The Secret To Slowing Down Time

the secret to slowing down timeIn recent weeks I’ve been thinking a lot about time passing and the idea that time is an illusion.

Yes, time can play tricks on you for sure. The older we get, the faster time seems to fly by.

The other day I was looking at old photos and realized that 30 years have passed and yet those moments captured in the images felt like they just happened yesterday.

Here I am navigating midlife and wondering how quickly the upcoming years will pass.

How can I make them feel as endless as my childhood summers?

Over the years I have learned that the secret to slowing down time is to rediscover and cultivate childhood traits (embracing your inner Pages ?) that we left behind when we transitioned into adulthood.

As children we were inexperienced and learned something new every day. The world was huge, and there was so much we didn’t know.

Everything was full of wonder and our imagination was running wild.

Our enthusiasm and curiosity to try out new things and explore new places was boundless, and we learned new lessons every day.

We spent hours immersed in play, creative activities and learning at school.

It was natural for us to be fully present regardless of whether we were having fun or feeling bored.

When we are fully present, time seems to slow down. This is because being present helps us to tune out distractions and focus on the task at hand.

Our brain is in a state of flow.

This state of flow is linked to time perception and can create a feeling of time dilation, where time seems to slow down or speed up.

In our adult life we apply our knowledge rather than learning something new every day.

We tend to have a daily routine, which includes more or less the same tasks and activities.

When we follow the same routines on auto-pilot for a long time, our brain just tosses all those days into a mushy pile of blurry life soup that tastes the same every day and makes time disappear when you look back.

So it looks like the secret to slowing down time is to shake up your days, and as a first step tiny simple changes to your daily routine can work wonders.

Here are my favourite mindful activities that can help you slow down your time:

1. Get out of your comfort zone

There is no such thing as a risk-free life. Children don’t know that, so when they learn to walk, they’re not scared of falling. They fall, but then they get up again. They don’t want to be stuck with crawling on the floor forever.

As adults, we sometimes need to take risks to truly feel alive.

Venturing into unchartered territory like starting a new job, moving to a new place, or living a more authentic life without worrying about what people think can be invigorating.

2. Live intentionally

Living with intention every day means paying attention to your actions, thoughts and your environment.

Look around your familiar surroundings, what do you actually see? What has become a habit that is holding you back? How can you do things differently? How can you give your living space a boost?

Living intentionally also means questioning the status quo and explore ideas how and where you can implement improvements.

This can include overhauling your diet, integrate exercise into your life, look after your health or sort out your finances.

When I decided to embrace minimalism as the way I want to live, it has transformed all these areas in my life for the better. It took time, but what counts is taking one small step each day to make a difference.

3. Become a mindful consumer

Our society is built on shopping, and most of us have grown up with this habit.

Many people spend money without thinking too much about it and sometimes get themselves into debt for stuff they don’t really need.

When going shopping, even for food, be mindful about what you really need rather than want. Challenge yourself to spend less but better.

Examine what makes you fall for impulse buys or embark on retail “therapy”. What are you trying to compensate for?

4. Learn something new

When I began to change my diet, I learned about nutrition every day. And apart from that, I have always loved to learn new skills, which also included training for various different jobs and occupations over the years.

Learn to play an instrument, a new language, a craft, learn to read tarot cards – the possibilities are endless. Find your passion and have fun.

5. Find joy in the little things

Living in the present moment can also help you appreciate the small moments in life and find joy in the little things.

This can lead to a more fulfilling life, as you begin to find happiness in the here and now, rather than waiting for something in the future.

6. Create your life

We are all conditioned to follow a certain pattern in life – go to school, university, job, marriage, kids, career, retirement, death.

But if this pattern isn’t your scene, then boldly choose your own path.

Have the courage to be different, be a trailblazer, an explorer, maverick, artist, whatever it is you really want to be.

By living your life on your own terms, you are truly free.

7. Be curious

People ask “Is that it?” I say, only if you want it to be. Always be curious about possibilities. What else is there? Go and find out.

8. Live slowly

Living life in the fast lane can seriously make your life pass by in a flash. By adopting a slower pace, you allow yourself time to enjoy the scenery.

