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Writer's pictureTracie Ann

Cultivating Self-Love in Times of Change


Since, it is still Cancer season, a water sign ruled by the Moon and represented by the mother. I wanted to take this time to write as a reminder to be gentle with yourself.


Healing can bring up many emotions and feelings, and the challenges we face in the world can leave us tired and drained. Many people are also experiencing increased psychic abilities, and it can be scary to tap into these deeper realms. Often, we get distracted by the energies that surround us and forget to treat ourselves well. Whether you are navigating through the depths of healing from past traumas or simply trying to keep up with the relentless pace of the world, the importance of being gentle with yourself cannot be stressed enough.


Understanding the Power of Gentleness


Healing is a profound process that unearths buried emotions, memories, and wounds. It requires courage, vulnerability, and self-compassion. Why is gentleness so crucial in this journey? Being gentle with yourself means acknowledging your pain without judgment. It also means allowing yourself to feel emotions without repression, and giving yourself the space to heal at your own pace. It is about honoring the complexity of your human experience and embracing your vulnerabilities with kindness.


When you approach healing with gentleness, you create a nurturing environment where true growth can occur. You give yourself permission to be imperfect and progress in your own unique way. Remember, healing is not a race but a personal journey that deserves patience and love. When you embrace each step with gentleness, your spirit flourishes.


The Impact of Rapid Change on Stress Levels


In today's fast-paced world, change is the only constant. From technological advancements to global pandemics, the speed at which our world evolves can be overwhelming, leaving many of us feeling anxious, stressed, and fatigued. Amidst this whirlwind of change, it becomes even more imperative to practice gentleness towards ourselves. The relentless demands of modern life can easily deplete our emotional reserves, making it essential to cultivate inner peace and resilience through self-compassion.


Worldly shifts, political changes, death, and mankind's evolution add to the overwhelming nature of this time, especially when we experience rapid change. That's why it's so critical to be gentle with yourself. Be kind to yourself, and don’t force healing. You don't need to put yourself in overdrive. Instead, embrace a more loving and compassionate approach to self-care. By being patient and gentle with yourself, you create a nurturing space for true healing and growth.


Symptoms of Stress


  • Physical symptoms: Fatigue: Feeling constantly tired and drained, even after adequate rest. Headaches: Frequent headaches or migraines caused by tension and anxiety. Muscle Tension: Tightness and pain in muscles, particularly in the neck, shoulders, and back. Digestive Issues: Stomachaches, nausea, diarrhea, or constipation due to stress affecting the digestive system. Sleep Disturbances: Difficulty falling asleep, staying asleep, or experiencing restless and unsatisfying sleep.

  • Emotional symptoms: Anxiety: Feeling nervous, restless, or tense, often without a clear reason. Irritability: Increased frustration, short temper, or sensitivity to minor annoyances. Depression: Feelings of sadness, hopelessness, or lack of interest in activities once enjoyable. Overwhelm: A sense of inability to cope with demands and pressures.

  • Cognitive symptoms: Poor concentration: Difficulty focusing, making decisions, or remembering things. Negative Thinking: Persistent pessimism, self-doubt, and expecting the worst. Racing Thoughts: Inability to slow down thoughts, leading to mental exhaustion.

  • Behavioral symptoms: Changes in appetite: Eating too much or too little, often seeking comfort in food. Isolation: Withdrawing from social interactions and avoiding activities and people. Procrastination: Putting off tasks or responsibilities, often due to feeling overwhelmed. Substance Use: Increased use of alcohol, drugs, or other substances as a coping mechanism.

  • Social symptoms: Conflict: Increased arguments or tension in relationships with family, friends, or coworkers. Communication Breakdown: Difficulty expressing thoughts and feelings effectively. Decreased Social Engagement: Lack of interest in social activities or gatherings.

  • Psychological symptoms: Loss of Motivation: Reduced drive to pursue goals, projects, or interests. Feelings of Inadequacy: Constantly feeling not good enough or capable. Existential Crisis: Questioning life's purpose, meaning, or direction.

  • Spiritual symptoms: Disconnection: Feeling detached from spiritual beliefs or practices. Loss of Faith: Doubting spiritual beliefs or feeling abandoned by a higher power.

