On October 26, 2026, the moon was in a Full Moon phase with 100% illumination. It was the Hunter’s Moon, the full moon that follows the Harvest Moon. These are said to be the moons that prepare us for the winter. I know next to nothing about astrology and decided long ago to be open to new experiences. After a wonderful first sound bath experience in San Francisco with friends a few years ago and sleeping (quite peacefully) through most of it, I’ve wanted to try again. So on the evening of the full moon, I attended a workshop. It included journaling, gentle breath work, and a restorative sound meditation. The event was billed as a healing and healthful way to begin the month with clarity and lightness. We would release what no longer supported us and make space for what we want. This may sound glorious to you or it may sound a little woo-woo. I’d have likely fit comfortably within the woo-woo camp but my pledge to be open means no judgment. All I can say for sure is that, after this 90 minutes immersive, candlelit, full-body listening experience, I felt relaxed at my deepest level and understood, maybe for the first time, how it physically feels when you make mental space.
What Are You Carrying?
At the ritual I attended, each person received a mat, a pillow, a beanbag eye cover, a blanket, a small journal and a pen. The guide led us through some breathing to ground ourselves. She then asked us to think about what we’re carrying and write it in our journals.
We think we know what we’re carrying, what’s on our minds, what’s weighing us down, and what’s lifting us up. But we’re hard pressed to articulate those things. Inability to give voice often turns to ignoring it. So does deliberate effort to avoid dwelling on something. We’re all carrying a lot because that’s what you do in life but we try not to think about it too much lest we give it too much power. Consequently, many of us find it challenging to actually describe our load. So we don’t. Not even to ourselves. If your instinct is to answer the question “what are you carrying?” with “a lot” or “too much” or “the weight of the world” or “everything,” then you might find it interesting to learn a little specificity can go a long way and with a little prompting, you can become skillful at specificity.
When the clock ticks, the sands pour through the hour glass, or you’re given pen, paper, and a simple prompt, your brain simultaneously focuses and lets loose. Answers that were there all along and buried can appear. You can’t release what you’re carrying until you know what it is you are carrying. And you can’t invite in what you want if you haven’t made space through release. Our systems only have the capacity to carry so much at any one time. Periodically checking in with yourself to see how your capacity is apportioned is mindful intentionality.
Release And Restore
Dedicating a few minutes to stream of consciously consider what you’re carrying is a gift. Writing it down keeps it intentional and real. When the next prompt is what you no longer wish or need to carry, you’re able to dig in a little more. By the third prompt, what do you wish to hold onto or invite in, you have the start of a renewal plan. We can’t always release the things we’d like to just because we feel their weight. Feeling weighed down may even lead us to feel we can’t release anything. But the elements that make up the burden you carry are not equal in weight or need or timing. Honesty with yourself about what’s going on within you can serve as a helpful spotlight.
Once you identify what you’re carrying, what you no longer wish to carry, and what you’d like to invite in, you can move forward either within the context of a ritual or generally in life with a little more purpose and clarity.
Sounds, Frequencies and Good Vibrations
At the full moon ritual I attended, we closed our journals after responding to the prompts. We then moved into gentle breath work that prepared us for the next stage, the sound bath. A full moon sound bath combines the releasing, heightened energy of a full lunar cycle with the restorative frequencies of singing bowls, chimes, and gongs. Participants lie down on mats, heads on pillows, eyes closed and covered, and bodies under blankets. They are led through a guided meditation. Echoes of the gongs, chimes, and bowls, sometimes near, sometimes further, fill them with sound and vibration. The sound, frequency and vibrations in these practices are transformational. They feel loving and renewing.
Transformation
When we slowly sat and gently open our eyes, I was shocked by the fact that 90 minutes flew by and, at the same time, didn’t feel rushed for a second. During those 90 minutes, something inside me moved. I genuinely believe it was the creation of space resulting from the clear recognition of what I have been carrying and what I was choosing to carry no longer. It was a strange and wonderfully hopeful feeling.
The full moon ritual sought to relax and restore, boost moods and offer inner peace along with well-being. It delivered. And I’m convinced the same effect could be achieved in the comfort and privacy of your home by adhering to the steps. I returned home that evening with a little extra pep in my step and a silly smile on my face. I wouldn’t change the experience for anything. A little woo-woo goes a long way.
Musical Playlist While You Ponder This Post
Give Me Space by Tate McCrae, Blank Space by Taylor Swift, Splish Splash by Bobby Darin, Full Moon and Empty Arms by Bob Dylan, Bad Moon Rising by Creedence Clearwater Revival, Sisters of the Moon by Fleetwood Mac, Man On The Moon by R.E.M., Moondance by Van Morrison, Moonshadow by Cat Stevens, Fly Me To The Moon by Frank Sinatra, Good Vibrations by The Beach Boys
Thinking and Trying
Something to think about: “A drum was gifted to you before you were born: the beat of your mother’s heart.” ― Dr. Toni Sorenson
Something to try:
- Find a quiet space: Set aside 10 to 15 minutes and grab a pen and paper.
- What you no longer wish to carry (Release):
- Ask yourself: What am I carrying right now that no longer serves me, drains my energy, or isn’t mine to fix?
- Write down everything that comes to mind—old resentments, toxic obligations, expectations, fears, or physical/mental clutter. Do not judge what comes up.
- Read the list aloud, take a deep breath, and symbolically tear or shred the paper as a sign of letting go.
- What you would like to invite in (Receive):
- Ask yourself: If I put that weight down, what do I actually have room for? What do I want to welcome into my life instead?
- Write down the qualities, feelings, boundaries, or goals you want to cultivate
- Anchor with one action:
- Pick one small, tangible step you can take today or this week to welcome energy from the Receive list into your daily routine.
Coaching Can Help
No need to wait for a full moon to make or feel a change. If you feel stuck by the burdens you carry, even if you have some difficulty identifying precisely what they are, there are ways to unstick. And you don’t have to do it alone. A coach can support you through the steps and help you reach your goals. Contact me here to talk about how coaching can help you. The first session is 15 minutes over Zoom and it’s free.
One of the best experiences I have ever had like this was in August of last year, when I was in Iceland and went to a volcanic bath (Sky Lagoon, for those who want to know). It was AMAZINGLY relaxing.