It’s about paying attention rather than being distracted by speed.

Slow living means you appreciate what you have, reduce stress and anxiety, and prioritise your wellbeing.

9. Allow growth

Over the years you gradually change. Your body changes, Your attitudes, opinions and beliefs change. Your hobbies change. Relationships and friendships change over time.

Be mindful about these changes and reflect on their impact on your life. What do you need to let go of to allow for these changes to turn into growth?

By allowing growth your life becomes richer. How have you grown over the years? Explore the changes and their causes you have experienced over the years to appreciate the person you are today.

10. Practice Self-Reflection

Rather than drifting unconsciously through life until retirement, make self-reflection a regular practice. Take stock. Assess where you are and where you want to be.

Look into the mirror and describe what you see, the person looking back at you.

Keep a journal. Record your dreams and aspirations. Explore how you can make positive changes in your life. Take action.

As you can see, once you have become aware of years passing too quickly, you can take inspired steps to slow down time and living a happier and more fulfilled life.

It’s never too late to start afresh, embrace change and and make the most of your precious time here on earth.

Warmest wishes,

Christiane 

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How To Be In Control During Uncertain Times

how to be in control during uncertain timesAs a highly sensitive person I have noticed in recent months, how collective fears, worries and despair are growing and heavily tangible in the air.

Greetings from the Nine of Swords!

For many, life has become hard due to imposed poverty of corrupt, inept politicians on top of all the other scary developments around the world.

But it is easy to find yourself sucked into this hive anxiety.

The fact is all that is happening is beyond our control, and we can only do little to soften the blows.

And yet, despite all the upheaval, there is joy in the world and in your life right now.

It’s time to tap into it and make the best of a lemony situation.

How can you be and feel more in control? Here are some ideas I live by:

1. When you consciously give up control, you actually achieve more control

By accepting possibilities we don’t like but cannot influence, life becomes easier.

Amidst all the beauty and wonder of life, it can also be tough sometimes to navigate the setbacks, struggles and existential crises.

It’s all part of life.

Adjusting and surrendering to constant change makes you over time more resilient.

2. Good thing, bad thing. Who knows?

The pandemic has been widely regarded as a terrible disaster. And indeed, people died and their loved ones are grieving.

But the pandemic has also resulted in millions of people questioning their career choices, level of consumption and their values.

A revolution in workplaces has taken place, with people quitting and changing their lives, demanding to work from home and taking time off to enhance their work-life balance.

When nobody went to the office during the lockdowns, something new was created. People were waking up from their corporate slumber.

Just think of the Tower in the Tarot – destruction, but new possibilities to rebuild better on firm foundations.

3. We have control of how we perceive our life experiences

While we can easily feel like passive victims of other people’s power, we can also choose to feel like survivors, pro-actively dusting ourselves off while not losing sight of what makes us happy and content.

The richest person in the world is the one, who doesn’t desire anything, who feels that they have all they need, even if it’s not much in terms of money or possessions.

That doesn’t mean though that you shouldn’t have goals or aspirations.

Set a goal, and then forget about it. Let it work in your unconscious and take meaningful actions over time to achieve that goal.

Don’t force the issue, don’t fret over it. Let it unfold naturally and allow your goal to evolve as you grow.

For in-depth Autumn and Winter Journaling, please check out my Autumn Divination Kit and download bonus Spirit of Autumn Message cards on my Patreon.

If you like my artwork and would like some cards, posters and even notebooks, then hop over to my Redbubble shop for some magical product designs.

Last but not least, if you live in the UK, please check out my Cosmic Spirit Shop, where you can find all sorts of magical goodies, including handmade notebooks, crystals, fair trade accessories and homeware.

Best wishes,

Christiane

When Death Is Your Year Card

When Death is your year card, be prepared for some massive transformation.

I’ve written about Death in the Tarot many times before, and I have always tried to balance the love n light positive with the inherent uncomfortable aspect of this card.

Now I’m in a position, where I am actually living through a year, in which Death is my annual growth symbol.

The year isn’t over yet, so anything can still happen, and I am prepared for whatever crazy and mind-boggling stuff is hurling my way.

