APAPACHO SERIES ☾

A Ritual of Affirmation & Inner Renewal

October 10, 2026 ·

Listen the audiojournaling: https://youtu.be/R_0izwF39-8?si=vggzxshVQIb5TTbc

Welcome to Apapacho Series, a space to slow down, listen inward and return to what matters.

Today, we're welcoming the New Moon in Libra, the beginning of a new lunar cycle and an opportunity to reflect on balance, relationships and the way we care for ourselves while caring for others.

Balance doesn't always mean keeping everything in harmony. Sometimes, it means recognizing what feels out of alignment, allowing ourselves to pause before reacting, and understanding when we need to set a boundary, change our perspective or let something go.

You don't need to have every answer today. You only need to create enough space to listen to yourself.

In Mexican culture, apapacho is often described as a hug for the soul, an expression of affection and care that reaches beyond words. Let this practice be your

apapacho, a moment to reconnect with your body, honor what you feel and make space for a new beginning.

𖤓 PREPARE YOUR SPACE

Before we begin, find a quiet, comfortable place where you can be with yourself.

You'll need a candle, your journal, a pen and your favorite drink. It can be cacao, tea, coffee or simply a glass of water.

As you prepare your drink, choose an intention for this moment. Perhaps you want to invite more peace, reconnect with your creativity, welcome clarity or simply give yourself permission to rest.

Light your candle, settle into your space and allow this time to belong to you.

There is nothing you need to achieve here. You are simply arriving.

☾ ARRIVE IN YOUR BODY

Lie down on your back and allow your body to be supported by the ground.

Place your left hand over your heart and your right hand over your belly.

Close your eyes, if that feels comfortable.

Take a slow breath in through your nose.

And exhale.

Again, breathe in, making space within yourself.

And breathe out, allowing your body to soften.

Notice the weight of your body against the ground. Notice the movement of your breath beneath your hands.

You don't have to change anything about this moment. Let yourself be exactly where you are.

Now, begin to bring your attention inward.

Ask yourself:

What am I carrying into this new cycle?

What part of me is asking for more attention?

What would it feel like to meet myself with a little more kindness?

There is no need to search for perfect answers. Simply notice what comes up, without judgment.

♥︎ AFFIRMATIONS FOR A NEW CYCLE

As you continue to breathe, listen to these affirmations. You can repeat each one silently or out loud, allowing the words to settle in your body.

I welcome new beginnings with an open heart.

I trust my inner wisdom, even when the path ahead is not yet clear.

I give myself permission to create, explore and express what lives within me.

I make room for peace in the way I think, speak and move through the world.

I choose kindness and empathy toward myself, other people, animals and the environment we share.

I can care for others without abandoning myself.

I give myself permission to pause before I respond.

I can honor my emotions without allowing every emotion to decide my next step.

I am allowed to establish boundaries that protect my peace and reflect what I truly need.

I welcome relationships rooted in mutual care, honesty, respect and growth.

I listen to my body and respect its needs, limits and changing rhythms.

I create daily rituals that help me feel connected to myself.

I deserve rest, nourishment and moments of stillness.

I release the need to compare my journey with someone else's.

I do not need to have everything figured out to begin again.

I allow myself to change, learn and grow.

I choose to nurture what brings meaning, creativity and connection into my life.

Take a moment to breathe.

Notice which affirmation stayed with you. Perhaps one felt comforting. Perhaps another brought up resistance or emotion. You don't have to force yourself to believe every word immediately.

Let the words become possibilities you can return to, one breath and one choice at a time.

𖥸 JOURNALING | LISTEN TO WHAT IS READY TO CHANGE

When you're ready, slowly open your eyes and reach for your journal and pen.

You can sit up, find a comfortable position and take a sip of your drink.

Let the warmth, flavor or simple sensation of drinking bring you back to the present moment.

This is your time to listen without needing to make your experience sound beautiful, reasonable or complete.

Write freely. If you prefer, you can record a voice note and speak your answers instead.

Take your time with these questions.

01 · What am I ready to welcome into this new cycle?

Think about the feelings, experiences, relationships or creative ideas you would like to make more space for.

02 · Where in my life am I being invited to find more balance?

Consider the relationship between giving and receiving, doing and resting, caring for others and caring for yourself.

03 · What am I ready to stop carrying?

Perhaps it is a comparison, an expectation, an old story about yourself or a pattern that no longer reflects who you are becoming.

04 · Where do I need to listen before reacting?

Is there a situation in which you need more time, a clearer boundary or a different perspective before deciding what comes next?

05 · What is one small act of self-love I can offer myself this week?

Choose something realistic and meaningful. It could be resting without guilt, moving your body, spending time in nature, creating something, asking for help or saying no when you need to.

And finally, complete this sentence:

In this new cycle, I choose to…

Let your answer become your intention, your Sankalpa, a heartfelt commitment that can guide the way you show up for yourself.

You don't need to transform your entire life overnight. Sometimes, a new beginning starts with one honest decision.

ૐ SEAL YOUR INTENTION

When you feel ready, put your journal aside and lie back down, or remain seated if that feels better for your body.

Place your right hand over your belly and your left hand over your heart.

Feel the contact of your hands. Notice your breath moving beneath them.

Take a slow inhale.

And a long exhale.

Bring to mind the intention you chose for this new cycle.

You don't need to hold it tightly. Let it be a reminder of what matters to you and the choices you want to practice in your everyday life.

In Tibetan Buddhist tradition, Green Tara is associated with compassion, protection and swift compassionate action. We'll close with her mantra as a moment of reflection and connection.

You may listen quietly or repeat it if it feels right for you.

Om Tare Tuttare Ture Soha.

Allow the sound to settle.

Take one final breath in.

And exhale.

Thank yourself for making this space. For listening. For allowing yourself to pause.

May you meet yourself with kindness.

May you care for others without forgetting your own needs.

May you recognize what is ready to be released and nurture what you wish to grow.

You are here.

You are present.

You are allowed to begin again.

Welcome to the new cycle.

Welcome to your apapacho.

Honoring lunar cycles through ritual, body and breath.

 by Aritzi Yoga