Peace in Uncertain Times

The last week has been challenging for many of us. As I talk with friends and clients and participate in social media, there is much fear, rage, blame, and people who aggressively shout about what others should do.  

Should is a word I associate with the planet Saturn, and Saturn is powerful this week as the planet grinds to a halt and changes visual direction. When fear and anxiety lead to control struggles and shutdowns, that is Saturn’s archetype.

We are heading for a dramatic Full Moon on Friday, so I don’t expect calm, kind behaviors to reappear right away. Sometimes the best approach is simply to find peace and calm within.  Here are some things that help me in times of turmoil and uncertainty.  Maybe you’ll find some of it helpful.

One of the most valuable things I do is sit and examine my feelings. What emotions are here?  What are the best words to describe these feelings?

I use feelings cards, sorting until I find the best 3-5 that fit. Brene’ Brown’s book, Atlas of the Heart, is also a good resource.

Next, I pay attention to where the feelings are located in my body and try to describe how they feel physically in my journal.

Somehow, observing and describing my feelings quiets them and brings me greater calm. This allows me to choose responses instead of reacting in ways I might regret.

Other Resources & Tips

I’ve always practiced bibliotherapy.When disaster, fear, or trauma hits, I reach for books to help.  Here are some I have relied upon in tough times:

• If you use tarot cards, I  recommend Theresa Reed’s book, The Cards You’re Dealt: How to Deal When Life Gets Real. I use her Mind-Body-Spirit spread regularly!
• Eckhart Tolle’s book, The Power of Now, lived at my bedside during the months after Hurricane Katrina. It helped me stay present and live one day at a time.
• Byron Katie’s worksheets were invaluable when my marriage fell apart.  While she has books, and I highly recommend Loving What Is, there are also free resources on her website: https://thework.com/.  This might be a great time to use the Judge Your Neighbor worksheet.
• I’ve learned a great deal from Diana Butler Bass. Her books, Grateful and Grounded, helped me stay afloat when I felt overwhelmed as a nurse manager in the first two COVID-19 waves. If you are struggling to reconcile your spiritual faith with current religious trends, it’s worth exploring her catalog.

Reconnecting with sources of love and care is the most essential thing I do. Whether it is people, animals, a God or spirits, or places, try spending time with what nourishes your heart. Over the past week, that meant meals with friends, walking in a garden, and sitting in the backyard with my pup.

If you’re local, I invite you to join Kat and me at the next New Moon Commune for a small, supportive, in-person group gathering. The next one is on Nov 29.

Sometimes an astrology reading can help ground you. If you want to explore how the planetary cycles correspond with our personal phases and patterns, I’m here. I’m also prepared to help you identify specific activities and care practices that best support you based on your unique birth map.

Wishing you peace, calm and comfort.