Selenophile

Story

Happy Thursday & Happy September, everyone! This year is flying by, isn't it? Depending on how your year is going, it could be a good thing... or it could be a not-so-good thing. While I hope it's a good year so far, if it isn't, it might be a good opportunity for you to lean more into things you love.

For some people, hard times lead them to depend on books. Or movies. Or puzzles.

However, there are others who lean on their love for other things. One in particular, as you may have guessed from the name of this blog, is the moon. If you didn't previously know, a selenophile is a moon-lover.

Admiration & Our Comforts

As forementioned, we tend to lean on things we admire when we're struggling. Granted, we can all love the moon even when things are going well, too, but there's something so comforting about looking at something we love and forgetting about the world for a moment.

I've never gone camping (I know, I know, shame on me), but I do remember several evenings with my parents or friends, sitting in the silence of the night, looking up at the sky, and relishing in the quiet comfort of it all. Whether you're going through a time of struggle or the best years of your life, sometimes we all need a moment to just breathe.

When we're in awe of something, we are moved, fixated on something that causes a sense of feeling like we're connected to something much bigger than ourselves.

Why is it so comforting to be in wonder?

1. When we focus on things other than ourselves, we feel connected to others.

Think about how many people look up at the moon at the same moment as you. We're all connected without even realizing it.

2. Beautiful things inspire us.

How many times have you felt the urge to learn more about the stars, the sky, or the cosmos after admiring the sky? Maybe you've even been encouraged to paint or sketch the sky. I know I often feel the urge to write after a beautiful sunset as the stars peek through.

3. Being in awe reduces our stress levels.

Researchers have linked positive emotions—especially the awe we feel when touched by the beauty of nature, art, and spirituality—with lower levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines, which are proteins that signal the immune system to work harder. – Yasmin Anwar

So, if you're a lover of the sky and all things moon, you may just think you're admiring the beauty of what exists above, but you're also unconsciously calming yourself, inspiring yourself, and connecting to those around you.

How awesome is that?

So, friends, if there's one thing I can encourage you to do tonight: go look up at the moon, take a deep breath, and relish in the quiet beauty of the night. You never know how your awe might help you.

Be bold,

Landri