But so far, 2022 has already been quite a rollercoaster ride of flux and change.

The pandemic has a lot to answer for. It was the harbinger of my year of Death transformation.

And with the war in Ukraine, I realised that the world as we knew it pre-pandemic, has changed forever.

With the old and established order slowly but surely desintigrating, millions of people are affected by a new sense of insecurity.

There is a lot of evaluation going on in terms of living your best life and making the most of life and the time you have left.

Hence the Great Resignation and massive shift in the way people demand new ways of working, including remote working and the introduction of the 4-day week.

So while the old order is dying, something new is emerging.

On a personal level, I came to a point in February, when I realised that I had been running my tarot biz for more than a decade.

I had noticed for a while that I needed to take a break from it, simply to recharge my batteries, so I could gather new ideas and inspiration.

I decided to put my Patreon on hold, so I no longer needed to post new content every month.

While I never had a break from creating lots of content, the last three months of my Patreon journey started to put pressure on my creative flow.

So I put Patreon on hold.

One of the reasons why I haven’t resumed is that I had the urge to return to the commercial world after twenty years of absence.

I am currently working from home for a large retailer serving customers in Europe. God bless the internet, online shopping and the digital nomad revolution.

My current role however is a contract limited until the end of January 2023, but in the meantime, I am already working on transforming my online presence on this website and elsewhere.

You see, while Tarot has been a massive passion of mine for so many years, it has also nudged me into exploring new possibilities.

In recent months, I have virtually abandoned all social media and only post occasionally on Instagram.

I let go of all the toxic social media and the damage it has caused and will cause in time to come.

I’m at a stage in my life, where I no longer need to earn a living from Tarot. I want to continue creating content at my leasure for fun.

That’s why I have also put on hold all personal courses and mentoring, but my self-study courses and ebooks are still available.

If you need help with any of these, please don’t hesitate to leave a question in the comment box on the product page or send me a message.

But wait, there is more… 🙂

A couple of weeks ago, there was a serious health scare in the family.

When a loved one is taken to hospital with a potential life-threatening illness, it’s hard to keep focused and cool.

Thankfully, the suspected heart attack has turned out to be “just” an inflammation of the heart, which was caused by Covid, and with the current medication has the chance to be healed.

It’s still serious, and it has again made me think about life, what is important to me and what I want to do.

As you can see, I am in transition on a road to somewhere.

The metamorphosis is in progress. It feels uncomfortable, but at the same time there are rays of light and illumination.

When Death is your year card, be prepared for anything.

But watch this space. Endings bring new beginnings.

“You have to die a few times before you can really live.” – Charles Bukowski

Warmest wishes,

Christiane

PS: You can still sign up to my Patreon to download all the goodies I’ve posted there. You will only be charged once.

NEW! Permission To BE Cards

permission to BE cards

Our state of mind is complex and fragile. Most of the time we are focused on DOING and (OVER-)THINKING rather than BEING.

We don’t allow sufficient time to just BE, but now you can manifest change with my printable Permission to BE Cards.

Uncomfortable feelings, emotions and perceptions are often blocked out as we find it hard to face the pain they often cause.

Healing takes place, when we face the discomfort and sit with it for a while, so we can learn to accept and move forward.

Sometimes we are deeply entangled in acting in a particular way, because we feel obliged to live up to other people’s or society’s needs and expectations.

This may include working too hard or keep going in a job or relationship that no longer serves us.

We sometimes are up against prejudice and obstacles because of our gender, race or ideas and opinions.

We then need to challenge those obstacles within ourselves to break through and beyond.

Then there are the barriers and limiting beliefs we have cultivated ourselves, often because of the way we were brought up and as a result of trauma.

Self-Exploration

Drawing a card every day (or as often as you are called to do so) encourages you to question your ingrained habits, beliefs, attitudes, perceptions, and insecurities.

The prompts are intentionally open to interpretation to allow deeper exploration by generating questions and find solutions.

Some are very vague and meant to be humorous to encourage you to BE less serious and more light-hearted, having fun even when life seems a struggle.

This is a printable mindful activity card set for personal development, healing and transformation.

permission to BE cards

Simply print, cut out the cards and the mini reading mat, and draw a card.

