Boundless Compassion

Recently I was in Nebraska for a continuing education event, “Boundless Compassion."  One of the takeaways from this training was how at times we just have to do something fun, even something that is outside of our comfort zone.  

While there, there happened to be a full moon.  One attendee from a convent in Massachusetts told us how a Native American sister tells them about the meaning of each full moon.  With the full moon’s arrival, they go outside, burn sage to promote healing and wisdom, and then howl at the moon as a release.  Too often in life we have to contain ourselves while things build up inside us—howling at the moon does help let go of some of those things.  

During that Nebraska full moon, we went out and formed a circle, prayers were said, along with a little talk about letting things go to God.  Then we actually howled at the moon before a closing blessing.

I wasn’t sure if I could do it.  This was very out of the ordinary for me; however, Pastor Erik, Christie, Bob and my kids encouraged me to do it.  Although I am not sure of what I let go of, I am sure that I had a very good time with 33 others who attended the training.  It felt very good to be outside looking at the Strawberry Moon surrounded by new friends doing something very different after long days of being trained to be a Boundless Compassion facilitator.  

Maybe you should give it a try on July 23 when the Buck Moon will be full.  May it bring some relief, laughter, and joy into your evening.  

Psalm 148: 3—”Praise God, sun and moon, and all you shining stars.”  Let us all praise God with the moon!