This section will help you get prepared for your Mercury Retrograde journey and maintain your commitment to yourself and your self-care.

Begin with the Welcome Video to familiarize yourself with the program, and then move to the Mercury Retrograde Self-Care Commitment document to commit yourself to your practice. Everything else will support you on your journey, and be sure to check this section from time to time as I'll be updating it throughout.

When we Higher-Self journal, we consciously connect to the aspect of us that is fully aligned with our Truth and expressed through Peace, Love, Joy, and Gratitude. Through Higher-Self journaling, we actively choose to rise above the turbulence of the fear-based mind and make decisions based on a thought system of Love.

Take a moment to move the energy of your body! These movement practices are perfect for everyone to do. Make sure you listen to your body and only move in ways that your body agrees with!

Hello Lover!

Today is the big day!! Mercury officially goes retrograde in Leo at 7:14pm EDT. The week has been pretty eventful to begin with — we had a New Moon Solar Eclipse on Tuesday, a major reset moment perfect for setting new intentions, and now today Mercury goes Retrograde.

Take time today to plan your week. Set times for your meditation, schedule in some self-care, and start pruning your commitments to the non-negotioable only so that you can stay focused and grounded over the next few weeks. In about 12 days, Mercury will enter Cancer, a very emotional sign, and things might get a little more "exciting."

Today's affirmation:
I am aware of all the love that is around me

Here is today's reflection question:
What can I do today to experience joy?

I love you,
Paul xo

Happy Monday! Our first full day of Mercury Retrograde. It's usually the first few days that are the roughest, but you can totally handle it - you're an all-start meditator!

Keep your breath deep and your mind focused on the present moment. Take breaks in your day today to stop, put your hand on your heart, and breathe.

Today's affirmation:
I embrace Love

Here is today's reflection question:
What is your intention for today? How will it keep you grounded today?

Hello Lover!

Alright; we're here, we're in, and this is happening! We've been seeing the memes (and I'll admit, I've been sharing them too!) and everyone is in a panic because Mercury is Retrograde. Let's make a pact to each other right now ... let's stop blaming Mercury and start taking responsibility for how we show up during the process.

If there's one thing I've learned about astrology in my years of observing and of study: there's no bad thing when it comes to the universe! Everything that happens — all the miscommunication, all the hiccups, all the delays — happens for our growth and expansion. When something happens that's unpleasant, slip into gratitude and ask yourself "what is this expereince teaching me?" Then stop, sit, and breathe — the answer will be revealed!

Today's affirmation:
I live in serenity and my mind is calm

Here's today's Miracle Minute:
What is something unpleasant that has happened recently and what is it trying to teach you?

Hello Lover!

Today I'd like to share a prayer I wrote to support you during Mercury Retrograde — this is wonderful to include in your Higher-Self Journaling.

Tomorrow we begin working with a new mudra! And p.s. did you see the new Mercury Retrograde Movement Practice section? Two videos are waiting for you in the program content area!

Today's affirmation:
I am divinely guided and protected

Here's today's reflection question:
What am I grateful for and why?

Hugs,
Paul xo

Hello Lover!

We're in eclipse season and right in the middle of a New Moon Solar Eclipse (July 2) and a Full Moon Lunar Eclipse (July 16). This is a time of emotional intensity so if you notice you're a little more emotional than usual, don't stress about it. Observe it, breathe through it, and ride the wave ... there is much to be revealed!

We're also working with a new mudra that is designed to help ground you through this time. Use it as you see necessary.

Today's affirmation:
I acknowledge any anger and lovingly let it go

Here's your reflection for the day:
What accomplishment are you celebrating today? What did you do to achieve this and how can you apply that same skill to your other intentions?

Hugs,
Paul xo

If you're feeling the need to rest, take a rest. One of the best things you can do during Mercury Retrograde is underschedule yourself. If the moments where you have "nothing to do," just rest!

