Becki Sams

Urban Mindfulness | Self-Care, Meditation, Yoga & Spirituality

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Moon Practices

This New Moon Ritual Will Seriously Level Up Your Manifesting

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Ready to call in your desires and bring your dreams into fruition? This new moon intention-setting ritual will help you amplify your manifesting power.

I am so dang ready for a fresh start.

Lately I’ve been feeling all stale and stressy – making the classic mistake of focusing way too much on what I don’t want, instead of on what I do want.

Major manifesting error #1.

What we think about we bring about; so whilst I’ve been stewing in my own misery, I’ve actually been calling in more misery.

Luckily, I’m ready to release it.

And what I adore about cyclical living (i.e. living in tune with the moon, and with my body’s cycle) is the chance to start fresh, every single month.

New moon intention- setting

The new moon is energetically similar to the “winter” phase of our menstrual cycle; when we’re at pretty low energy, and turned totally inwards.

It’s the perfect time to tap into our “bigger picture”, and give ourselves permission to ask for what we want.

The new moon serves as my personal monthly reminder to get clear on my vision for the next lunar cycle.

If you’re ready to claim your desires and manifest your dreams, I invite you to perform this new moon ritual for yourself.

Nothin’ fancy. All you need is a fresh Word doc or a journal.

Let’s get to work.

Optional: create a sacred space for yourself to do this ritual. Light a candle, burn sage or incense, and meditate to settle your mind.

1. Claim your desires

Time to tell the universe what you want in clear, vivid, detail.

Write up to 5 desires you’d love to manifest in your life before the next new moon.

For example, during the most recent new moon in Libra, I asked for:

  • A new work opportunity that’s aligned with my values
  • My upcoming house move to go smoothly
  • One new female friend to add to my friendship circle
  • The ability to do a headstand for 1 full minute without a wall
  • The launch of my upcoming program to be successful

Once I connected to these desires, I got super clear on the details (e.g. how much I would earn with the new work opportunity, and what would classify my launch as “successful”).

The universe likes details.

Make sure you supply ’em.

2. Create your vision

Imagine your desires have actually happened (yay!).

Now it’s time to create your vision of what life looks like once this is your new reality.

There are a few different ways you can do this, but my personal favourites include:

  • Running through your 5 desires, and writing down how you’ll feel when they’re true
  • Meditating on your vision, imagining it in as much detail as possible
  • Drawing a representation of each desire on paper

This helps make it real.

Creating the vision is half the battle; once we see it in our mind’s eye as an actual possibility, the only thing left to do is to get out of our own way.

3. Set your intentions

Reflect on the actions you can take to bring your vision into fruition.

After all, manifesting = vision + action!

It’s not enough for us to simply hope our vision will manifest. We also have to set the intention to take action, and actively seek out new opportunties.

For each desire:

  • Write down at least 1 action you intend to take to make this happen
  • Create a positive affirmation that makes you feel good

For example, one of my desires was for my house move to “go smoothly”.

The intention I set was to organise the details of the move in advance, by contacting my new landlord.

My affirmation was “I’m so happy in my new house, and I feel incredibly calm and relaxed about this change”.

Once you have yours, keep them top of mind.

Oh, and schedule the action into your calendar ASAP (then there’s no excuse!).

4. Step into your power

The final step – and the lifelong work – is to know you deserve what you desire.

As you move through this process, ask yourself, “do I feel worthy of what I desire?” – and listen closely to the answer.

Worthiness is such a huge block to our manifesting power.

If we don’t feel worthy, we’ve got a little work to do.

My favourite ways to work on building my own worthiness are:

  • Practicing daily self-care (i.e. “me time”, ‘cos I’m worth it)
  • Saying no to anything that doesn’t feel good or align with my values
  • Prioritising my own needs above the needs of others
  • Asking for what I want – without hedging or apologising
  • Doing the inner work (meditating, journaling, attending personal development workshops and reading books)

Don’t get me wrong, this takes time.

But the truth is, we are powerful beyond measure.

The only reason you and I aren’t where we want to be is because we’re standing in our own way.

Let’s try to stop doing that.

And instead, let’s step into our full power.

Imagine how good that would feel.

4 Surprising Ways The Moon Affects Your Period

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Ever wondered how the moon’s phases can affect your period (and your life)? Here are 4 distinct ways our period can match the moon’s cycle – and how this provides incredible insight into our life’s path.

Our periods have a pretty special connection to the moon.

