Nature prompt for 1st week of February:

The Radiant Glory of Moonlight is Like a Warm Embrace

As a child I always felt a closeness to the moon. She was like a loyal friend. In the full moon phase I saw a face looking down on me. Her presence felt like a loving mother comforting me. When I look out my window at bedtime, she soothes my agitated soul.

She might be in her crescent phase but I know she is there. Science tells us that everything on earth reacts to the moon. I’m not alone in that thinking. Couples report heightened feelings of love in the moonlight. Many marriage proposals happen in her radiant presence.

Don’t worry if you’re making waves just by being yourself. The Moon does it all the time — Scott Stabile

Poets and songwriters use the light of the moon as a metaphor for love. She is not bright on her own. She reflects the light of the sun. Her surface is rough and changes her shape. Is she telling us that flaws can be perfect and change is a part of life?

She has a calming effect on our bodies and brings tranquility to a busy mind. She has a harmonious relationship with the sun and the earth. Is she reminding us that we’re all dependent on one another? That we should live in unity with all beings? She is a visible symbol of life, death and rebirth.

Last night my dog lingered outside, standing still in the full moon’s glow. He relished the kisses by the gentle moonbeam bathing him. I stood at his side and felt the subtle energy enveloping my own body. It was pure love. I didn’t want to go inside either.

In this world where we’re bombarded by electronic wavelengths, it’s easy to lose a connection to nature. We might feel more peaceful if we let moonlight beams illuminate our souls.

I prefer climbing mountains in the dark when moonlight shows the way. Headlamp beams are harsh. Moonbeams tend to energize my body and give a soft reflection on the snow.

I can feel the Moon’s love for the Earth in my soul when its magical silent silvery light touches my heart — Debasish Mridha

This article is written in response to the Reciprocal Nature prompt “Captivated by Moonlight” by Sahil Patel.

Please read the words of these Medium writers. They praise the benefits of other aspects found in nature that nourish our souls.

Dr. Preeti Singh sings the praises of flowers.

Aakash Dahal praises the benefits of a cleansing rain.

Profound thanks to Sahil Patel for his editorial work on the Reciprocal Nature publication.