New Moon Vows

In Bluestar we have a tradition of taking vows at the new moon and at each hinge. The point of the vows is to give voice to our goals and impetus to work on them. Sometimes they are more mundane but we try to keep them focused on spiritual growth. The new moon vows are supposed to be vows that can be completed in a lunar cycle whereas the hinge vows are vows that can be completed in a hinge. We like to talk about them as being S.M.A.R.T. goals. Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Results-oriented, and Time-bound. All of these things give us the focus for the words we use and the intent we put behind it. For example someone might vow to meditate for 15 minutes a day. That meets all of the criteria. Solving world hunger does not.
 

Most recently at our open New Storm Moon celebration I vowed to reach my step goal, 10,000 steps, at least 4 days a week. I have been focusing on improving my health and treating my body like the temple it needs to be for the gods and I thought that would be a good place to put the right foot forward so to speak. Turns out that I might have expectations that are not realistic for my current strength and stamina. It is really hard for me to reach that 10,000 steps in one day if I am doing the other things I need to do to take care of myself.

It is important to realize when you have set yourself on a task that is not Achievable and to then change your expectations. It is not a failure. It is an important learning lesson. Just because a vow has been made does not mean that it will be accomplished or that it should.

Miel