The Mindful Path – Dream Big
Editor’s Note: This article was originally published by My Prime Time News on July 2, 2022 and shared with permission.
National Moon Day is celebrated each year on July 20th to commemorate the Apollo 11 moon landing. In 1969, Commander Neil Armstrong and astronaut Edwin “Buzz” Aldrin were the first humans to walk on the moon’s surface. Michael Collins, the command module pilot, assisted with the mission.
This year on July 13 we will enjoy a supermoon. It will be the closest, brightest full supermoon of the year. A supermoon occurs when the moon is closest to the earth. We’ve all seen those massive moons hanging effortlessly in the night sky. Supermoons can appear up to 14% bigger than a typical moon.
July and specifically National Moon Day encourages us to dream big. We can allow the moon to be a beacon of inspiration. Setting goals can motivate progress, especially if we write them down. We can set out a roadmap of small, daily tasks and specific actions that will help us each day get a bit closer to achieving our goals. Mindfulness is helpful in seeing our plan as intentional and deliberate.
Visualization meditation can be a powerful tool in goal achievement. The practice is picturing positive ideas, images, and affirmations to visualize a desired outcome. With visualization meditation, your focus is on actively using your imagination to summon imagery of an achieved goal before it has been completed. Athletes often use this performance-enhancing technique.
To begin the July mindfulness exercise, feel free to set a timer for 10–30 minutes. You can begin by taking three deep, cleansing breaths. Imagine filling your lungs and belly with air, feel the expansion of your lungs. Your chest will expand from your ribs to your waist, continue breathing at a steady rate that is comfortable. Start to focus on your breathing and allow your thoughts to come and go. Now begin to visualize a specific outcome you wish to call into your life. Be as detailed as possible. Visualize every aspect of this event, goal, or desire. Allow yourself to experience the joy, relief, happiness, or peace that is evoked. As you inhale, keep the image in your mind. As you exhale, you can think or quietly say, “let it be so.” When you are ready, begin focusing on your slow, deep breath. To close the session you can repeat, “let it be so.”
Dr. DJ Moran is a national scholar specializing in successful goal achievement. Dr. Moran incorporates mindfulness with an action plan to promote purpose and accomplishment. You can explore this free resource at https://drdjmoran.com/drdjmoran/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/TheMindfulActionPlan.pdf. Dr. Moran’s Mindful Action Plan and be used independently or along with visualization meditations.
As we enjoy the warmth of summer, I hope you have the opportunity to focus on your short and long-term goals. Summer is the perfect time to cultivate relationships and experiences that elevate our joy and purpose. Don’t forget to dream big!
Marilyn Halpern is the founder and executive director of Aspen Care Services. This locally owned business provides medical power of attorney, care management and professional guardianship services in the Denver Metro area. For more information visit – www.aspencareservices.com.