Refresh Daily: A Total Eclipse

A Total Eclipse. A Recent event with the blood moon, starting late in the evening. When my husband, Bill, mentioned its occurrence, we decided to check it out. We tried the back yard, but with too many trees, we had no visibility. So I suggested we try the front yard. 

Much to our pleasure, we had a good view standing in just the right spot between our  live oaks. The eclipse was well under way but we saw just a sliver of the moon still visible so we were just in time. That was a memorable moment as we saw a rare event in progress, just the two of us relishing our time together. 

Although blood moons are rare, and so are total ecliipses, this one happening together was a true anomaly. 

​But what about life eclipses...eclipses of the Heart? 

When we feel overwhelmed or are in a dark or uneasy or unsure place. When we're off our center and need to get back. 

When we face life challenges, especially those kind that persist, bringing chronic trouble to our weary souls. 

These are emotional eclipses.

And what do they accomplish?

​They leave us feeling joyless, disheartened, and maybe, sometimes, resentful or bitter. Yuk. Doesn't sound like much fun, does it?
No, I didn't think so either. 

So how do we prevent or reduce eclipses of our hearts? In other words, how do we manage challenging situations without losing our joy and enjoyment of life on a daily basis?

Well, that's where daily refreshment comes in...and a refreshed mindset. 

How we view our challenge can make a difference in how we respond to it. If we see the situation as out of our control, it can be hard to see the light at the end of the tunnel. So we need to get a fresh view and transform those dark spaces into areas of clarity, truth and light. 

Sometimes this takes time in our journals, expressing just exactly what is bothering us so we can figure out our eclipsing triggers and their source. Getting it down on paper can make all the difference in gaining clarity and figuring out our most effective and authentic action steps toward healing and well being. 

When we can get to a place where we have a clearer view and a greater understanding of how we can respond, taking care of ourselves and still being responsible, caring individuals, we can experience, once again, inner joy, gratitude and that sense of being Aligned with Who We Are, back to center. 

This is where we feel relief, release, and rest for our souls and healing to our minds and hearts. 

And when we take the time to engage in those refreshing activities that speak to our hearts, we can create a place of comfort, of relishment, of honoring Who We Are, which can really enhance our daily experience and, perhaps, even minimize the effects of those eclipses, so they don't have a chance to completely extinguish our joy, but simply initiate more time to care for ourselves more deeply. 

Perhaps that can be the silver lining, like the silver of the moon, which shines once the eclipse is over. In all of its beautiful glory. 

Shine on, dear one, and feel that fulness of joy deep in your soul. 

Journaling Prompt:
Have you experienced a Total Eclipse of your heart with a disheartening or challenging situation? Detail your eclipsing triggers with the intent of getting to the heart of the matter. **Describe your emotions and record any resonating situations that you may recall in connection with your current situation. Then detail how you can take action to transform this dark spot into a place of clarity and light. 

Art Journaling Prompt:
Find images of an eclipse to Honor your Challenge, validating your emotions but also with the visual purpose of gaining clarity, with whatever colors, textures and text that resonates most powerfully for you. Let this be a healing process that brings you to where you feel you can shine once again. 

**Please note: If you find this activity too overwhelming, you may want to speak to a trusted friend or therapist if necessary. 

Copyright 2015 by Dawn Herring
​Copyright 2015 Graphic Header by Dawn Herring