  • Behavioral Responses: Overworking: Excessively focusing on work to avoid stress. Neglecting Self-Care: Ignoring personal needs and self-care routines. Compulsive Behaviors: Engaging in repetitive behaviors like nail-biting, hair-pulling, or skin-picking.



How to Protect Your Energetic Boundaries


  1. Understand your energy: Become aware of your energy levels and how they fluctuate throughout the day. Recognize what activities, people, or environments drain you and what replenishes you.

  2. Set clear intentions: Before engaging in activities or interactions, set clear intentions for how you want to manage your energy. Visualize a protective shield around you to help maintain your energetic boundaries.

  3. Practice mindfulness: Stay present and mindful in your daily activities. This helps you stay grounded and aware of your energy, allowing you to make conscious choices about where and how you invest it.

  4. Establish Personal Boundaries: Clearly communicate your limits to others. Whether it’s declining invitations or setting time limits on social interactions, it's important to assert your needs respectfully.

  5. Create a sacred space: Dedicate a space in your home where you can retreat and recharge. Fill it with items that bring you peace and comfort, such as candles, crystals, or soothing music.

  6. Regularly Cleanse Your Energy: Use techniques like smudging with sage, taking salt baths, or using crystals to cleanse your energy field. Regular cleansing helps remove any negative or stagnant energy you may have absorbed.

  7. Practice grounding techniques: Ground yourself through practices like walking barefoot on the earth, meditating, or exercising. Grounding anchors your energy and provides stability.

  8. Limit Exposure to Negative Influences: Be mindful of the media you consume and the people you surround yourself with. Limit exposure to negativity and seek out positive, uplifting influences.

  9. Prioritize Self-Care: Make self-care a priority. This includes physical self-care, like exercise and nutrition, as well as emotional self-care, like journaling and therapy.

  10. Use affirmations: Use positive affirmations to reinforce your energetic boundaries. Phrases like "I am protected" or "My energy is sacred" can strengthen your resolve and maintain your boundaries.

  11. Listen to your intuition: Trust your gut feelings about people and situations. If something feels off or draining, honor that intuition and take steps to protect your energy.

  12. Seek support: Don’t hesitate to seek support from friends, family, or professionals. Having a support system can provide additional strength and reassurance as you work to protect your energetic boundaries.


Oracle Card


As we move into this intense week, I pulled two oracle cards to provide guidance and support. The first card is Bobinsana, representing trust.


Bobinsana is a sacred herb with profound benefits for the mind, body, and spirit. Known for its deeply creative energy, it awakens the feminine spirit within us. This card assists in healing the wounds of the heart, such as those from past relationships, grief, loss, sadness, and abuse. It is also a powerful healer of childhood wounds, helping to recover lost parts of the soul.


This card reminds us not to forget the power of self-love. Pay close attention to your dreams, synchronicities, and symbols this week. Trust that you are protected and that everything is working toward your highest good, even if you don't fully understand it. That is why self-love is crucial. By nurturing yourself and embracing your journey, you create a foundation of trust and resilience to navigate the challenges ahead.



The next card I pulled is Enchanted. This card speaks to life cycles and reminds us to focus on the good even as we process the difficult. There is magic birthing into your life, and if you can't feel it right now, you may need to take time out to work through stress with some deep cleansing breaths.

Enchanted urges you to trust the process. Smile more, believe that you deserve good things, and reconnect with your inner child. Even though we are often taught to fear the dark, remember that the enchanted moonlight can be our guide. Embrace the cycles of life with an open heart, knowing that in the ebb and flow, there is always room for magic and transformation.





Conclusion


As we navigate through these times, remember that being gentle with yourself is not just a luxury—it's a necessity. The upcoming week brings a Full Moon in Capricorn at a very critical degree, and the energy may feel particularly intense. In such moments, turning off your phone, avoiding distractions, and practicing self-compassion become essential.


The world is under a lot of stress, and we, as individuals, feel the weight of it too. However, we have the power to change our personal experiences despite external circumstances. By embracing gentleness and nurturing our spirits, we create a ripple effect of calm and resilience that influences our surroundings.


Remember, the journey to healing and growth is personal. Be kind to yourself, take each step with patience, and honor your incredible strength. In doing so, you'll navigate the challenges of the week ahead but also contribute to a more peaceful and compassionate world.


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