NOTE: This podcast was transcribed by an AI tool. Please forgive any typos or errors. Podcast Reflective Practices: How To Reach Your Goals === [00:00:00] Cara: Picture this. A moment of quiet contemplation. A journal in hand as you're guided, not just by your thoughts. But by the very rhythm of your day-to-day life. The ebbs and flows of your energy, your productive highs, In the moments of introspective calm. Now imagine intertwining this personal energetic journey. And the reflection of the celestial phases of the moon. [00:00:25] Cara: We're about to embark on a journey that transforms the everyday act of self-reflection into something truly extraordinary. [00:00:32] Cara: It's like taking a walk through your own life's playlists where your introspective moments sync up with the beat of your own personal rhythm. In the mesmerizing dance of the lunar phases. [00:00:44] Cara: Join me as we delve into the magic of aligning your moments of self discovery with the moon subtle influence. ~Exploring how this harmony between your internal clock. ~Exploring how this harmony between your internal clock. And the cosmic calendar can amplify the power of your reflections. ~It's about making your introspective moments. Not just by. ~ [00:00:59] Cara: It's about [00:01:00] making your introspective moments, not just moments, but deeply resonant experiences that flow with the very heartbeat of nature. [00:01:09] Cara: Hi, my name is Kara and I am an intuitive, energetic life coach. And I help you understand your energy. And use the powerful energy of the moon, your human design and anything that can help you step into your power. [00:01:24] Cara: This has been a truly remarkable experience and helped me revive my life from being an overwhelmed mom, to diving into the flow of life for more fulfillment and ease. And more efficiency in the actions that I'm taking. [00:01:40] Cara: This is something that I am so empowered to help you do the same. ~And I cannot wait to dive in to this powerful episode. ~ [00:01:44] Cara: And I can't wait to dive in to this powerful episode with you. [00:01:48] intro --- [00:01:48] Cara: Welcome to Float Activity, the podcast that guides you on a transformative journey towards spiritual wisdom, self development, and healing practices, all aimed at elevating your [00:02:00] intuition and aligning you with your soul's purpose. I'm your host, Cara Dempsey, and I'm thrilled to have you joining me today as we learn together. [00:02:10] Understanding a reflection Practice --- [00:02:10] Cara: Let's dive into the definition of a reflection practice. ~Uh, reflection, practice embodies a deliberate and focus period set aside for introspection. ~ [00:02:15] Cara: Uh, reflection, practice embodies a deliberate and focus period set aside for introspection evaluation and nurturing personal growth. [00:02:25] Cara: It's a conscious commitment to pause, observe and contemplate. Once thoughts, emotions, experiences, and actions. This practice often involves journaling, meditation, self inquiry, and any intentional activity that encourages self reflection. [00:02:44] Cara: Let's talk about the value of regular reflection. [00:02:48] Cara: Regular reflection serves as a cornerstone for fostering self-awareness and catalyzing personal development. Now let's talk about why it's so crucial in your journey to self [00:03:00] discovery. [00:03:00] Cara: It cultivates an idea of self-awareness Regular reflection provides a safe to observe oneself objectively. It allows individuals to gain insights into their thoughts, emotions, behaviors, strengths, and areas of improvement. This heightened self-awareness becomes a compass for navigating life. Making conscious decisions and understanding one's responses to different situations. [00:03:28] Cara: When we integrate this self-awareness in our reflection practice, it helps bring awareness to these repeating patterns that may keep coming up in our life and how we can navigate moving forward in a better way. [00:03:41] Cara: Learning and growth reflection serves as a potent. Learning tool by evaluating past experiences, successes, challenges, and failures. Individuals glean valuable lessons. It allows for the extraction of wisdom from every situation, [00:04:00] fostering continuous growth and evolution. [00:04:02] Cara: When we use learning and growth in our reflection practices, we can see that these challenges or failures are actually cornerstones for succeeding in what we're going after. [00:04:14] Cara: Clarity and direction. Engaging in reflective practices. Helps clarify goals, values and aspirations. It aids in identifying what truly matters to you. Aligning actions with intentions And charting a path towards personal fulfillment and success. [00:04:32] Cara: When we use clarity and direction, it's going to help us see where we have gone wrong in the past and how we can do better moving forward. [00:04:41] Cara: Enhanced emotional intelligence. Regular self