Admit something….

Everyone you see, you say to them, “Love me.”

Of course you do not do this out loud, otherwise someone would call the cops.

Still, though, think about this, this great pull in us to connect.

Why not become the one who lives with a full moon in each eye

that is always saying,

with that sweet moon language,

what every other eye in this world is dying to hear? 

                                                      ~ Rumi

It is Saturday… and in a short few hours it will be the full moon…..  The full moon is a reminder that, just like the moon, we are each a reflection of something brilliant and sooo much bigger than we can fathom.  From this brilliance, we are but a seed, a gestation, a birthing, and a growing, despite the outward impression of stillness and stagnancy. This time is so very, very important to us – and taking the moon (and the impending dark of winter) to heart is vital to unlocking the gateways within the yoga practitioner’s body and mind.   

The moon connects us deeply to our intuitive nature – the natural aspects within that are all knowing and wise, that drive our cellular intelligence and remind us that balance is our true nature.  When we take pause, we unleash this intelligence, and reflect back to ourselves as elegant and holy.

The full moon this month is even extra extravagant:  It is a super moon, which means it is extra close to the earth tonight, and tomorrow the viewing is the best due to its position in the sky.  

So what does the full moon mean to you?  It is a perfect time to turn off your cell phones, computers, televisions, and all other technology at sun down (like as soon as you finish reading this).  Take a bath, make a creamy delicious dinner with a rich and sweet (organic and pure) dessert.  Eat a smallish dinner and a larger dessert (yep… you heard me right). 

And if you really want to crazy it up and bask in the moonlight, eat your dessert BEFORE dinner, over candlelight with your loved ones (four-leggers count), and take time beneath the moon – even it is cloudy – to breathe in the magnificence.  The silvery, soothing, nourishing moonbeams shall find their way through the laced spaces in the clouds and bring you what is longing to come forth to nourish your life.

And if the evening ritual is not an option for you, the full moon (and even the next day if you’ve already got plans) is a perfect time to make ghee… Here’s how you do it!

What you will need:  Heavy bottomed stainless steel potstrainer, flour sack kitchen towel (or a piece of cheesecloth), a clear glass, sterillzed container with tight-fitting lid, and1 pound organic unsalted butter

Place your butter in the pot. Bring the butter to a boil, then reduce the heat to a slow, steady simmer. The butter will begin to produce foam. Don’t remove this foam; it will begin to be absorbed into the butter and you will hear the crackling sound of moisture and liquid being evaporated. (Maya Tiwari tells us it sounds like rain falling.)

Let the butter simmer for 45 minutes to one hour. Keep an eye on it and keep the flame on your stove as low as possible. Be sure to have music on that stirs your highest health, and limit conversation.  Let this process be a meditation and infuse your ghee with Love Love LOVE. 

The ghee is done when you see browned butterfat caramelized on the bottom of the pan and the top portion of the ghee is clear and golden.

Cool down significantly (so you do not break the glass container into which you transfer it).  Pour it very slowly, so the caramelized and browned butterfat remain on the bottom of the pan.  (Yogi Tip:  If you have a tendency to feel “weakened” by the winter weather, pour your ghee over a jar full of pitted dates and eat one each morning to increase ojas–internal life juice). 

Store on your kitchen counter, out of direct sunlight.  Always use a clean dry spoon for each “dipping”.  Use in place of butter, drop a dollop in your coffee or tea in the morning, or add to turmeric and hot water as an evening “hot toddy”.  Om Chandrayah Namah!

Namaste, 

Britt