Two Ways To Master Meditation
Meditation & Mercury Retrograde
From an astrological point of view, Mercury governs how we process and interpret information. It is closely associated with the functions of the central nervous system and all forms of communication.
When retrograde, the Mercury effect is more noticeable. Retrograde periods are a chance to hone in on our degree of inner calm and ability to communicate clearly
Mercury is retrograde around three times per year. We describe ways that you can make the most of each Mercury retrograde phase, lasting about three weeks.
Then each retrograde cycle becomes an opportunity to up your mindfulness game.
Make the Most of Mercury Retrograde
There are three ways most of us get affected by Mercury’s retrograde cycle
- You may notice electronic and mechanical glitches that challenge you to stay calm in the face of adversity (communication breakdowns)
- You may notice strange events happening that bring about unexpected connections (apparent coincidences that are actually moments of synchronicity)
- You may notice a greater sense of inner confusion OR a plethora of conflicting opinions that just create more disruption (cognitive dissonance)
If your thoughts tend to be chaotic or you are distracted all the time, you are likely to find all sorts of weird hiccups emerge to frustrate and challenge you
But if you develop a ‘spacious’ state of mind, and learn to stay focussed in the present, the Mercury Retrograde period is in fact an ideal moment to review your self-talk, and notice any tendencies toward negative or even catastrophic thinking.
How Mercury Retrograde affects mindfulness
As humans, we are somehow programmed to expect the worst. Through meditation or mindfulness, we learn to untangle these negative thought-patterns and see more clearly the opportunity in every moment.
Meditation is the optimal pathway toward developing mindfulness. When we meditate, we learn to appreciate the wonder of Life in its myriad states of flux and transformation.
We become less judgemental and reactive. We find it easier to accept ourselves and others with understanding and compassion.
The secret to becoming a meditation master is not to try and stop your mind from chatting (it never does) but to learn instead how to focus it for an extended period of time
As Easy As One Two
Effective meditators apply two simple rules. Focus your attention on one thing (the breath is a great place to start) AND do this regularly.
So when Mercury turns retrograde the advice is this – take the time to slow down and relax.
Stay present through meditation or any other mindfulness technique. Learn to observe your thoughts and how these frame your view of the world, then change whatever you discover is holding you back.
After all, the one freedom that can never be taken from you is your ability to choose how you respond to a given set of circumstances.
A MR phase is a wonderful opportunity to observe your normal responses to life, and practice skills that can change the way you think forever.
If you want some help learning mindfulness techniques then get in touch with an experienced coach as the first step to harnessing the power of your own mind!
Have you got any Mercury Retrograde stories or questions you want to share? Tell us about them in the comment box below
The Major Astrology Influences For You in 2023
Part One of our 2023 overview looked at the influence of Pluto in Aquarius and the transit of Jupiter through a new cycle of the Zodiac. We also explored ways to manage your mental and physical wellbeing through tuning into the monthly rhythms of the lunar cycle.
Here we look more closely at Saturn’s influence and what Pluto in Aquarius might mean, plus a personal focus on your Saturn cycle based on your Rising Sign
Your major astrology influences for 2023
A New Jupiter Cycle Kicks Off – One of the bigger generational patterns to shift gear in 2023 is the journey of Jupiter through Aries and then Taurus. Because Aries is the first sign of the Zodiac, when Jupiter transits here (once every 12 years) we can think of it as the step up to the next level in an evolving cycle.
Total Lunar Eclipse November 2022
Damian Rocks
I’m a professional astrologer, coach, and Ayurvedic consultant, originally from Australia but now travelling the world. At Stars Like You, the focus is on happiness. We publish great astrology articles, as well as well-researched pieces on nutrition, wellness and Ayurveda drawn from years of clinical experience.
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