They’re united by their shifting cyclical energies and their fluctuating rhythms – and they both have an impact on our emotional and spiritual wellbeing.

Our period can also synchronise with the moon’s phases (I know, this shit is bananas).

There are a grand total of 4 unique ways our period can match the moon’s cycle. 

When we understand the way this works, it can provide incredible insight into – and guidance on – our life path.

There’s no “correct” or “better” cycle to be on; our own unique cycle always has something to teach us.

And P.S., the way our period syncs can change throughout our life.

Mind = blown.

Why the moon matters 

Admittedly, it took me a while to get used to tracking the moon – or even to see the point in doing so.

But once I started, I quickly realised why it’s special.

When we track the moon’s cycle, we’re consciously paying attention to the external world; we’re connecting to something way bigger than ourselves.

This serves as a gigantic reminder that we’re just a very tiny part of the grand, universal orchestra.

Plus, if we’re not currently experiencing a period (for any reason), we can track the moon’s cycle as a substitute for our own internal cycle.

How to track the moon & your menstrual cycle

It’s super easy to start tracking both your own personal cycle and the moon’s phases, although it might seem a little laborious at first.

To track the moon: I recommend downloading an app (I currently use MyMoonPhase, and it’s free). 

In the beginning, all you need to be aware of is when the four major moon phases are taking place – the new moon, waxing moon, full moon, and waning moon.

To track your menstrual cycle: if you’re not already tracking your cycle, you can also use an app (I currently use Flo, and that’s also free), or simply use a journal or calendar.

At the most basic level, all you need to know is that the first day of your bleed is day 1 of your cycle. If you can, try to keep track of your energy, mood, sleep, and activities on a daily basis, since this’ll help you notice any patterns if you continue to track over a few months.

Once you’ve got the hang of tracking both cycles, you can figure out which moon phase your bleed syncs with, and compare it to the guide below.

1. The new moon cycle

If you bleed on the new moon and ovulate on the full moon, you’re on a White Moon cycle.

What does it mean? 

Energetically, this cycle corresponds to the mother archetype.

This doesn’t necessarily translate to motherhood (although that could certainly be part of it), it’s more about:

  • Caring for others 
  • Birthing new projects 
  • Nurturing relationships

It’s also a sign that you’re totally in tune with the natural cycles of the earth. 

When the moon goes dark, you get your period and also withdraw – and when the moon is glowing and full, you ovulate and also shine your personal light to its optimal level.

Tips for the new moon woman

If you bleed with the new moon, this is the time in your life when you’re most able to tap into your ability to manifest what you desire.

Questions to ask yourself: 

  • What dream am I ready to bring to fruition? 
  • Which projects or tasks need completing? 
  • What would I truly love to create? 

It’s also an amazing time to utilise your resources and collaborate with others to scale your calling.

2. The waxing moon cycle

If you bleed with the waxing moon, and ovulate with the waning moon, you’re on a transitional cycle.

What does it mean? 

Energetically, this cycle corresponds to the maiden archetype.

This usually indicates a transitional phase; of growing into the next level version of yourself.

You might embody: 

  • A bold, bright, attitude 
  • An energetic and enthusiastic approach to life 
  • A sense of clarity and readiness to do the work you were meant to

It’s reminiscent of the energy we feel in the “spring” phase of our monthly cycle, only on a much bigger scale.

You might almost be ready to fully step into your authentic self, but not quite.

Tips for the waxing moon woman

If you notice that you regularly bleed after the new moon but before the full moon, it’s the perfect time for risk-taking and self-discovery. 

Questions to ask yourself:

  • Who am I becoming? 
  • What is my heart calling me to step into?
  • How can I dive into this, and truly give it my all?

This phase is all about experimentation and freedom.

If you feel yourself moving toward a greater sense of purpose, embrace it fully; just remember to ground yourself if you get knocked back. 

3. The full moon cycle 

If you bleed with the full moon, and ovulate with the new moon, you’re on the Red Moon cycle. 

What does it mean?

Energetically, this cycle corresponds to the wise woman archetype. 

This means your energy will likely be focused inwards – first on healing and taking care of yourself, and then turning this energy towards others. 

You may crave: 

  • Deep self-reflection and continued growth
  • “Me time”, self-care, relaxation and restoration 
  • Creative freedom and fulfilling work 

It’s a potent time for self-actualisation, self-expression, and self-exploration, which you can then use to empower others. 

