This is less of an article diving into something and more of a series of opportunities to reflect. Mercury Retrograde has become a huge meme in the world of the internet, yet it was one of the most important phases to learn about during the early part of my spiritual journey. (And for those of you who don’t know what I mean by spiritual, I kind of just mean the art of becoming more fully human.)
As I understood it then, and still understand it today, Mercury Retrograde is a period of time when we are encouraged to slow down. Some folks fear Mercury Retrograde because “we aren’t supposed to do anything,” when really we aren’t meant to rush.
However, it isn’t often (if ever) our current society invites us to slow down, to stop, to reflect. I love how observing the planetary shifts allow for this “backward” motion. Or how the seasons can create the conditions for intentional pause. It is revealing about our current conditioning that as a society we fear stopping. That a three-week pause is something to be fearful of. Instead, I like to relish in it. I wish we actually did more of it. You will not find me clamoring to add more items to my to do list. But maybe that’s just me.
So whether you were able to embrace the slow down this time around, or if this is your first opportunity prior to October 2nd, here are a few questions to help you reflect and hopefully create the space to realign to what you truly want and need. Because that is part of the beauty about pausing, we stop charging blindly yet confidently toward a future that may not be right for us.
Are the people you are surrounded by nourishing the person you want to become? Do they foster a feeling of happiness and contentment within your being?
Is the work that you are doing supporting you in all the ways you wish to be supported? Do you feel proud to do the work you do?
Are there ways you could reimagine the balance of your life? Where would you like to dedicate more time? Or less?
Have you noticed lately where you feel more alive? Where you seem to lose energy? Are there ways to do more of the former and less of the latter?
What are your values? What are the things you hold most important to you? Love, fun, trust, excitement, adventure, community…etc. Are you nurturing them to grow?
What is your ideal day? How closely does your current reality resemble your ideal?
What brings you joy? When was the last time you did it on purpose?
Where could you love yourself more? Where are your areas of growth?
Are the actions you are taking today leading to the life you want to have in the future? How can you gently adjust the sails to point yourself there? Or if you are already, how can you appreciate yourself and honor your journey?
Feel free to dive into one or more of these questions. Maybe take the time, set up a special little space, and let your mind and heart unfurl. Grab a pen and some paper and dedicate this ritual to yourself.
Because what is more important than the garden of your life? A life that is delicately interdependent with all things.