from mental stimulation and variety. Try reading a new book, exploring a hobby, or engaging in thought-provoking conversations. This is also a wonderful time to connect with friends, attend social events, or even take a short trip to break up your routine and spark new perspectives.

Gemini’s dual nature may lead to restlessness or scattered focus. To stay balanced, practice grounding techniques such as deep breathing or journaling to organize your thoughts. Prioritize activities that align with your interests, and avoid overcommitting to prevent burnout.

The Gemini moon encourages you to embrace curiosity and adaptability. Use this lunar phase to expand your mind, strengthen your connections, and bring lightheartedness into your daily life.
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Next Gemini Full Moon: June 11, 2025 (3:43 am)
Next Gemini New Moon: June 25, 2025 (6:31 am)
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    About the OP.

    Hi! I am Colleen. Thinking is fun, so is writing.

    What is it that I am to write?

    The best advice I've found is to write what you know, so here it is. My plan is to start in the middle, and see where it goes from there. 

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