INDEPENDENCE DAY NEW MOON
This month’s New Moon falls on USA Independence Day, July 4th, making it the perfect time to explore how we can achieve greater freedom in our lives. According to Ayurveda, ‘freedom’ is a mental state and a personal choice. Whether it’s freedom to choose for ourselves or freedom of self expression, we all desire some sort of freedom when it comes to human life. With financial freedom we can afford to travel, hire brilliant minds, and enjoy fine wines.
Freedom can mean many things. Freedom is a peaceful mind and healthy bowel movements. There is nothing worse than wanting to free yourself, but you can’t.
The ecstasy of freedom is in BE-ing present and experiencing our boundless ever-expanding inherent nature.
Freedom in many ways relates to the yogic principle of Vairāgya or non-attachment.
The great Bob Marley resonated this yogic wisdom when he sang: “Emancipate yourselves from mental slavery, none but ourselves can free our minds!"
What does freedom mean to you? When do you feel free?
I feel free when I’m barefoot, climbing trees and throwing perfect football spirals on the beach. I have felt free as tears streamed down my face and the rising mist met my cheeks standing before the majestic thunder of Victoria Falls, the birth soil of my mother. I have experienced freedom in the solitude of silent meditation and also in surrendering to the arms of my beloved.
Freedom is a deep sense of gratitude and fulfillment for where you are right now in this present moment. Freedom means having everything you want and desire, yet simultaneously remaining unattached to all those things.
Set some intentions for freedom and whatever freedom means to you. Then, let go of your attachment to the desired outcome.
Here are some New Moon Intentions for you to try on:
o Love openly, fearlessly and unconditionally without attachment.
o Just Be.
o Breathe deeper.
o Let go. Let go. Let go.
o Give more.
Continue to elevate your mental and spiritual freedom through creative arts, natural healing, novel experiences and things that you love.
Here are a few products and practices which can help you feel more FREE and balanced in the warm month of July:
1.) Coconut Water: In hot weather, your body and brain require more minerals and electrolytes to function optimally. Stay hydrated with coconut water and drink regularly.
2.) Consume Coconut oil: Add 1 tsp coconut oil to your morning coffee or tea to reduce acidity and nourish brain cells. Freedom is taking smart action.
3.) Dry Brush: Use a body brush or a Korean scrubber to slough off dead skin and break up cellulite. Freedom is beautiful skin.
4.) Massage with Coconut Oil: Long circular strokes on your body (and perhaps your lover’s) encourages healthy circulation, blood flow and lymphatic drainage.
5.) Triphala: Reduces belly bloat, increases metabolism, digestive function and promotes healthy bowel movements.