Reflections from Gethsemani AbbeyThis 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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New Moon in Cancer: Intentions Rooted in Nurturing EnergyThe 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:
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. 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. Next Gemini Full Moon: June 11, 2025 (3:43 am) Next Gemini New Moon: June 25, 2025 (6:31 am) I AM
by Colleen Rosshirt I welcome strangers. I desire a simple life. I believe in abundance with respect against excess. I know that what you put out into the world feels "lots of ways". I understand our views may be slightly (often radically) different. I help the world through law, art, and technology. I love teaching as much as learning. I love the microphone. I love to color and to create. I see how temporary all of this is. There is a handbook for this.(it is called intuition) __________________ Why I Wrote This Poem This list came out of a moment when I needed to remember who I am, not who I’ve been told to be, not who I’m trying to become, but who I already am at my core. Too often, we edit ourselves to fit the room. We shrink to keep the peace, or we inflate to be heard. But there’s a quiet, powerful space in between those extremes: the truth of who you are when no one is watching. This isn’t a list of accomplishments or goals. It’s a declaration, a return. Writing it helped me anchor back into myself. I’m sharing it here because I hope you might feel inspired to write your own. Not a resume. Not a manifesto. Just a list of what’s true for you right now. It might surprise you. It might comfort you. It might shift everything. Your list doesn’t need to be finished. Mine isn’t either. But it’s a start. And sometimes that’s the most honest thing we can do—start with what we know. Use the button below to download a writing prompt and do some inner work today! When the Moon is in Scorpio: A Time for Depth, Intuition, and Transformation (Flower Moon)5/10/2025 When the Moon moves into Scorpio, the emotional atmosphere shifts dramatically. This is no time for surface-level thinking. Unlike the grounded calm of a Taurus Moon, a Scorpio Moon invites us into the depths of feeling and intuition, asking us to sit with what’s raw, hidden, or unresolved.
Scorpio is a sign of transformation, and under this moon, emotions tend to run deep and silent. You might feel things more intensely, yet struggle to express them openly. This is a powerful time to journal, meditate, or explore shadow work—anything that helps uncover what lies beneath the surface. Intuition also heightens during this phase. You may pick up on unspoken energy in a room or notice yourself understanding people’s motivations without needing them to say a word. Trust your gut—especially when navigating emotionally charged situations. This moon supports emotional release. Scorpio is ruled by Pluto, the planet of death and rebirth. Use this time to let go of emotional baggage, end patterns that no longer serve you, or even hold a simple ritual to mark a fresh start. Privacy and loyalty take center stage. It’s a good time to strengthen your closest bonds while being mindful of possessiveness or control, Scorpio’s shadow traits. Protect your energy by avoiding manipulative or superficial interactions. A Scorpio Moon doesn’t promise comfort, but it offers something richer: transformation. If you’re willing to sit with discomfort and listen to your inner world, this lunar phase can help you emerge stronger, clearer, and more connected to your truth. Next Taurus Full Moon: May 12, 2025 (12:55pm) Next Taurus New Moon: May 26, 2025 (11:02pm)
![]() Photo by Dylan Sauerwein on Unsplash Harnessing the Energy of an Aries Moon for Wellbeing
An Aries moon sparks vitality, courage, and a pioneering spirit. This fire sign’s influence can reignite your passion for life and inspire bold action toward personal growth. When the moon moves through Aries, it’s a time to embrace spontaneity and channel your energy into achieving your goals. During an Aries moon, physical activity is a powerful tool for enhancing wellbeing. Whether through a high-intensity workout, a brisk walk, or playful outdoor activities, moving your body helps release pent-up energy and clears your mind. Aries’ boldness also supports tackling challenges you’ve been hesitant to face—now is the time to take that first step. However, Aries energy can sometimes lead to impatience or impulsivity. To maintain balance, practice mindfulness to stay present and avoid rash decisions. Engage in activities that allow you to channel your enthusiasm constructively, such as brainstorming new projects or setting short-term goals that bring quick, satisfying results. The Aries moon reminds us to act with courage and embrace our inner warrior. Use this lunar phase to ignite your passions and cultivate confidence in your ability to shape your future. Next Aries Full Moon: Saturday April 12, 2025 (8:22pm Eastern) Next Aries New Moon: April 27, 2025 (3:31pm) Existence