Tips for the full moon woman

If you ovulate with the new moon, you’re primed for delving into the depths of your soul, healing the wounded parts of yourself, and discovering your true calling.

Questions to ask yourself: 

  • What’s my intuition drawing me to? 
  • What do I want to explore within myself? 
  • When I reflect on my life, how do I feel about the way I’ve been living?

This is the time to practice listening to your body’s wisdom and allowing yourself to be intuitively guided.

Really take the time to feel into what feels good (open and expansive), versus what feels depleting (closed and contracted).

4. The waning moon cycle

If you bleed with the waning moon and ovulate with the waxing moon, you’re on a transitional cycle.

What does it mean? 

Energetically, this cycle corresponds to the enchantress archetype.

Like the waxing moon cycle, the waning moon is also an indicator of a transitional phase; a deeper descent into your inner wisdom, as you move into a new life stage. 

You might experience: 

  • Deep, internal focus 
  • Overwhelming energy that feels totally primal
  • Connection to your sensual, feminine power 

It’s reminiscent of the energy we feel in the “autumn” phase of our monthly cycle, only on a much bigger scale.

This can represent the time of a girl truly becoming a woman, or morphing into an even greater feminine being – stepping into her full, fierce, authentic self. 

Tips for the waning moon woman

If you notice that you regularly bleed after the full moon but before the new moon, this is the time to ground yourself in your body, tune into your experience as a woman, and really open your heart.

Questions to ask yourself: 

  • What am I yearning for? 
  • How can I bring more open-hearted, loving experiences into my life? 
  • What can I do to claim my sensual and sexual power as a woman? 

This phase is all about empowerment and expression.

It’s the perfect time to balance your inner work with your bodily experiences and to educate yourself on what it means to claim your worth as a woman.

How To Cleanse & Charge Your Crystals With The Full Moon

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Ready for a fresh start? Reflect and reset each month with this full moon ritual to help you cleanse your crystals (and yo’ life).

So, I’m obsessed with crystals.

I’ve loved them ever since I was a kid (probably because they’re shiny, and I was like a magpie).

Then when I began to learn more about their healing properties, I got even more obsessed.

I love to meditate with crystals as part of my spiritual practice, and you’ll usually see me with at least one on my necklace (rose quartz) and a couple of crystal bracelets hanging on my wrists (usually tiger’s eye, and crystals to represent each chakra).

If you own or work with crystals – even if you just keep them around the house – it’s super important to cleanse and charge them regularly.

Keep reading to see how I cleanse my crystals each month when the full moon rolls around.

Why crystals need cleansing

Your crystals are constantly picking up energy from you, soaking it in like a sponge.

Sooner or later, this energy will be released back into the environment; and we definitely don’t wanna be re-absorbing past negative energy.

It’s particularly vital to cleanse crystal yoni eggs on a regular basis, if you use these to do womb healing work.

A full moon is perfect for fresh starts

The full moon is the perfect time to start over. If you like to review your progress and set new intentions regularly, try timing it with the lunar months.

The primary life areas I usually review and set intentions for are:

  • Health
  • Relationships
  • Passion
  • Spiritual growth
  • Contribution

Not sure when the next full moon’s due? You can download an app that tells you when the lunar phases will come around; I’m currently using My Moon Phase (it’s free).

Step 1. Cleanse

I run them under running water (tap water will suffice, but if you have a natural water source near you such as a stream, that would be even better).

I hold them under for 1-2 minutes.

If you heal other people with crystals, you might want to run them for longer since they’ve probably been working pretty hard.

Step 2. Moonlight bath

Since I live in an apartment, I leave my crystals to bathe in the moonlight by the window. If you have a garden, place the crystals outside.

As you place them down, set your intentions for what you want to release. What’s no longer serving you? What limiting beliefs are you ready to let go of?

Once you’ve set your crystals out, grab a journal or board and write out your new intentions for this next lunar phase.

You can do it for the life areas suggested above, or just brainstorm on whatever feels right for you. Some questions to bear in mind – how do you want to feel? How do you want others to feel as a result of being with you? What states of being do you value? What supports you to create those?

Step 3. Pull them in

Bring them in before or during sunrise if you can – too much sunlight exposure can cause certain crystals like amethyst to fade, and quartz can focus the sun’s rays and be a fire risk.

I usually meditate before I do this and focus my energy reflecting on my new intentions so from the second I pull them in, they’re surrounded by positive energy.

