"Cooperation, not competition, is the road to happiness."

—Bertrand Russell

Maya’s remarks about this Full Moon remind of the Course in Miracles admonition to distinguish between our personal greatness and grandiosity. From Jesus we hear, "You are gods," and indeed we do all have gifts of mythological proportions. This Full Moon portal is an excellent window to express our god- or goddess-like capabilities, and share our own intuitive genius with the world, as underscored by the Cancer New Moon cycle in which it takes place.

As we do so, it’s good to bear in mind the Sabian symbol for the Full Moon’s degree of Capricorn, directing us to positive vs. negative competition. Capricorn's uphill climb to success is laden with ego-traps. As our pursuit of even the noblest goals comes into the limelight, we may be subject to criticism, envy or other aggressive attention, which can cause us either to get into an aggressive-defensive mode or retract from our original purpose altogether. Such reactions are fallout of negative competition.

This Full Moon is loaded with support for participating in the world. The I Ching says that the best way to fight evil is through "energetic progress toward good." We needn’t choose between becoming pitbulls or throwing in the towel. This Moon portal encourages us to keep expressing our best effort, our highest contribution to the world, while staying above the ego traps by developing an awareness of a higher, kinder striving that’s behind all human efforts, victorious over any petty or apparent differences, bringing forth good even from our critics or apparent competitors.

1. Write one or more ways in which you may get caught up in negatively competitive dynamics.

Some examples from our prayer group included:

I sometimes perceive apparent competitors as a threat.

I have sometimes taken criticism personally, and responded by developing a sense of "I'll show you", directed in status or fame-related goals.

When I sense somebody getting competitive, I have often backed down from my self-expression to avoid confrontation.

2. Write several inner and/or outer initiatives that the above reflections inspire you to take, in order to disengage from negative competition dynamics.

Releasing my ambitions to work on television that were motivated by the desire" to show" my critics.

Staying centered in my sense of higher purpose about my work and trusting the process.

Giving myself permission to receive the supportive relationships that I know the One Mind sends me now.

Believing in my capacity, without fear of being shamed by negative competition.

Going on the radio tomorrow without fearing the host’s or other guests' competitive attitudes, while allowing myself to take the time be as eloquent as I can.

Refrain from criticizing those I suspect might abuse me to get the upper hand, while simultaneously affirming my right to be successful despite the discomfort of others.

3. Review and absorb thoughts like those that follow, at least several times in a row daily, throughout the remainder of this moon cycle, and beyond as needed.

I AM PART OF THE ONE MIND, WHICH GUIDES EACH ONE OF MY EFFORTS SO THAT THEY PROSPER ALL OF CREATION. ALL OTHERS ARE ALSO PART OF THIS ONE MIND, WHICH CANNOT BE AT CROSS-PURPOSE TO ITSELF. IF ANYONE SEEMS TO ATTACK OR COMPETE WITH ME, I HOLD THEM IN THE TRUTH THAT THEY ALSO FORM PART OF THIS ONE MIND, AND CAN ONLY CONTRIBUTE TO THE COMMON GOOD, WHICH INCLUDES ME. I DO NOT COWER AT THE PRESSURES OF OTHERS, NOR DO I SILENCE MY OWN TRUTH. I TRUST THE POWER THAT IS WORKING THROUGH US ALL, AND EMBRACE ITS PROCESS OF COOPERATIVE, INFINITE GOOD IN APPARENTLY DIVERSE OR SEPARATE EFFORTS. THE NATURAL UNIFYING TENDENCY OF THE ONE MIND GUIDES CONSTRUCTIVE, LOVING, ABLE PEOPLE TO ME. I ACCEPT THEIR SUPPORT AND STIMULATION NOW, AS I FEARLESSLY SHARE MY SUPPORT WITH THEM.