“Resilience is based on compassion for ourselves.”
~~ Sharon Salzberg
Greetings to all my precious people!!
The madness and mayhem of March continues with the winds of change howling. We are on the precipice of the transformation portal and it is promising to deliver necessary changes, the good medicine required for growth. Clearing the debris while moving the stagnation, this cycle of the ancient timeline invites all of us to choose authenticity, courage and kindness as we move past the threshold, headed toward Omega.
Astrologically, there are planetary events that take place within the next week, signifying radical shifts and evolution. The first Solar eclipse of 2025 happens on Saturday, March 29 and will be visible along the Eastern coast of the U.S. between 6:13 and 7:17 a.m. EDT. This sunrise eclipse occurs in the fire sign of Aries, setting off a dynamic chain of events signalling new beginnings and inevitable endings. Take a look back at your personal notes and memories from the first Aries eclipse in April 2023. What is different? What have you lived and learned? This 2 year story is now completed—what wisdom and insights are you bringing forward to your next chapter?
Neptune enters Aries on March 30 for the first time in 165 years. Why might this be important to us? Neptune influences the subconscious mind. It does its best work on the subliminal levels—the spaces below the threshold of conscious perception. Neptune works to shuffle the constructs of reality, poking and stretching the mind energetics to offer opportunities for new visions, new dreams, and new paths. We are all being summoned to take inventory and dive deeper into our truths, motivations and blindsides. Be assured that we are up to the task—if we choose to surrender and take it one day at a time. We are not lacking power—instead, we are encouraged to use all the tools, resources and good medicine available to us. We are no longer at the mercy of the effects of change—we are the Cause of change, we adjust our sails in the storm.
Life, in fact, with all its unpredictability, is a series of storms—some gentle, others ferocious. We weather tempests both physical and metaphorical: illness, loss, heartbreak, disillusionment, and the relentless waves of uncertainty that crash against our carefully built foundations. The chaos manifests in our bodies, in our relationships, in our dreams, and certainly in our fractured world. And yet, amidst the turmoil, there exists within us a spark of Light, a sacred remembrance of something vast and luminous—our origins as star-stuff, as Carl Sagan so beautifully reminded us.
When we are confronted with grief, sorrow, betrayal, or frustration, it is tempting to seek solace in external validation, to grasp for certainty where none exists. But true solace is not found outside of us. It resides in the tender, undiminished core of our being, where divinity and resilience intertwine. This is where we meet ourselves—not as victims of life’s storms, but as navigators of the vast, shifting tides.
To endure is not merely to withstand; it is to transform. It is to turn inward, to listen for the still, sacred whisper within, to rekindle the Light that has never truly flickered out. And though the journey inward is deeply personal, it is not meant to be walked alone. We need each other now more than ever. In the face of adversity, isolation is an illusion. Healing, resilience, and hope are nurtured in community—in the simple acts of witnessing one another’s struggles, offering steady hands, and choosing, again and again, to believe in the goodness that still exists.
In these tumultuous times, the call is clear: to simplify, to root ourselves in daily practices that reconnect us to our essence, to release the hold of external validation, and instead, turn toward the luminous truth within. To recognize that we are not separate from the storms, nor are we powerless against them. We are both the vessel and the guiding light, the wave and the shore. We are here to endure—and to endure together.
Resilience is not an innate trait; it is a practice, a daily commitment to aligning with our deepest values and cultivating an inner sanctuary of peace. Here are some small, actionable steps to help create and embody resilience, first within ourselves and then within our communities:
- Create a Personal Mission Statement: Take time to reflect on what truly matters to you. Write a mission statement or a set of guiding values that remind you of the energy you wish to embody. For example, my mission statement is: To do all things with kindness and remain curious. When I commit to this, I create a pause point that helps me choose a more peaceful response in moments of tension. Instead of personalizing external chaos, I can embody and project kindness and curiosity, potentially shifting the vibration of the situation.
- Practice Daily Embodiment of Your Values: A mission statement is only powerful when put into practice. Throughout the day, ask yourself: Am I acting in alignment with my values? Small choices—adjusting your tone of voice, offering patience instead of frustration, or pausing before reacting—reinforce resilience and create inner stability.
- Establish a Grounding Ritual: Whether it’s morning breathwork, journaling, a walk in nature, or a moment of silence before meals, grounding rituals help anchor us in the present. These practices serve as touchpoints, reminding us of our inner light and strength.
- Reframe Challenges as Opportunities for Growth: Instead of seeing adversity as something happening to you, consider how it might be happening for you. What lesson, strength, or deeper understanding can emerge from this difficulty? This mindset shift helps cultivate emotional agility and endurance.
- Engage in Community Support and Reflection: We heal best when we support and are supported. Seek out spaces where you can share experiences, listen deeply, and uplift others. Acts of service, even as simple as a kind word or a listening ear, can reinforce the interconnectedness of our human experience.
- Embrace the Imperfection of Practice: Resilience is not about perfection; it is about showing up, learning, and adjusting each day. Give yourself grace when you falter and celebrate each step forward. Self-compassion fosters a deeper capacity to be present for others in all aspects of life.
By intentionally cultivating these practices, we strengthen our ability to weather life’s storms—not in isolation, but as part of a greater whole. As we nurture our own resilience, we create a ripple effect, encouraging others to find their own light and, together, illuminate the path forward.
Research underscores the profound impact of social connections on both mental and physical health:
- The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that about 1 in 3 adults in the U.S. feel lonely, and 1 in 4 report lacking social and emotional support. (CDC)
- The American Psychological Association equates the health risks of social isolation to smoking 15 cigarettes a day or having alcohol use disorder. (American Psychological Association)
- Conversely, individuals with strong social bonds have a 50% increased likelihood of survival compared to those with fewer social connections. (SeniorNavigator)
Integrating practical resources and emphasizing the joy inherent in community building can significantly enhance resilience. Building resilience can be both enjoyable and fulfilling. Here are some suggestions to foster community connections:
- Community Meals: Organize regular communal eating events without a specific occasion. Sharing meals can strengthen bonds and provide a sense of belonging.
- Local Celebrations: Host neighborhood gatherings or cultural festivals to celebrate the diversity within the community, encouraging inclusivity and mutual appreciation.
- Interest-Based Clubs: Form groups centered around shared hobbies or interests, such as book clubs, gardening groups, or fitness classes, to facilitate regular interactions.
- Volunteer Initiatives: Engage in collective community service projects, fostering a sense of purpose and collaboration.
Consider these perspectives from some thought leaders about the significance of resilience and community engagement:
- Brené Brown, a research professor and author, emphasizes, “Connection is why we’re here; it is what gives purpose and meaning to our lives.”
- Vivek Murthy, former U.S. Surgeon General, highlights in his book Together: “Our individualistic culture has led us to believe that we are self-sufficient, but the truth is that we need each other.”
Parker Palmer, educator and author, notes, “Community doesn’t just create abundance—community is abundance.”
By tapping into local resources, understanding the critical role of social connections, engaging in joyful communal activities, and drawing inspiration from thought leaders, we can take meaningful steps toward building personal and collective resilience.
