"I see the Moon and the Moon sees me"

"Fly me to the moon, Let me sing among those stars,Let me see what spring is like, On Jupiter and Mars…..” ~ Frank Sinatra

Have you ever taken note of how many songs, books, myths, stories, poems and speeches have remarked on the subject of the moon ? Whether positive, or negative, whether metaphorical or literal, the moon is in the very fiber of our being. While scientists and scholars all have their own interpretations of the moon, and its effect on life on Earth, we can never really reconcile the romance about the moon, with its scientific properties. For millions of years, the pull of the moon has been strong. Gravity, of course creates the tides, but more than that, all life on Earth is effected by the moon: from the growing cycles of plants to the long held beliefs that the moon’s position in the sky can change our behavior, the moon's nature is present. People have blamed the full moon for “lunatic” behavior since the beginning of time, and have viewed the “moon dark” evenings as mysterious. For lack of the a better word, the moon is captivating. We, as human beings, have struggled to understand the moon, to harness its power and, of course, to reach it. I don’t think there is anything more beautiful, or more powerful, than watching a large, radiant moon rise up in the sky at night. What still remains incredible to me, is that humans have felt this same way for as long as time has been recorded…and perhaps, even longer.

One of my favorite movies is “Apollo 13”, starring Tom Hanks. The epic, and unforgettable, lines of “Houston, we have a problem” and “Failure is not an option” permeate our pop culture and thoughts. But, my favorite scenes are those in which Tom Hanks, playing Captain Jim Lovell, uses his thumb to blot out the moon from Earth, and then again, from the Capsule, covering the Earth from space. This small gesture indicates our own sense of control over the moon, its mysteries, and the vastness of space. “Apollo 13” is a dynamic, and invigorating, film because it not only conveys the technological aspects of lunar research, but the emotional ones of man’s quest for the moon. “Apollo 13” also captures the imagination of man triumphing over adversity…which the ancients used to view, metaphorically, as ‘moon dark’ time.

The use of moon imagery in books, in music and in art is endless. In Yoga, however, there is a wonderful pose called “Half Moon”. Part balance pose (involving gravity), part flexibility pose (involving strength) and part heart opener (involving that mysterious spirit), “Half Moon” is an extraordinary part of a Yoga practice. Not surprisingly, this is one of my favorite poses. The goal is to remain in balance, halfway upside down, and keep your chest and eyes pointed to the sky. It’s fabulous for opening up your hamstrings, as well as for providing a twist of your torso for spinal health. But, beyond that, it simply feels good. When I come out of “Half Moon”, I feel as if I can take on any challenge. It’s a pose of empowerment. Just as the astronauts in the NASA program feel empowered by their lunar missions, practicing “Half Moon” regularly can bring an overall sense of well being, positive attitude and increased self-esteem.

So, tonight, go outside at gaze at the moon. See if you can hear coyotes howling at it. Dance under it with someone you love, or just enjoy watching its progress across the sky. Even if it may just be a chunk of rock, orbiting our planet, it’s awfully mesmerizing. Look to see what images you find by gazing at its surface. Laugh, cry, dream and wonder. It’s all part of the moon’s allure.

Just walk carefully as you go home. And look both ways before you cross the street in the dark.

"May you have warm words on a cold evening, a full moon on a dark night, and a smooth road all the way to your door. " Old Irish Blessing