reflection, sharpens emotional intelligence by fostering a deep understanding of emotions and their underlying triggers. This heightened emotional awareness leads to improve self-regulation empathy and [00:05:00] better interpersonal relationships. [00:05:02] Cara: When we integrate enhanced emotional intelligence, we can see where something is triggering us and how we can actually react differently. Because when we instantly react to something that. Heightens our emotional sensitivity. It can cause an uprising in someone else. So when we have the enhanced emotional intelligence, it gives us a moment of reflection on how we can do better next time. [00:05:28] Leveraging Personal Energy and Cycles --- [00:05:28] Cara: ~Adaption and improvement reflection enables individuals. ~ [00:05:28] Cara: Adaption and improvement reflection enables individuals to assess their progress and make necessary adjustments. And encourages adaptability resilience and a proactive approach to personal and professional development. [00:05:43] Cara: When we utilize adaption and improvement, it will better our home and work life for more efficiency and it will really help our relationships get stronger. [00:05:54] Cara: So in essence, incorporating a regular reflection into your daily or weekly routines, [00:06:00] nurtures a deeper connection with oneself fosters, continuous learning and empowers individuals to lead more intentional and fulfilling lives. [00:06:10] Cara: Leveraging your personal cycles and your personal energy is truly important in a reflective practice. [00:06:18] Cara: In the lens of human design, every single type needs to have reflection. With how they make decisions and how they take action in their day. Do they feel like their energy was well-spent. Let's talk about your inner authority and using that as a reflection practice. [00:06:36] Cara: When we talk about your inner authority, that's how you make decisions and then reflecting on how that made you feel later in the day or days following. so for example, if you're a sacral authority, You are meant to make decisions from your gut when you make those decisions, how did it make you feel? [00:06:55] Cara: And it's allowing yourself the time in the space to reflect on that gut instinct.[00:07:00] [00:07:00] Cara: If you're an emotional or solar plexus. Inner authority. It's allowing yourself to go through the days, weeks, even months on a decision and reflecting with yourself in the process. Because you need to seek emotional clarity before you make decisions. [00:07:18] Cara: Or sometimes it will leave you making rash decisions, which ultimately can make you feel regret after you do that. [00:07:25] Cara: If you're a splenic authority, it's trusting your intuition and reflecting on how it made you feel. [00:07:31] Cara: Because you're designed to make your decisions instantly without hesitation. Allow yourself to reflect on how that made you feel. [00:07:39] Cara: Yourself, inner authority. It's being true to yourself and allowing yourself to talk out these decisions. So having a reflection conversation with someone that you trust ~and making sure that they don't input their own. ~ [00:07:51] Cara: It's important for you to talk out your decisions, not to get others' input. But to see how it makes you feel before taking action. [00:07:59] Cara: If you [00:08:00] have the heart or ego authority, it's attuning to your heart's desires, which is a personal subjective process. So reflecting your process of making decisions is really important for you to feel like your decisions are coming from your heart. [00:08:16] Cara: And lastly, ~if you have none or outer it's that you're not. If you have.~ If you have outer or none inner authority, you are not meant to be rushed in making your decisions. So having a clear, reflective practice. In the pursuit of figuring out your decision is really important. [00:08:30] Cara: ~Now, if we align a reflection practices with our menstrual energy, it can ha. If we can align our reflection practice with our menstrual energy peaks and. ~ [00:08:30] Cara: If we can align our reflection practices with our menstrual energies, ebbs and flows, it can profoundly enhance the depth and effectiveness of our introspection. So let's talk about how. [00:08:43] Cara: ~The menstrual cycle. Isn't just a physical occurrence. It encompasses. ~ [00:08:43] Cara: The menstrual cycle, isn't just a physical occurrence. It encompasses emotional, mental and energetic shifts across is phases. We have menstruation follicular, ovulation, and luteal phases. [00:08:58] Cara: Each phase brings distinct [00:09:00] energy levels, emotions and cognitive patterns ~influence by our hormonal fluctuations. Influenced by our hormonal flood. ~ [00:09:03] Cara: Influenced by our hormonal fluctuations. [00:09:06] Cara: Now, let me preface. If you do not have a menstrual phase. You're going to want to fast forward to the lunar phase reflection process. for those of you who