One of my Dad’s favorite sayings (and he had lots of them) was “if you don’t have anything nice to say, then don’t say anything”. Definitely music to my double-Libra (my moon and rising sign) ears, who really, really just wanted everyone to be happy and like each other, especially me.
We’re in the Libra season now from September 22nd to October 22nd so everyone has a chance to embrace that peace-loving, harmonious energy. You get an extra cosmic dose of that vibe on the New Moon when the Sun and Moon are both in the sign.
No surprise that the theme for my Libra New Moon Circles each year is usually about “Navigating the Dance of Relationships”. Definitely check out the recording of the virtual New Moon SisterCircle I facilitated through the Wellness Universe on September 27th if you want to do a little remedial relationship work yourself. (You’ll have to sign up to access the recording, but then you can jump on to participate in future SisterCircles, too!)
TAPPING INTO THE ARIES/LIBRA FULL MOON ENERGY
And for an edgier take on the relationship arena, we’ve got the fire-y Aries Full Moon coming up on October 9th. Ruled by the warrior god and planet, Mars, Aries is quintessential fearless, “me first”, full steam ahead energy – the perfect dynamic partner to gentle, loving Libra! (Remember, while the Sun and Moon dancing cheek-to-cheek on the New Moon, they’re tango-ing in opposite signs on the Full Moon).
Because, yes, while Libra’s call of “don’t worry, be happy” might feel good sometimes, the truth is that our relationships grow deeper and stronger when we shine a light on our differences and work through ways to resolve them, or at least to keep a lively dialogue going.
So, given everything going on in the world right now, including some challenging relationship issues in my own family, it feels like a good time to explore the tougher relationship skill of managing conflict. I offered a bunch of tools and resources to support you in your personal relationships back in April, when the Sun/Moon combo was flipped on the Libra/Aries Full Moon – you can check that out HERE.
This time, I’ve been drawn to widen the lens and look at powerful ways that global and/or societal conflicts are being addressed. Take a look below at some of my Picks this month and see if any of them galvanize you to action (another Aries trait).
Then, be sure to join us for my upcoming Aries/Libra Full Moon TeleMeditation next Monday, October 10th at Noon — click HERE for details on how to join us. Hope to “hear” you then!
LOVE IS RESPECT — Conflict Resolution article
I love it when random Google searches take me unexpectedly powerful places! Their website describes them as “the national resource to disrupt and prevent unhealthy relationships and intimate partner violence by empowering young people through inclusive and equitable education, support, and resources.” And with my involvement in ending gender violence through 4thU Artivists, that’s become a mission dear to my heart. Their article on Conflict Resolution is short but powerful, then definitely check out the rest of their work HERE.
ICCCR – LIST OF ORGANIZATIONS BRIDGING DIVIDES
MD-ICCCR is committed to developing knowledge and practice to promote constructive conflict resolution, effective cooperation and social justice. They support groups, organizations and communities who wish to learn constructive conflict strategies so that they may develop just and peaceful relationships. This list they’ve compiled is incredibly comprehensive and covers every imaginable sector, from media to governance, education, environmental issues, rural/urban divisions, you name it. Take some time going through the list, but also CLICK HERE and check out the full website.
SEEDS OF PEACE
Seeds of Peace began in 1993 when a group of Palestinians, Israelis, and Egyptian‘s came together to explore new ways to address the conflict in the Middle East. Today, thousands of educators and young leaders have been trained, beginning first at their Camp in Maine, where Middle East campers discuss core elements of the conflict, including the origins of the Zionist movement, the Holocaust, the Nakba, the Occupation, fear of violence, and fear of others, as well as terrorism, racism, and other drivers of oppression. Click on the Seeds of Peace above and be inspired.
LEFT, RIGHT, AND CENTER PODCAST
I pulled this one off the ICCCR list just cuz the name captured me and I think these bi-partisan platforms are the only way we can begin to dismantle our current quagmire of political polarization. LRC launched in 1996 and since then has become a nationally syndicated broadcast and a premier weekly politics podcast. “Center” is David Greene who was with NPR for years and, with a rotating cast of left and right panelists, they tackle tough and divisive issues to bring a wider spectrum of viewpoints. I especially love this description on their site: LRC has served as the “civilized yet provocative antidote to the self-contained opinion bubbles that dominate political debate.” I listened to a few — definitely fascinating… click on their name above to hear for yourself.
DEB’S LITTLE RITUAL to LET GO OF CONFLICT
OK, so this isn’t some powerful conflict resolution organization, just my own simple ritual for letting go of difficult people or situations. Create sacred space (this is my altar for our Libra New Moon Circle several years ago), then sit quietly and reflect on what you need to express about the conflicted relationship that hasn’t been said. Write it all out –all your grievances, explanations, pain, anger, apologies — then set it (safely!) on fire. Whether you interact directly with the person involved (and you can do that, too) or not, this symbolic action can begin to release any energy that’s been stuck. Do it as many times as you need to in order to feel a shift. If you need a guide or witness, let me know!
I hope you’ll check out some of these powerful, practical offerings and of course, I’d love to hear about ones you’ve found, too!