They Call it the Snow Moon.

She rose silently and swiftly, taking her rightful place in the sky. Strong, full, yet calm, illuminating the world below without any effort. It just came naturally. Her visit was brief, yet provided an energy and invigoration that many had not realized they needed.

February's Full Moon arrived last Wednesday and is now gone for another year. It is named, the Snow Moon. Pretty accurate name considering the massive amounts of snow we've received this February. I think this weekend's blizzard here in Northwestern Ontario pretty much tested the tenacity of most of us - but...we got through!! We did, right??! lol

This year, I've taken an interest in learning about the names of the full moons and what each represents and it's pretty interesting. Whether you believe in astrology or not, the symbolism of the full moon provides food for thought, and hope.

Full moons in general provide a time to reflect on the previous cycle, the past month, celebrate accomplishments, and consider what did not serve you. Entering a new month represents another new beginning and a time to revisit priorities, set new goals (big, small, or both!), and refocus your energy. It is also a time to say goodbye to anything not in alignment with those goals, or not supporting you positively.

The Snow Moon reminds us that although the earth is silenced by the heavy blanket of snow and we may feel that we cannot take much more, deep underneath the surface there is life and movement - the beginnings of spring. Tiny organisms are working away, bulbs are moving and preparing to sprout. And just as so much is happening beneath the surface of nature, deep inside each of us are stirrings of potential that may not be visible on the exterior.

Why do we keep these things below the surface and hidden? Why do we not share our gifts fully? There are a variety of reasons - fear of failure or judgement, lack of belief in oneself, too comfortable with the status quo, thinking there will be time to do it in the future, surrounding oneself with unmotivated people - there are several.

The moon does not care what goes on around it. No matter what, it rises and shines its full brilliance for everyone to see. And just as the moon does, we humans are meant to shine fully too. We have each been given special gifts and talents to share with the world.

If you aren't sure what your talents are, or if they have been dulled and suppressed (because trust me, they are there) you simply need to come back in tune with your intuition, the voice inside of you. You can do this by bringing more silence into your life by cutting out life's noise that is around you. Take 5 mins a day to just sit in silence, focus on your breathing (slow, deep breaths), and try to release the thoughts that come into your mind. You could also listen to a guided meditation, or go for a walk in nature. Anything that helps to minimize the myriad of thoughts that have been thrown onto us by the expectations of life (that current society has determined).

So, for this next month, I challenge you to take a few minutes to reflect on three things:

1. What accomplishments can you celebrate from the previous moon cycle (or 30 days)? Did you take a risk, step outside of your comfort zone, start something new? Celebrate anything you can think of!

2. What can you begin? Whether it be something big or small, what is something that deep down you have been wanting to do? Remember, any sized step is still a step towards a goal!

3. What can you let go of? What is not serving you right now? Poor habits or beliefs? Certain relationships? Low expectations of yourself? Why are you holding on to these? Reflect and release.

Time is not owed to us. It is precious and unpredictable and may run out at any given moment. Why not appreciate every second, minute, hour, day, month you have and live to your full potential?! There is someone out there just waiting to be blessed with your gifts.

I just finished reading Robin Sharma's, The Everyday Hero Manifesto, and would like to close with this passage:

"On our deathbeds it truly is what we didn't do - the people we didn't meet, the potential we didn't express, the projects we didn't finish, the enchantments we didn't chase and the love we failed to deliver- that floods us with regret..."

Don't live your life developing potential regrets. Shine your light on the world and share your gifts with us all. Connect with the stirrings beneath your exterior and begin to nurture them. Don't keep them hidden under a heavy layer of snow. Shine bright like a full moon and see what you can do in the next 30 days!

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Lastly, I have begun hosting a monthly Full Moon Women's Circle at our local yoga studio - Lake of the Woods Yoga Studio, and invite you to attend anytime. Follow me on Insta (@melissa.shantelle) to keep up to date with offerings.

I am also considering hosting them virtually each month. If this is something you are interested in, please send me a message in the chat here or through the Contact section. I'd love to hear from you!

~Melissa Shantelle