Augustus

Renamed from Sextilis (literally "sixth") in 8 B.C.E. to honor Rome’s first emperor; Augustus Caesar (whose name literally meant "venerable, majestic, magnificent, noble; worthy of reverence and respect" ), August is the month that most seems to evoke maturity, expansion, and the full expression of potential.

The reign of Augustus initiated a roughly 200 year long era of imperial peace (the PaxRomana or PaxAugusta, 27 BCE–180 CE). This period of unprecedented stability was marked by feats of infrastructure, and cultural flourishing, and Augustus, transformed Rome from a city of bricks, into a city of marble.

Augustus’ reign embodied confident outward expression and flourishing achievement, a powerful metaphor for this present stage of the seasonal cycle, as (here in the Northern Hemisphere) August marks the zenith of summer. This is the time when fruits ripen fully with vibrant colors and expansive growth, fields (and my yards) overflow with abundance, —all the life in sync with nature seems to boldly resound;

“now is the time to express”.

Augustus understood that, like nature itself, true power manifests in unapologetic expression—not through force, control or dominance, but through an authentic unfolding of a one's inner essence.

August invites me to do the same:

All month long, I filter my choices and behavior paths with the question;

“Is this decision, and following investment of my life’s currency (time) a truly mature expression (noble; worthy of reverence and respect) ?"

The Superficial Back Arm Line

“The Reacher”

The Superficial Back Arm Line (SBAL) is the anatomical embodiment of confident, expansive outward expression.

The SBAL begins at the fingertips, traces upward along the back of the forearm, moves through the elbow, ascends along the triceps muscle, over the shoulder, and finally anchors into the upper spine and neck.

Functionally, this myofascial line governs movements involving pushing away, reaching outward, extending our arms in celebration, openness, or invitation, and embodying full expression of intention. When I engage the SBAL, I physically manifest the confidence to reach beyond perceived limits, to express myself boldly, and to push aside whatever obstructs my authentic expression.

A strong, open SBAL correlates to emotional openness and clarity—qualities that emerge when I internally mature enough to authentically communicate who I am, what I want, and what I stand for. Conversely, tension or restriction in this line often reflects internal hesitations, fears of rejection, or reluctance to reveal myself fully. Cultivating awareness and openness along this pathway thus becomes an embodied practice of aligning inner clarity with outward expression.

Mature Expression

“Mature Expression” is not the same as speaking or acting boldly, but rather, doing so from a place of inner coherence and authenticity, and with compassion for the world around.

Truly mature expression necessitates courage, clarity, and vulnerability—recognizing that though my fullest expressions may risk exposure, ultimately, only these foster deeper connections and meaningful interactions.

August teaches me that only when my inner world is carefully cultivated, and aligned, with both awareness and regard for the outer world, can I then clearly see where and how I am meant to express outwardly. As within, so without —my inner clarity tells me my outer clarity.

Reflecting back on this month has me especially attentive to my questions, and my following actions:

How good—how mature were my own questions?

what behaviors did my answers (or lack of answering) lead to,

and what thoughts, emotions and/or sensations followed?