Have you ever felt like you’re just going through the motions? You wake up, grab your coffee, check your phone, head to work, maybe watch some TV, and then repeat it all the next day? It’s like you’re on autopilot, running on default settings. This "automatic" way of living is something a philosopher named Georgij Ivanovič Gurdžiev discussed a lot. He believed that many of us live without really thinking about what we’re doing, stuck in habits we don’t even notice. Interestingly, he tied this to something as familiar and powerful as the Moon.
The Moon and Our Minds
The Moon isn’t just a beautiful object in the night sky—it’s been a symbol for our emotions, moods, and cycles for centuries. Gurdžiev thought that just like the Moon affects the tides of the Earth, it also has an impact on our thoughts and behaviors. We go through life stuck in repeating patterns, but we’re often unaware of it. The Moon’s changing phases can be a reminder of these cycles in our own lives.
Think about it: the Moon goes through different phases, and so do we. Sometimes we feel energetic, creative, and ready to take on the world, while other times we feel tired, stuck, or just going through the motions. But often, we don’t realize it, and that’s when we slip into automatic habits.
What Are "Mechanical" Habits?
When we talk about “mechanical” habits, we don’t mean being robots. It just means doing things automatically, without really thinking about them. For example, think about your morning routine. You wake up, check your phone, have breakfast, go to work, all without really pausing to ask, “Is this what I want to do today?” You’re just following a set pattern.
This is what’s called the “sleep of the mind.” It’s like we’re sleepwalking through our days, doing the same things over and over, not noticing that we’re stuck in a loop. We aren’t really present, just repeating habits from the past.
The Phases of the Moon and Our Own Cycles
The Moon’s phases mirror the cycles in our own lives. Just like the Moon goes from new to full and back again, we go through periods of energy, action, rest, and even stagnation. Here’s how it breaks down:
Full Moon: This is when energy is at its peak. You might feel more emotional, impulsive, or reactive. It’s easy to fall back into old habits, especially when everything feels heightened.
New Moon: The new Moon is all about fresh starts. It’s the perfect time to reflect and reset. If you’re looking to change a habit, this is the ideal moment to start something new.
Waning Moon: As the Moon wanes, things slow down. You might feel less motivated or just want to rest. This is when it’s easy to fall back into the same routine without realizing it.
How to Break Free from Automatic Habits
So, how can we stop living on autopilot and break free from these mechanical habits? The first step is awareness. We need to pay attention to when we’re just going through the motions and make a conscious effort to change. Here are a few ways to do that:
1. Pay Attention: Notice when you’re acting automatically. Are you stuck in a routine that no longer serves you? Just being aware of your habits is the first step to changing them.
2. Mix Things Up: A great way to break free from automatic habits is to change your routine. Do something different—take a new route to work, try a new hobby, or change your morning ritual. Little changes can help you snap out of your routine.
3. Use the Moon’s Phases: The changing phases of the Moon can be a great reminder to reset. During the new Moon, set an intention to change a habit. Reflect during the full Moon on what’s working and what’s not. These natural cycles help us stay aware and connected to our own rhythms.
4. Practice Mindfulness: Take time each day to slow down and be present. Whether it’s through meditation, deep breathing, or just sitting quietly, being mindful helps us step out of autopilot and into the present moment.
Conclusion: Wake Up from the Cycle
The Moon and our minds are more connected than we might think. Just like the Moon has its phases, we also go through cycles of energy and rest. By becoming more aware of our habits and paying attention to these cycles, we can start to break free from autopilot and live more intentionally.
So next time you find yourself stuck in a routine, take a moment to reflect: Are you really living in the moment, or just running on default? The Moon may be gently reminding you to wake up and make a change.