What does the card mean to you?

How does it fit into your life?

Is this something you are struggling with?

Is this something you have been avoiding or are in denial about?

How does it make you feel?

Imagine Being like this or the persona. What would it BE like?

What are you learning from it?

The Permission to BE Cards Set contains
  • 108 cards
  • six blank cards for your own choices that are meaningful to you
  • mini reading mat
  • brief instructions

It comes as a 5-page PDF document that you can easily print on your favourite colour cardstock.

⭐Exclusively available on my Patreon⭐

February Offer: $3.33

From March 2022: $8.88

Grab your set and start exploring TODAY

Warmest wishes,

Christiane

 

Exploring Your Tarot Year Card In 10 Steps

exploring your tarot year cardExploring your tarot year card is a great way to set goals and intentions for the year ahead.

Tapping into the energies of your tarot year card can help focus on areas in your life that need attention.

These energies may also indicate issues and situations that you may have to face and suggest lessons to be learned in the months ahead.

The global year card in 2022 is The Lovers, and your personal tarot year card is based on your date of birth. Learn how to calculate it here.

It is best to explore your year card throughout the year. Set aside a journaling session once a month to take stock and dive a little deeper.

Be creative with your tarot year card.

It is your personal growth symbol for 12 months, so enjoy the process of getting to know and embracing it, even if it’s a card you don’t like (mine is Death this year) – this could be a confrontation with some shadow aspects you have been putting off or ignored.

And sometimes, life can be brutal, and we have to get through dark times, too. With the help of your tarot year card, you can emerge on the other side with wisdom and renewed strength.

So here is how you can enjoy exploring your tarot year card in 10 steps:

1. First impressions: keywords and phrases that come into your mind when you see the image. Also, any feelings that come up.

2. What to do / action to take: something practical and doable; active steps that can help following your aspirations, goals and plans for the year.

3. What to avoid: personal traits / habits / beliefs that could hinder a desired development or outcome. Perhaps giving up a bad habit relating to this card.

4. What to look out for: something that is hidden; opportunities, obstacles, internal blocks

5. What needs attention: this could relate to a skill you need to develop, people around you, work, relationships, lifestyle… a specific area in your life.

6. Power word / Motto: a catch phrase, mantra or just one single word that will guide you along the right track a towards achieving your desired outcome.

7. Affirmation: a positive statement to help you shift your mindset.

8. Find quotes that relate to your year card that inspire you

9. Create a playlist of songs that reflect the positive essence of your year card

10. Write a poem / haiku based on your year card

You can download the image of these 10 steps on my Patreon and print it for your journal.

Enjoy!

Christiane

 

10 Tarot Affirmations To Overcome Anxiety

tarot affirmations to overcome anxiety
Cosmic Healing A4 Mini Poster available on Patreon

Creating tarot affirmations to overcome anxiety is a magical and effective way to practice mindfulness during difficult times.

There is no doubt that the lockdown measures around the world caused by the pandemic have offered many people a chance to slow down, spend more time with loved ones and even generated new business ideas and opportunities.

Over the last year in this surreal state of stagnation, I also cherished the quiet life away from noisy crowds, busy traffic and hectic travel schedules.

All well and good, but at the same time many people have also been affected by loss, insecurity, worries and fears of what the future might hold.

Mental health issues during the Covid-19 have increased, such as depression and anxiety.

There are many activities that can be cultivated to cope with mental health issues, but in this article I focus on practicing mindfulness with tarot affirmations to overcome anxiety.

Affirmations are often used to turn negative thinking into a more optimistic outlook, and they can work really well when used regularly.

Each card in the Tarot offers its own powerful messages, and when you draw your daily card, choose affirmations as suggested below.

Repeat these affirmations to yourself regularly during the day to cultivate positivity, resilience and joy. This can help you snap out of the negative self-talk loop.

Here are suggestions for some of the Major Arcana cards:

The Fool

Today will be a great day.
I am looking forward to what today brings.
I find joy in the present.
I take each moment as it comes.
I am positive.
I am open to receive what makes me happy.
I am doing well.
I am curious and love exploring new possibilities.
One step at a time.

