Moon Lists Questions and Rituals for Self-Reflection A Guided Journal

Moon Lists is a guided journal structured around the phases of the moon. It provides a place to note feelings of gratitude and moments of mindfulness while celebrating the turn of the seasons.Loosely organized around the phases of the moon and punctuated with references to '70s astrology architecture and artMoon Lists encourages journalers to stop and reflect on the precious moments in their lives before time passes them by. A set of evolving monthly writing prompts and suggestions for physical activities can be completed individually or with a partner and will offer readers some perspective on the present and their recent past. About the Author LEIGH PATTERSON is a freelance writer and creative director whose work has helped elevate lifestyle brands and publications across print and digital media. She has worked with a range of design-focused publications and high fashion brands includingRemodelista Freunde von Freunden Urban OutfittersSight Unseen Shaina Mote Apiece Apart Wildsam GuidesCereal and J. Hannah Jewelry. Her personal project Moon Lists launched in 2016. Excerpt. © Reprinted by permission. All rights reserved. I realized recently that the narrative I was telling others in casual conversation needed adjusting. “Hi how have you been? What’s new?” a friend would ask-someone I care about but haven’t seen in a while. “Mostly work” I’d respond.Is that really it? Just work?An egg and toast sitting at my desk headphones in my ears guilt about forgetting to call my mom back daydreams a lot of abstract wants. How do I refine how do I redefine?The Moon Lists are a set of questions to inspire reflection on the recent past. These questions prompts and lists are an exercise in drawing the connection between memory and experience a reminder that daily choices matter habits are defining and objects can hold layers of significance.The cycles of the moon have historically been regarded as a sort of compass for self-reflection with the unending ebb from night to light the moon acts as a routine reminder that we are guided by months and seasons a system of order and natural rhythm that exist outside of ourselves. Traditionally and across cultures the phases of the moon are regarded with different types of meaning from new beginnings to intention setting to times of surrendering acceptance.As the moon cycles through its phases you will be asked to check with yourself once a week to reflect on your recent experiences.Every week in this journal provides a list-making prompt or memory-gathering touchstone for self-reflection. There are different ways to consider the present from the objects and themes that are front-ofbrain to the sensory details that have filled in the spaces in between moments. There is also space to catalog a more analog scrapbook of relevant ephemera paper or to recall notes or conversations that played a part in the last week. Take stock of what you recently acquired this is a space for a souvenir from the week. A receipt a leaf a parking ticket a shred of a pistachio shell. Tape it into your book.At the end of each month is a set of questions constructed to look back on the last four weeks as a collective whole. You can define “the last four weeks” however you want maybe you complete your list on the first of each month or maybe you just jump in whenever you can. Maybe you reflect on the full or new moon. Do what works for you.Maybe you share and talk through your lists with a friend or partner. Maybe you develop your own ritual surrounding self-reflection (lighting a candle or a stick of special incense). Maybe you do it outside or at dinner or at the park. Maybe it is spontaneous. Maybe it’s written down maybe spoken aloud.I do think it’s helpful to flip ahead to the prompts as you start your month to have them in the back of your mind as you go about your weeks . . . or if the prompts of a sequen