Jan 19

Use This Week’s New Moon to Get a Fresh Start

by Meghan Fitzgerald

I love fresh starts, and it turns out, humans typically do. We tend to feel and act more aspirational when we have a special break in time that signifies a new chapter of some kind is starting. That’s why so many of us talk about and even keep new year’s resolutions. There’s even a name for the psychological lift these moments provide—the fresh start effect.

Reboots and cycles are also just how nature runs—from seasons to years to moons, life just seems to begin, grow, end and begin again. And, we don’t have to wait for January 1st to tap into the possibility that fresh starts have to offer. We can get a fresh start each month by tuning into new moons.

New moons are the opposite of full moons. They happen the moment when the moon stops waning (getting smaller) and starts to build again as a new moon. People have been noting and celebrating the new moon for centuries, and this fresh start moment is worthy of slowing down and experiencing. And, many people believe that the new moon is an ideal cosmic time to start new things and enjoy a reset—queue the fresh start effect!

I’ve really enjoyed making it a habit to use the new moon as a chance to reset, and I've tried a range of things from new mini-month-long resolutions like starting a daily gratitude journal to just taking a candlelit bath (a rare treat in my world!). This Saturday, January 21st marks a new moon—so let’s enjoy a chance to reset. Miss this one? Don’t fret. The moon keeps refreshing for us, each 28 days or so. Another chance will be coming around soon!

Want to get started? Here's a handful of ideas:

Take a Quick Body & Heart Reset

Just grab a moment that helps you feel physically and mentally refreshed. Take a deep belly breath. Water refreshes us on so many levels, so taking a warm bath or going for a swim can more than do the trick. Go for a mindful, solo walk—however long you can get. As you walk, note any shifts that you experience in body and mind. Coordinate with a partner or friend if needed to get an hour or two of total quiet all to yourself. Then, just be still and soak in the peace of that quiet. Or, do whatever recharges you!

Start Something New

Take the moment to make new intentions, either yourself or as a family. Fill a jar, hat or box with ideas for brand new things you'd like to try, learn about or experience as a family.

Or, wonder to yourself, what is a project you'd like to start or a new habit you'd like to form? Now is the time! And, you can let kids know you'll be trying something new right along with the brand new moon, just like people have done for ages!

Let Something Go

Sometimes, to feel the relief of a fresh start, we need to let something go. Whether it's a habit, a worry, or a mindset, there are wonderful ways to use a fresh start as a reason to release something that weighs us down. Want ideas? Check out our recent blog post about ways to make mental or emotional space for the new year. 

Learn About This Moon

Most of the names you’ll find full moons come from Native American, Colonial American, and European sources, with each name often used to describe that entire lunar month. For example, a very common name for this moon is Snow Moon given the comparatively high snowfall that happens in and around February. 

Several additional alternative names for the Snow Moon originate from Native American Peoples and are centered around animals. For example, the Cree people, whose ancestral homeland includes a large area ranging from east of Hudson Bay and James Bay as far west as Alberta and Great Slave Lake, named it the Bald Eagle Moon. Both the Dakota People and some of the Algonquin Tribe named the February moon the Raccoon Moon and Groundhog Moon respectively.

On the flip-side, a common name for this moon in China is the Budding Moon—a more generative and hopeful name than many of those inspired by harsh winter weather. And, this moon kicks off the Lunar New Year, making it a most special one among cultures who celebrate the New Year. Check our fun ways to connect your play to the Lunar New Year in our Play like rabbits DIY activity —then celebrate the new Year of the Rabbit!

You can find the names of moons in many places and we like this list for the range of cultures it includes.

Slow Down & Sense the World Around You

Slow down to notice the world around you. The new Moon falls as we prepare to say goodbye to January and greet the new month. The air may be getting cooler and many plants and animals are preparing for the winter ahead! Talk about the new Snow Moon this week and go on a noticing walk with kids in your yard, neighborhood or local park.

Notice the colors, the smells, the creatures that share these spaces and the sounds you hear— winter is really here. Want to include your kids? Use our Welcome Walk activity as a guide. Welcome older kids to build a photo slideshow or create art to capture things that are changing in your biome.

Embrace the Winter this Month

What is your winter mindset? Not sure? Read more about how establishing a winter mindset, then leaning into it can help us thrive during this special season. 

Even though the days still feel short and nights may feel long and dark, days are getting longer now that we are on the other side of Winter Solstice. In fact, the halfway point between the first day of winter and the first day of spring is only in two weeks!  So, lean into whatever cozy rituals you enjoy in winter.  

Slip a coat over your PJs and take a stroll before bed and as you walk, notice the beauty of early darkness and, if you can catch it, the moon appearing. Or, if you have a window that can see the sky, turn out all of the lights and sit and gaze out as the night sky begins to appear. 

Behold the Sight

Full moons have a humbling, awesome beauty, but the tiny sliver of a new moon is gorgeous in its own delicate, almost-can't-believe-it sort of way. Be sure to behold it and wonder how it makes you feel and what it reminds you of.

Watch the Moon Grow

Then, make a habit of watching each night to see how it grows, waxing its way a bit more each day. The Snow/Storm/Budding Moon will become full and reach its peak illumination on February 6th. Compare the moon each day to the image below. Where does the moon belong in the chart? Watching how the moon changes is pure celestial magic!

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Meghan Fitzgerald

Founder

After 20+ years as an educator, curriculum developer and school leader, I have my dream gig—an entrepreneur/educator/mom who helps families everywhere, including my own, learn outside. Prior to Tinkergarten®, I worked as an Elementary School Principal, a Math/Science Specialist & and a teacher in public and private schools in NY, MA and CA. I earned a BA with majors in English and Developmental Psychology at Amherst College, an MS in Educational Leadership at Bank Street College, and was trained to become a Forest School leader at Bridgwater College, UK. My worldview is formed in response to my environment, culture, family, identity and experiences. What I write in this blog will inevitably betray the blind spots I have as a result—we all have them! Please reach out if there are other perspectives or world views I could consider in anything I write about. I welcome the chance to learn and update any pieces to broaden our shared perspective!

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