The Empress

I am creative. I am comfortable.
I take good care of myself.
I draw energy from nature.
I treat myself to healthy food and drink.
I am natural and at ease with myself.
I am loved. I am loving.
I love myself. I am beautiful.
I am practical and get things done.
I have all I need to feel abundant.
I am grounded and confident.

The Chariot

When the going gets tough, I am determined to keep going.
I persevere despite difficulties.
I am in the right frame of mind.
I am focused. I will succeed.
I am breaking free from my comfort zone of destructive thoughts.
I actively choose my destiny.
My willpower guides me from turmoil to safe haven.
I am a fighter.
I am conquering my worries and fears.

Strength

I am strong.
I am in control of my thoughts.
I am determined to overcome what is dragging me down.
I am gentle but also persistent.
I refuse to give up on myself.
I successfully balance my fears with my passion for life.
I have the power to tame uncomfortable thoughts and feelings.
Today I have the energy and desire to have a wonderful day.

Justice

My heart and mind are in alignment.
I can see the bigger picture.
My thoughts are guided by logic and reason rather than assumptions and drama.
I am honest with myself and others.
I take responsibility for my wellbeing.
I have the power to choose wisely.
I balance my intellect with compassion, comfort with challenge.
I make peace with my mind.

Death

Today I emerge from my cocoon and rise towards the sun like an eagle.
I am changing. I am maturing.
I am transforming my life with a new way of thinking.
I can feel my mind shifting and evolving.
I choose life. I accept change.
Out of darkness into the light.
I am shedding my limitations.
I am regenerating, giving birth to new potential.

The Devil

I am the master of my own destiny.
I sever unhealthy bonds.
I stay clear of destructive habits.
I am emerging from the shadows of fear and despair.
I am tapping into my inner resources to enhance my relationships, work, health, and home.
I confront difficulties rather than living in denial.
I am persistent and motivated to live my best life.

The Star

I am shining my light.
I am showing up.
I am standing tall in my grace and serenity.
I believe in my inner strength and abilities.
I connect with spirit.
I am hopeful. I am inspired.
Positive thoughts are flowing through my mind.
My self-esteem is flourishing.
The universe is guiding me in the right direction.
I believe in miracles. Magic is all around me.

The Sun

I am present. I am joyful.
I am vibrant.
I am inspired to create magic guided by my inner light.
I can see and think clearly.
All is falling into place.
All is making sense.
All is unravelled.
I am true to myself.
I am unique.
I am healing, and I heal others.
All is well. I take time to just be.
Life is good.

The World

I am safe. I am enough.
I am right where I need to be.
I am comfortable in my own skin.
I keep my options open.
I have the power to seek new adventures and experiences at any time.
I have the power of choice.
I know myself and make the most of my knowledge.
I am the master of my hopes and fears, dreams, and reality.

Download and print the full set of 22 Major Arcana affirmation cards from my Patreon:

tarot affirmations to overcome anxietyYou will find many more divination printables on my Patreon that help to support you in looking after your mental health and living your best life.

Learn more and join today.

Warmest wishes,

Christiane

PS: Also check out my Healthy Habits Empowering Morning Affirmations based on the 22 Major Arcana cards

Podcast: Using The Tarot For Guidance During Challenging Times

using the tarot for guidance during challenging timesUsing the Tarot for guidance during challenging times is a current but also timeless topic, because we have to deal with all kinds of crisis situations throughout our lives.

When we are faced with a situation that is beyond our control, it can make us feel helpess, in shock and disbelief.

And while we have to deal with anger, frustration, anxiety and even loss, the last thing on our mind is being spiritually blissful and grateful.

But practicing mindfulness with the Tarot can help us ground ourselves in the here and now.

With the Tarot we can explore uncertain times to maintain and nourish our mental health, and learn to accept this moment in time as a stepping stone on our life journey.

By looking inwards with the Tarot, we can create balance, a shift in perspective and over time discover a way forward.

In my first podcast, I share with you my thoughts on how adversity can affect us, and how we can use the Tarot to empower us when dealing with loss and uncertainty:

Warmest wishes,

Christiane