The past few years have been a whirlwind of change. Parenthood reshapes your priorities, COVID uproots the foundations of daily life, and evolving job expectations force you to redefine success. Somewhere in the shuffle, I lost the core of my routine—the steady rhythm that once gave my days structure and meaning. I fell (willingly?) into a mental space of contemplation, specifically on the anxiety created by the uncertainty of life. This “existential dread” became a catalyst for reviewing large parts of my path. Existentialism teaches us that we are responsible for creating our own meaning in life. For me, that realization is both liberating and daunting. Amid the chaos of caregiving, adapting to a remote workspace, and navigating an uncertain world, I’ve often felt as though my routines were slipping through my fingers like sand. Yet, existentialism reminds me that the power to rebuild is always within reach. The Meaning of Routine Routines are more than just time management tools; they are anchors of purpose. When you lose your routine, it’s easy to drift into a sea of aimlessness, questioning not only how to fill your days but why. Philosopher Søren Kierkegaard suggested that “life can only be understood backward, but it must be lived forward.” It’s often in hindsight that we recognize the quiet power of our habits—their ability to ground us, sustain us, and reflect our values. During these past few years, I realized my routines had stopped reflecting who I want to be. My days felt reactive rather than intentional. And while caring for my family and meeting work deadlines was fulfilling in its own way, the absence of balance between sloth and productivity left me feeling disconnected from myself. A Year to Grow This year, I’ve set an intention to rebuild routines that reflect my values. Not routines built on rigid productivity or aimless relaxation, but an accord between the two—a routine that acknowledges life’s fullness. Existentialism challenges us to embrace the absurd, to find joy in the everyday, even in seemingly mundane activities. For me, this might look like setting aside 15 minutes every morning to write, playing with Frankie before school instead of rushing out the door, or intentionally folding laundry instead of treating it like a chore to conquer. These small acts become rituals, and rituals can be powerful ways to infuse meaning into routine. Balancing Sloth and Productivity The philosopher Albert Camus described the absurd man as one who embraces life fully, despite its lack of inherent meaning. What other way is there!? To balance sloth and productivity is to embrace life in its wholeness — to acknowledge the need for rest and reflection alongside the joy of achievement and creation. This year, I’m giving myself permission to find that balance. To let go of routines that no longer serve me and cultivate those that do. To experiment, fail, and try again. To pause when I need rest and push forward when I feel called to act. In the end, existentialism offers not answers but the freedom to create our own. Meaning isn’t found; it’s made. This year, I’m making mine — one small, deliberate act at a time.
![]() Photo by Joshua Woroniecki on Unsplash Following the lunar eclipse of the full moon in Pisces, this month is full of energetic leaps. On March 29th, 2025 we welcome the New Moon in Pisces. This New Moon is a potent time for resetting your emotional and spiritual compass. Pisces, the last sign of the zodiac, is ruled by water and deeply connected to intuition, dreams, and the unseen realms. When the moon is in Pisces, we are invited to surrender, trust, and embrace the unknown. It’s a time to soften our grip on logic and lean into feeling, creativity, and spiritual insight.
Energetically, this New Moon is a portal for deep healing. You may feel more sensitive, dreamy, or introspective. Synchronicities could be heightened, and your dreams might carry messages from your subconscious. This is a powerful moment to set intentions related to emotional healing, spiritual growth, and creative expression. If you’ve been feeling overwhelmed, use this time to retreat, meditate, and reconnect with yourself. New Moons represent beginnings—a blank slate where we can plant new seeds of intention. In Pisces, this renewal is not just about external goals but about inner transformation. What beliefs or emotional patterns need releasing? Where can you practice more compassion for yourself? To align with this energy, consider journaling, meditating, or engaging in a creative ritual. Take a salt bath, visualize your dreams, or simply allow yourself to rest. Trust that the seeds you plant now, even if unseen, will grow in divine timing. This New Moon asks you to surrender control and embrace the flow—magic happens when we trust the unseen currents of life. |
About the OP.Hi! I am Colleen. Thinking is fun, so is writing. Archives
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