Mercury Retrograde: When Nothing Goes Right, Stop Going Right
Chaos energy reigns during Mercury Retrograde. Technology fights us, and things that once flowed slow down to a crawl and throw up roadblocks. Miscommunications abound and frustrations run high.
Our culture raises hurrying up on a pedestal, but rarely does harried pressure feel good or allow your best self to come forward. During Mercury Retrograde, hurrying backfires and increases feeling frazzled. Rather than trying to “practice patience” during Mercury Retrograde, here are some strategies so you don’t have to rely on willpower alone.
Instead of feeling willful, resentful, or, worse yet, powerless during Mercury Retrograde, try shaking up how you do life.
SLOW DOWN AND BUILD A BUFFER
When frustration runs high during these seasons, slow down and take more control. Leave for work or any appointments 10 to 15 minutes earlier than usual.
Try traveling by a slower means. Yes, you’ll have to build in even more travel-time cushion. Take surface roads instead of the highway. Ride public transportation. Or really tap into freedom by cycling or using a scooter. If walking's an option, do that more.
The key is to simplify. Slowing down encourages different types of flow. Allow yourself to open up to new input while traveling in new ways. The movie inside your head pauses when you aren’t doing so much on autopilot.
SAY NO MORE OFTEN THAN YES
Since chaos and distraction run high during Mercury Retrograde, lighten the load on your calendar by reducing commitments. Give yourself some R & R. Create spaciousness. It's just a few weeks but can feel like a major recharge.
During this span of Mercury Retrograde, I reduced my calendar commitments by more than half. Know what happened? My energy and motivation got a boost, and my willingness to experiment and try new things (read: more bravery) increased.
STOP VAGUEBOOKING
Since technology and communications get wonky during Mercury Retrograde, simplify them. Look at your own style of communication — can you make it more clear and direct? Instead of asking when your bestie would like to get together, take ownership and throw out an idea: I'd love to get together this week to hear about your trip. Are you free for coffee on Thursday morning at 8?
Create as much clarity as possible. You two can still negotiate if that time doesn't work, and you each know the intention of the get together.
UNPLUG TO PLUG IN
Give your devices a reset break. Pick a time each night — say 8pm — when you completely shut down computers, phones and other devices.
Unplugging and shutting down works wonders for technology — and for you too. What would help you unplug? What would give you an energetic reset? When you unplug devices, plug into nature. Connect with play. Grab the basketball or pull out a deck of cards. Eat outside, stare up at the stars, do cartwheels in the park. Take a bath. Read a book or magazine. Slow down and sink into the physical world rather than the digital one.
AN OPPORTUNITY TO FINISH
Harness Mercury Retrograde energy by “going back” yourself. Are there any projects that have been set aside? Something that you almost finished but didn't quite? Use this time to revisit these projects and take them to finished. Whether it's editing vacation photos, taking bags of clothes to a donation center, or filing papers at work — use Mercury Retrograde season to take projects to completion rather than adding more to the pile.
YOU GOT THIS
Rather than pointing your finger at Mercury Retrograde and blaming it for all the things gone wrong, be proactive. Practice being nimble by doing things differently than usual.
Mercury Retrograde happens 3 to 4 times each year. Want to plan ahead? The Taming the Tangle Moon Calendar includes Mercury Retrograde indications on it so you can be prepared. Order your copy online here.
If you like these ideas, get a copy of my free eBook for more creative approaches to thriving during Mercury Retrograde. Grab 5 Creative Ways to Thrive During Mercury Retrograde here.
And guess what? These tips help during any kind of upheaval. They help you get grounded and feel more like yourself. You'll walk away empowered rather than being in constant response mode. Get rid of that feeling of dread and get ready to rock! You got this!
How do you feel about Mercury Retrograde? Do you simply cope and ride it out or do you change things up? I'd love to hear from you. Comment below. I read every comment and would love to know your thoughts.