All the Colors of the Moon

The recent full moon created some excitement in my mindfulness group. Mostly there were exclaims: "Did you see the moon last night?!"

Its full and gentle light nudged me awake with gratefulness. My calendar is marked for the next full moon on November 8th, 2022. I don't want to miss it.

If you've tried, like I have, to take a picture of a full moon with your phone, you know how difficult it is to capture its magnificence. Primary school teacher and astrophotographer, Marcella Pace, has a love affair with the moon. She photographed 48 moon colors and arranged them into a work of art. Her picture below was selected as a NASA Astronomy Photo of the Day in November 2020.

What if we used the image of a moon in meditation?

The nature of the moon is to wax and wane, reminding us that everything changes. Its serene light shines on everyone and creates an undeniable global connection.

Let the next full moon be your opportunity to consider your connection to others. Take time to whisper to the universe: "you are loved."

Here's a poem for a meditation that you can offer to the world.

"With That Moon Language"

by Hafiz

Admit something:

Everyone you see, you say to them, "Love me."

Of course you do not do this out loud; otherwise, someone would call the cops.

Still though, think about this, this great pull in us to connect.

Why not become the one who lives with a full moon in each eye that is always saying, with that sweet moon language, what every other eye in this world is dying to hear?

- The cover photo is a Hunter's Full Moon setting just after 7 a.m. at the Historic Anderson County Courthouse in Anderson, S.C. on Monday, Oct. 10, 2022.

KEN RUINARD, USA TODAY NETWORK