experienced a menstrual cycle, Let's talk about how we can integrate reflection into our menstrual phases. The menstrual phase starts on day. Number one through day, number seven of your cycle. [00:09:29] Cara: This phase often involves lower physical energy, but heightened intuition and emotional depth. Reflection during this phase, concenter around releasing emotions, setting intentions and intuitive self inquiry. [00:09:44] Cara: The Follicular phase starts around day. Number six of your cycle, and can go up to day number 17, depending on how your cycle is. This is where we have rising energy and a sense of renewal. Characterize with this phase. [00:10:00] So reflection can focus on setting goals, planning, and embracing new perspectives and possibilities. [00:10:07] Cara: The ovulation phase is usually around day number 14 through day number 19, depending on your cycle. This is where we have peak energy and vitality. Reflection can center around expressing gratitude, exploring creativity and aligning actions with our desires and ambitions. [00:10:28] Cara: Lastly, we have the luteal phase. This can start around day. Number 16. And can last up until your period starts. This is where our energy gradually declines and introspection might involve analyzing emotions self-care~ and reflecting on lessons.~ And reflecting on lessons learned throughout the cycle. [00:10:49] Cara: And I find that my intuition starts to heighten at the end of my luteal phase. [00:10:55] Cara: So let's talk about how we could maximize introspection with our menstrual cycles. [00:11:00] If we align our reflection practices with these phases, it allows us to leverage our energies effectively. [00:11:07] Cara: During our low energy phases. [00:11:10] Cara: This is when we should focus inward reflection and emotional processing. [00:11:15] Cara: This is when setting intentions can be more natural and effective. [00:11:20] Cara: And utilizing high energy phases, lens to goal setting, planning, and action oriented introspection. [00:11:28] Cara: When we embrace these cyclical changes, it fosters a deeper understanding and acceptance of one cells, recognizing the ebb and flow of our energy and emotions throughout a cycle. And it encourages a more compassionate and intuitive approach to introspection. [00:11:45] Cara: When we integrate holistic self care with our menstrual cycles, it promotes this self-care by acknowledging and honoring our energy and natural rhythms. [00:11:56] Cara: It enables us to tailor our self-care practices, [00:12:00] productivity self-reflection movement and strategies In alignment with our cyclical energies. In essence aligning reflection practices with menstrual energy cycles provides framework for deeper self understanding, intuitive guidance And a more harmonious approach to personal growth. It empowers individuals to harness the inherit wisdom within their cycles. For more effective and insightful introspection. [00:12:27] Cara: This is exactly why I created my cycle vitality series. I have a weekly and daily printed planner. And I also have a ebook to help you understand the energy of your cycle. Now, this isn't something that you are to use as an instruction manual. It is something for you to use as a menu. What is going to nourish you exactly where you are? It's not forcing yourself to be a certain way. It's supporting yourself through the ebbs and flows of your energy. The links to those will be in the show notes. [00:12:59] Cara: [00:13:00] And I also have a free offering to help get you started so you can use your energy for more efficiency and fulfillment in your life, around your energy. [00:13:10] Harnessing Lunar Energy --- [00:13:10] Cara: Now let's talk about harnessing lunar energy. This has changed the game for me around goal setting. When I use the different phases of the moon, it catapults me towards my goals with ease and alignment. So let's talk about how you can do the same with yours. [00:13:28] Cara: I'm sure you've seen with means and different things about lunar phases on influencing our emotional and mental states. [00:13:36] Cara: So when we understand it and use it for our potential, It can help guide us in. [00:13:41] Cara: The different steps for our goals. So let's talk about the new moon. This is the start of the lunar cycle and it brings a sense of new beginnings. Emotionally, it can evoke introspection setting intentions and feeling of planting seeds of growth. Mentally, it might bring clarity and a [00:14:00] sense of purpose. [00:14:01] Cara: The first quarter moon grows at illumination emotions tend to align with this expansion. Confidence motivation and increased energy levels are common during this phase. [00:14:12] Cara: So mentally, it's a time of planning taking action and moving forward with your initiatives. [00:14:17] Cara: With the full moon. This is emotional intensity that tends to peak during a full moon phase. It can amplify feelings, both positive and