Step 4. Charge them

I lay my crystals out in front of me on my yoga mat, sit on my meditation cushion and again focus on my intentions for the next month.

Then I pick the crystals up one at a time and charge them by repeating affirmations and connecting to the good feelings associated with these.

For example:

Rose quartz (signifies love): “I am surrounded by love. I love myself. I am love. There is more than enough love to go around. I am and always will be loved deeply.”

Amethyst (signifies inner peace): “I have everything I need. I am deeply relaxed and connected to my life. I work through dharma. I am making the world a better place.”

Citrine (signifies abundance): “there is always enough money for me to do and have everything I want. I am living in abundance. I gratefully receive all the universe has to offer. Abundance flows easily to me.”

Clear quartz (signifies clarity): “I follow my intuition and guidance from my higher self. I trust the universe has plans for me. I know why I am here. I work through dharma and I am making the world a better place.”

Step 5. Smudge them

To complete the process, I like to smudge my crystals and the rest of my surroundings.

Here’s my personal smudging ritual:

  1. I light my sage and waft the smoke over my crystals (it’s the smoke that’s cleansing)
  2. Continuing to waft the smoke, I take my sage bundle into each room of the apartment
  3. I repeat the following chant to dispel negative energy as I waft: “earth, fire, water, air, ether … cleanse, dispel, dismiss“

I find this to be a really lovely way to finalise the process.

I then move my crystals to wherever I want to be surrounded by their new energies, and start my new month.

Use This Meditation To Harness The Power Of The Full Moon

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Ready to reconnect with your authentic self? Add a new dimension to your meditation practice with this yummy full moon meditation.

I have a bit of a thing about the moon.

I just love looking at it. I’m totally mesmerised by it.

Every time I see it, I elbow whoever I’m with and say “oh look at the moon, it’s soooo pretty!” (yep, I’m that person. I do the same when the sky goes pink, too #sorrynotsorry).

It wasn’t until quite recently that I realised there might be an actual reason for this.

Turns out, us female-types are pretty connected to the moon, since our bodies also have a natural cycle that cleanses and rejuvenates us.

The full moon is when we’re at our most energetic, making it the perfect time to:

  • Initiate new projects
  • Take serious action
  • Identify and overcome obstacles
  • Release all that no longer serves us
  • Reassert our intentions

The full moon gives us an opportunity to get loud and proud about what we’re doing with our lives.

Moving in the right direction

The full moon is a great time to pause, breathe, and assess our direction.

When we’re super busy, we mostly focus on what tasks need to get done. We dash from one activity to the next, proactively ticking things off our “to-do” list.

But every now and again, we need to evaluate whether we’re doing the right things.

The full moon allows us to reflect on whether our projects, or our priorities, need to change.

It’s also a great excuse to dive deeper into our spiritual practice, and make it a monthly ritual.

As well as meditating, I tend to:

  • Burn incense or sage
  • Do a moon salutation yoga practice
  • Pull chakra cards
  • Cleanse my crystals
  • Journal about my reflections

The focus of all of these practices is to check in with myself; to notice what’s really true for me.

Full moon meditation practice

If you haven’t meditated before, check out The Ultimate Guide To Meditation For Beginners to get started.

In this practice, we’ll be reflecting, rejuvenating, and restoring ourselves with juicy full moon energy.

This meditation helps us to get clear on what we truly want, and whether we’re heading in the right direction (or if we might need to make some changes).

This practice is perfect as part of a monthly full moon ritual; especially if we’re feeling lost, confused, and uncertain.

Here’s how to do it

Download the guided version of this meditation from my meditation library.

1. Sit or lie down in a comfortable position, set a timer for 5 minutes (or longer, depending on how long you’d like to practice for), and close your eyes or lower your gaze.

2. Visualise the full moon glowing above you. Imagine the moonlight streaming down upon you, filling your body with light, and cleansing you of all that no longer serves you.

3. Ask yourself: What’s true for me right now? What’s nourishing me? What’s depleting me? What do I need to let go of? What is my heart calling me to do?

4. Allow whatever arises. Notice if any particular thoughts, emotions, or physical sensations come up for you. Try not to evaluate them, just simply observe.

5. Reconnect to the moonlit glow in your body, and feel your inner light glowing brightly. Allow the light to gently expand, until it floods your entire being.

Optional: grab a journal, and write down any insight you have. If you decide to practice another full moon meditation – or you practice on the new moon – come back to these notes, and compare them with how life has unfolded.