Dreams, Change, Feelings, and Mindfulness

On June 23rd, the planet Neptune went into retrograde in Pisces, sending us into an emotion-filled energy space where dreams are explored, steps towards real, lasting change are considered, and clarity is gained. This is a place of big-time vulnerability and honesty. It’s the epitome of mindfulness work.

Having dreams can be exciting and scary at the same time. Wanting, needing, demanding change can feel invigorating and exhausting simultaneously. Becoming clear can be a relief in the end but straight up terrifying on the way. To reach a deeper meaning in our lives, we have to go deep within ourselves to where those raw, scary, big feelings live and we have to let them out of the cage we’ve locked them in.

This may open us up to some harsh realities, but that is necessary if you want to reach a meaningful place.

Life can be challenging and disappointing for sure and no one enjoys those feelings. There are times when something didn’t work out or we’re experiencing hardship and it causes bitterness to develop. It’s so easy to get caught up in the why and why not of it all. And it's incredibly hard to leave disappointment and hurt behind. In these cases, now that we’re in this new energy space, it’s worthwhile to consider that what we wanted may not be what’s meant to happen right now (or in the past when we wanted it to) and instead we should reroute ourselves, or choose a different destination, or find more tools to assist us along the journey. Perhaps we also consider the lesson and the personal evolution this hardship brought and realize we were meant to endure this for a specific type of growth.

We may not like it, but true growth and resiliency come from navigating and moving forward through hard times.

Sometimes, we talk ourselves out of dreams because we’re scared of failure (and sometimes we’re scared of actually succeeding!) or because we’ve experienced disappointment before. Other times, we’re unclear about how to move towards the change we want so instead we remain in limbo either angry or exasperated waiting for the change to just happen or hoping we’ll find our way eventually (whenever that is). 

Pisces brings attention to our emotions so this is a good time to tune in to your feelings. Even the ugly ones. Notice your responses and reactions. If you’re feeling something negative, instead of getting caught up in it or bogged down by it, dig in. Consider WHY. What is this connected to? The answer may not come immediately. You may have to do some work to uncover what’s really going on. But do the work to uncover the truth. This is meaningful work that is integral in creating a deeper meaning in life, making lasting change, and adopting the practice of mindfulness. 

In order to move forward, realize dreams or create new ones, create significant change, and gain clarity, we have to become clear in how we feel and why.

We have to understand where we are RIGHT NOW and how that is attached to the past or worries about the future so that we can break free from the connection. We have to live our lives in the NOW. We have to focus on ourselves and what’s real in this moment so that we don’t get distracted by thoughts that take us away from our truest desires, dreams, and abilities. 

Doing this work takes time and effort, most of which is best spent quietly and alone: meditating, journaling, drawing, envisioning, and contemplating. So whenever those doubts, fears, or distractions set in, take some time to be quiet. Bring your thoughts to right now, focus on what is in the moment, consider what you want to move towards (without judgment or talking yourself out of it), and then allow your mind to stay on track as you look towards the future. 

Most importantly, stay in your lane. The doubts, worries, and distractions are just other lanes on the highway. You don’t have to drive in them. When it comes to the steps others are taking or what they’re saying, feel free to take time to determine if it’s simply dust on the side of the road, or a place you need to take a pit stop to fill up your tank (ahem, getting educated about racial and social inequality), or something you should acknowledge with a wave and pass it by because it’s not meant to be a passenger on your journey right now.

Keep your eyes focused on the road right in front of you.

Feel the feelings.

Make sense of them.

Let go of the ones that no longer serve you.

Dream big, create and begin to implement a plan for lasting change, and don’t look back.

You’ve got this.

Be well,

Steff