negative. [00:14:27] Cara: It heightens awareness and illuminates areas that may acquire attention. Mentally, this phase might bring clarity, but also a sense of urgency or culmination. [00:14:39] Cara: Now with the last quarter moon, this decreases an illumination emotions might stabilize. It's a phase for releasing, letting go decluttering emotionally. Mentally it's a time for reflection introspection and tying up those loose ends. [00:14:55] Cara: Now let's talk about how we can sync our reflection practices with the [00:15:00] moon phases. [00:15:01] Cara: The new moon reflection is setting intentions and establishing goals. Initiating new practices during this phase. And reflect on what you want to manifest or invite in your life. If there's anything holding you back during this time, this is also the time to let it go. With the first quarter reflection. This is where you track progress. You take action on the plans that you made during the new moon. Don't forget to evaluate the areas where growth and expansion have occurred. Set intentions to align with the increasing energy of the moon. [00:15:32] Cara: When it comes to the full moon reflection uses phase for deeper introspection acknowledging achievements and recognizing areas for release or transformation. [00:15:43] Cara: Celebrate and reflect on what has come to fruition And let go. Anything that has been holding you back. And with the last quarter reflection. Focus on releasing what no longer serves you emotionally or mentally. [00:15:55] Cara: This is an important time for introspective practices for [00:16:00] goodness. [00:16:00] Cara: Preparing for the next cycle by decluttering and reflecting. [00:16:04] Cara: So sinking reflection practices will lunar cycles provides a framework for deeper insights, intention setting, and tracking personal growth. It aligns inner processes with the natural ebb and flow of the moon's energy, allowing you to harness its rhythms for self-awareness and transformative growth. [00:16:22] Cara: If this is something you're interested in, please check out my manifesting with the moon series. I have a 2024 interactive calendar to help you break down. Every moon phase and the different Richo grades that are happening this year, seasons and Zodiac influences throughout the year. [00:16:40] Cara: I have my printed or principle series. [00:16:42] Cara: And I'll have those links in the show notes for you. [00:16:46] Designing Reflection Practices --- [00:16:46] Cara: Now it's time for you to think about designing your own reflection, practice. Are you going to journal in the morning? Are you going to journal at night? Are you going to align it with your menstrual energy? Are you going to align it with the moon [00:17:00] energy? This is something that you're going to have to sit down and think about what truly resonates with you and something that you're actually going to show up to do. [00:17:07] Cara: Right now I am using my manifesting with the moon printed journal. [00:17:11] Cara: It's been super helpful because it breaks down my goals super easy, and I can align it with the moon's energy. And it has been on point the different areas that I've been affected and where that moon's energy is affecting me during the transits. [00:17:25] Cara: I've created this in a way that is helpful for people that doesn't absorb information, just like me. I need something that I can refer to over time, because I am not going to remember what the new moon in Capricorn is going to feel like. I want something that I can read. See how it feels, take what resonates and leave what doesn't. I want you to think about. How you can show up for yourself and this reflective practice and see what resonates. [00:17:52] Cara: One of my goals before the news Zodiac year comes out for every season is to actually create a planner around the [00:18:00] Zodiac year versus the traditional calendar year. [00:18:03] Cara: So while it might not be out now, I'm hoping that with the Zodiac year, I will have this published and I'm actually going to incorporate these reflective practices for the lunar and menstrual phases. [00:18:15] Cara: So during this time of designing your reflection, practice, identify your energy peaks. when are you most energetic? When are you focused? When you introspective? When are you relaxed? [00:18:28] Cara: if you're someone that doesn't know where to get started, I actually created an energy tracking series. [00:18:33] Cara: So I'll have. That in the show notes. And that actually incorporates both. And for you to dive into the areas that you feel called to so that you don't have to choose between menstrual or lunar energies. [00:18:46] Cara: The next important task is allocating the reflection time accordingly. So again, is it going to be a daily practice? [00:18:54] Cara: Is it going to be a phase practice? Is it going to be a weekly practice? So make sure that you [00:19:00] are allowing time for you to reflect on when feels