“Without going outside, you may know the whole world.
Without looking through the window,
you may see the ways of heaven.
The farther you go, the less you know.
Thus, the sage knows without traveling;
he sees without looking; he works without doing.”
~~ Lao Zi, Dao De Jing (Chapter 47)
Greetings to all my precious people!
We are making our way towards a time of holidays and holy days during the next few weeks. So many of our traditions are rooted in gatherings with loved ones—be it family of origin or chosen family—sharing food and drink, space and time, telling stories, creating memories. The flurry of activity involved with the anticipation and participation tends to crowd our schedule, and while we want to be engaged and busy, we still need downtime to rest. While there are many forces influencing our time and attention, we can find solace by turning our focus inward, recentering our energy, and choosing to be present to Life as it unfolds.
Pluto entered Aquarius on November 19th and Mercury stations retrograde in Sagittarius on November 24th until December 15th. We will continue to be affected by the shifts and shivers of the collective energetics in the Universe. Finding and/or creating silence and cultivating a personal sanctuary allows us to gather our resources, and take a deep breath (or two). If you are contemplating any big plans, moves and decisions you are well advised to take a moment and review—reevaluate—reconsider all aspects of your choices. Find a space in your body to settle and recalibrate because these shifts and shivers will continue through February 2025.
Mercury in retrograde tends to create hiccups in communications and all things tech based, so there is a good reason to be on the lookout for mishaps in these sectors. Anticipate delays and schedule buffer time for everything. Expect glitches in all technology devices—the computer, your home security cameras, your smart phones. Remember to take some time and be diligent about backing up all your files. Reflect, review, revise, reorganize, and take note of whatever keeps popping up in your dreams, or your heart space. There are lessons to be learned, and meanings within the lessons. Streamline your life and update your systems, both internal and external, as this is the perfect time to clear the clutter, reap the harvest and use the Metal energy of Autumn to cut out what you no longer need. Edit your ideas before you share them—might they be a tad inaccurate or not the most tactful? Laugh at yourself when you make obvious mistakes. The point of this Mercury retrograde transit is to keep you curious, humble and open to learning. Pause, and rest… repeat!!
Solitude is the focus for this week. Daoist philosophy often emphasizes solitude as a vital practice for cultivating inner peace, self-awareness, and harmony with the natural world. The teachings encourage embracing solitude as a means to align oneself with the Dao (the Way). The key components are:
- Returning to Simplicity:
Solitude is seen as a way to strip away distractions and reconnect with simplicity, a central value in Daoism. Laozi, in the Dao De Jing, advocates for stillness and quietude to reflect the natural flow of life. - Listening to Nature:
Solitude allows one to observe and learn from the rhythms of nature. Daoism teaches that by being alone and in tune with the natural environment, individuals can better understand the interconnectedness of all things. - Self-Cultivation:
Solitude is a time for inner cultivation and meditation. Zhuangzi, another foundational Daoist text, often describes sages who retreat into solitude to free themselves from societal norms and cultivate their spiritual essence. In solitude, one can practice wu wei (non-action) and align with the spontaneous unfolding of life. - Freedom from Attachment:
Solitude helps dissolve the ego and the attachments that bind people to desires or external validations. It’s a way of returning to one’s original nature, untainted by the demands of society.
Daoism views solitude as a way to find harmony within oneself and with the greater whole. This is not a philosophy of loneliness or isolation but instead, a practice of returning to the essence of being. The teachings serve as a gentle reminder about the power of solitude for understanding the universe, and our place within it.
Cultivating solitude in daily life doesn’t mean withdrawing from society entirely; instead, it’s about intentionally carving out moments of quiet and reflection to nurture your inner self. Here are practical ways to integrate solitude into your routine:
Create a Sacred Morning Routine
- Wake Up Early: Start your day before the household wakes up or work begins. Even 15–30 minutes of quiet time can set the tone for the day.
- Practice Silence: Begin your morning without checking your phone or engaging with external noise. Use this time for meditation, journaling, or sipping tea mindfully.
