Have you struggled getting up this morning? Have you gone for your morning jog or done your yoga practice and noticed that you just don't have that energy that you normally do? Have you injured yourself whilst exercising today?
Well, I have enjoyed getting up at 5.30am recently to get on my mat and practice. However, this morning was tough. I did manage to drag myself to a yoga studio for a Mysore practice, but it just didn't go as well as it normally does. I did not push myself and skipped some more physical poses. Only later did I understand what all that was about - today is a moon day!
In Ashtanga yoga tradition it is not recommended to practice on moon days (full or new moon). When the full moon is out, the energy levels are low; this relates to the fact that our bodies are made mainly of water, so full moon affects our bodies in the same way as it affects the oceans and tides.
The other reason for skipping your daily practice on moon days is due to our energy levels. You can feel a lack of energy, just like in my case today, or feel overly energetic. Either way, there's an increased risk of injury through the lack of correct technique and alignment or through over-doing some poses.
If you don't care so much about moon days, at least take it easy today and do listen to your body. If you do get injured today, maybe next time you'll think twice before