Did you know that in the witch's calendar Halloween marks the end of one year's cycle, and the start of another?

So, in a very real way, for those of us in the northern hemisphere, it is time for a fresh start, and for a whole new journey.

This week's card is a reminder of that.

The Four of Swords

This card symbolizes the need for deep rest, sacred rest.

I'm not talking about the kind of rest that you grab when you can, after tackling every single chore on your to-do list. I'm talking about the kind that you schedule on a daily or weekly basis, and keep like an oath.

Think Sleeping Beauty's Curse kind of rest.

Think of Snow White in the coffin.

Think of Rip Van Winkle laying down for a nap and awaking a hundred years later.

I know that our modern calendar has us ready to start a whole new hustle: prepping for parties, shopping, selling, and last minute deals. Heck, I've been bombarded with Black Friday sales emails for weeks, even before November started.

Think of this season of "Season's Stressings" as a test or challenge.

Will you be carried along by the rush of the ambient sense of "must do more!" or will you begin the practice of learning and trusting the rhythms of nature, honoring your own needs for rest and recovery?

Here's how to bring this guidance to life:

1. Meditate. I know, I'm so sorry but it really is incredibly powerful so you're just going to have to give it another try. If you haven't found a method that works for you yet, email me, because I've practiced like 20 billion kinds of meditation and I have a knack for helping you find the right one for you. Schedule this for at LEAST 10 minutes a day, if not more.
2. SAY NO to plans. Even ones that might be fun, if you feel like your body really needs to rest. (I said yes to 2 plans this weekend that I should have said no to, and now I'm suffering the unsurprising consequences). If your body is whispering to you? Listen. Before it needs to yell.
3. NAPTIME! this time of year was MADE for long cozy naps. If you find it hard to turn your brain off and fall asleep? I'd like you to meet my best friend: Yoga Nidra! I've linked 2 or 3 meditations that I love and use all the time below!

Sometimes I think the very hardest thing for us to learn is that it is not only safe to slow down, but deeply necessary. If this season tends to be one you "power through", you need to book a free call with me today, because this is NOT how it has to be.

Love you so much,

Megan

P.S. Yoga Nidra for Sleep by Jennifer Piercy

P.P.S. Chakra Balancing Yoga Nidra by Catherine