good to you. [00:19:04] Cara: But make sure that you're setting up something that you're actually going to do regularly. [00:19:09] Cara: So let's talk about practical suggestions. Of course, journaling is number one. If you want to just do a blink journal, I actually have one that I designed with a picture from Switzerland. [00:19:20] Cara: So if you're looking for a new journal, make sure you check the show notes. But this is where you're going to write down your thoughts, feelings, goals, and gratitude lists. And if you're not someone that wants to write down things consider using your voice notes app on your iPhone. And I know recently one of the new updates is a journaling app. And you can always use the microphone option So that you can record it with your voice and then it will translate it on the journaling app for yourself. [00:19:49] Cara: You can also do this with meditation or mindfulness. [00:19:53] Cara: And this is where you can practice that mindfulness, deep breathing, or even a guided meditation to help you. [00:20:00] In this reflection practice. [00:20:01] Cara: I actually have meditations for most of the human designs are already published. To help you use your human design type as a reflective practice. So make sure you check those out as they are released. [00:20:15] Cara: You can also use a creative expression, use our music or movement as a form of reflection. It's really powerful to move your body and allow yourself the time to reflect on how it made you feel. [00:20:28] Cara: Another tool that I use almost daily is Oracle cards and taro. I use these tools for introspection and guidance. I actually use it aligns with the lunar phases. If you have my manifesting with the moon printed planner, you can use this as well, because I have questions and they're aligned with the moon's energy. [00:20:46] Cara: And lastly nature connection, spend time outdoors, connecting with the natural rhythms of the seasons and the moon. [00:20:54] Cara: And that's super helpful because nature really allows us to be in the now and have the moments [00:21:00] of reflection come through to us. [00:21:01] Cara: Remember that one of the most important keys is being flexible and adaptable in this process. Your reflection process should evolve with you and cater to your changing energies and lunar influences. So experiment, observe what works for you and embrace the transformative potential, aligning your reflection, practice with your cycle, the moon's phases, and even your human design, energetic type. [00:21:28] Benefits and Implementing --- [00:21:28] Cara: Now let's talk about the benefits and how we can implement this into our life. [00:21:33] Cara: Having a reflection practice, especially when it comes to goals is going to have that enhanced self-awareness and emotional clarity. It's going to improve your goal setting and intentions with your manifestations. It's going to create greater alignment with your personal growth and aspirations. [00:21:50] Cara: It creates a deeper connection and alignment with your rhythms and nature's rhythms. And it allows for adaptability and self care. [00:21:59] Cara: So [00:22:00] action steps is to begin tracking. [00:22:02] Cara: Select a practice. Start small. And remember, consistency is key. [00:22:07] Cara: And as you go adapt and personalize your reflection practice. [00:22:12] Cara: In conclusion, I am so happy. You're embarking on this journey with integration, aligning our introspective journeys with these natural cycles, whether it's us, the moon and our menstrual cycles. This is an invitation to a deeply enriching experience. And each reflective moments. Becomes a conduit for self-awareness emotional clarity. In the manifestations of our intentions. [00:22:37] Cara: So I invite you to take that leap, embrace the possibility of a reflective practice that harmonizes with your unique rhythms. Start small experiment and witness a profound shifts. And self understanding and personal growth that unfold. [00:22:51] Cara: The transformative potential lies within your hands, whether you're using your energetic blueprint. Your energy of the cycles [00:23:00] or even the phases of the moon. Embraces synergy and let it guide you on a journey towards unparalleled self-discovery emotional alignment and the realization of your true potential. [00:23:11] Outro --- [00:23:11] Cara: As we wrap up this episode, remember that leaving a five-star review, subscribing or sharing this content. You're not just supporting my podcast. You're actively contributing to the flow of the seven universal laws. together. We're cultivating a vibrant flowing stream of wisdom and positivity. [00:23:27] Cara: So keep riding that cosmic current keeps sharing the love until our next rendezvous stay true to your unique flow. [00:23:34] Cara: See you in the next adventure. We'll chat soon. [00:23:37] Cara: If you want to learn more, check the show notes and all the links [email protected] slash 100.