Designate Solitude Breaks
- Step Outside Alone: Take short walks during the day, preferably in nature. Leave your phone behind or put it on silent to be fully present.
- Silent Lunch: Occasionally eat meals alone, savoring the food and focusing on the experience without distractions.
Create a Space for Solitude
- Set Up a Personal Sanctuary: Dedicate a corner of your home to quiet reflection. Add items like a comfortable chair, soft lighting, plants, or spiritual symbols that resonate with you.
- Limit External Noise: Use noise-canceling headphones or play calming ambient sounds if you’re in a noisy environment.
Practice Mindful Technology Use
- Digital Detox Periods: Schedule blocks of time each day to step away from screens, such as the first hour in the morning or the last hour before bed.
- Turn Off Notifications: Silence non-essential alerts to minimize interruptions during your solitude.
Incorporate Meditation or Contemplative Practices
- Mindfulness Meditation: Spend 10–20 minutes focusing on your breath or a mantra. Apps like Calm or Insight Timer can guide beginners.
- Prayer or Reflection: Use this time to connect with your spiritual beliefs or simply reflect on your intentions.
Write or Journal
- Keep a journal to pour out your thoughts and explore your emotions.
- Try “stream of consciousness” writing, where you write whatever comes to mind without filtering, or gratitude journaling to focus on positive moments.
Enjoy Creative Solitude
- Engage in a Hobby: Paint, play music, garden, or cook mindfully. Solitude can become a creative playground when you’re immersed in something you love.
- Read or Listen to Inspiring Works: Choose books, poetry, or talks that inspire introspection.
Set Boundaries with Others
- Communicate Your Need: Let friends, family, or colleagues know when you need alone time.
- Learn to Say No: Protect your schedule from unnecessary commitments to leave room for solitude.
Embrace Solitude in Nature
- Forest Bathing (Shinrin-yoku): Spend time in a park or forest, walking slowly and observing your surroundings.
- Stargazing or Sunrise Watching: These natural moments of awe foster a deep sense of connection with the universe and yourself.
Reflect on Your Inner World
- Ask Reflective Questions: Use moments of solitude to ponder questions like “What truly matters to me?” or “What do I need to let go of?”
- Celebrate Your Own Company: Practice self-compassion and remind yourself that solitude is not loneliness; it’s a gift to yourself.
Tips for Sustaining the Practice
- Start small: Even 5 minutes a day of intentional solitude is a step forward.
- Be consistent: Incorporate solitude into your routine until it feels natural.
- Stay curious: View solitude as an opportunity for exploration, not an obligation.
Let us work together to help you source your seeds of transformation. Autumn is a perfect time to harvest what you need and release that which no longer serves you. It is very important to actively and intentionally clear your space, in your home as well as in your heart and mind, so that your incubation period of Winter can allow the manifestation of your deep resilience and dreams for the New Year 2025.
Acupuncture and herbal medicine are some of the tools I use to support the health and wellness of my patients, but the healing that occurs is always prompted from the inside. The answers to health and wellness reside in your heart. Treatment in my healing sanctuary goes beyond the needles—they simply serve to prompt the body to do its own mysterious and miraculous work.
I help people learn how to listen to their body’s wisdom and reconnect the unconscious mind to nurture the mind-body connection. This work allows people to realize their full capacity and choose to live a life aligned with their values, nourished by their dreams and desires. Together, we co-create opportunities for healing as the process unfolds.
I offer compassionate, attentive care. I see you. I hear you. I celebrate your journey. As an experienced clinician, I support patients as they come home to themselves, reconnecting the mind, body and spirit. This is my greatest passion: to serve as a facilitator, navigator and coach as you transcend old patterns and come into alignment with your best self. Are you ready to choose your Self and celebrate your gifts? Are you ready to manifest your Authentic Self that is abundant with health and vitality? Commit to being present and living your life with intention. Schedule your consultation today!