Today's affirmation:
My day is grounded in love

Here's your reflection for today:
How can you infuse your day with joy?

Hello Lover!

Take it easy today.

Today's affirmation:
I am grateful for the blessings of this day

Here's your reflection for today:
What is your intention for today? How does it honour your Higher Self?

Hugs,
Paul xo

Hello Lover!

We're coming up to a Full Moon Lunar Eclipse in a few days. This is the perfect opportunity to reflect back on the lessons you've learned in the last month and release any attachments to what does not serve you. In a few days I'll share a full moon ritual with you.

Today's affirmation:
I bless the past, embrace the present, and create a joyful future

Here's your reflection question for today:
What is it time to let go?

Hugs,
Paul xo

Hello Lover!

Tomorrow there will be a partial lunar eclipse of the full moon. Unfortunately we won't be able to see it here in North America, however the effects of this energy will be felt by everyone ... whether they know it or not!

What is the energy we'll all feel? Full moon energy is a time of gratitude and release. Think of harvest season: farmers harvest what they've grown (gratitude) and leave behind the plant it was growing on (release). Now what happens when we add a lunar eclipse to a full moon? It's like a whole new fresh start energy and this is the best time to make plans for what you'd like the next six months to look like.

Tomorrow I will share with you a full moon ritual, until then keep reflecting on what you'd like to let go of and what you're grateful for. We'll need that information for our ritual.

Here's today's affirmation:
My body is healthy and my mind is focused

Here's your reflection for today:
What is something *HUGE* I'd like to accomplish in the next six months?

Hugs,
Paul xo

Hello Lover!

Happy Partial Lunar Eclipse Full Moon Day!! (phew, that was a mouthful). As mentioned yesterday, we won't be able to see the eclipse here as the moon will be past the horizon line for us as it's happening, however the effects will be felt all the same.

The moon will be its fullest at 5:38pm EDT with the eclipse being at its maximum at 5:30pm EDT. The entire eclipse will run from 2:43pm EDT to 8:17pm EDT. But Paul, what does this all mean?! It's time to step into gratitude and release and get ready to have a brand new canvas to paint the life you want all over it!

Along with today's meditation, you will also see a second section for a full moon ritual you can complete at any point over the next few days (the full moon energy is the strongest within 4 days of the full moon). Even if you don't do the ritual as I've laid it out, even holding the ideas in your mind are just as effective!

Here's today's affirmation:
I am grateful for what i have and excited for what's to come

Here's your miracle minute for today:
Where am I not showing up as my most loving self? What's one small way I can bring more love to the situation?

Hugs,
Paul xo

Hello Lover!

I've said it before and I'll say it again — self-care is absolutely important during Mercury Retrograde, especially when it's eclipse season and we're in the full moon energy. There's a lot of energy swirling around and it has an affect on our physical, mental, emotional, and physical well being.

Self-care doesn't just mean taking a bath and getting a massage. It can be drinking enough water, avoiding people who drain your energy, going for a walk after lunch, going to bed early, eating more fruits and vegetables, listening to uplifting music, journaling, rescheduling something if it means you won't be stressed or anxious trying to make it happen, having a laugh with a friend ... honestly, the possibilities are endless. The only "rule" is it needs to fill you up, not drain your energy.

This will be our objective for the next few days: make self-care a priority so you can witness the shifts within.

Here's today's affirmation:
My patience is stable and firm

Today's reflection question:
What small self-care acts can I prioritize for myself over the next 5 days?

Hugs,
Paul xo

Hello Lover!

Breathe ... in any given moment, that's your top priority. Everything else will fall into place.

Here's today's affirmation:
I am exactly where I need to be

Here's your reflection question for today:
What self-care act will I prioritize today?

Hugs,
Paul xo

Hello Lover!

By the time you do your meditation, Mercury Retrograde will have re-entered the Cancer sign of the zodiac (it crossed over at 3:06am EDT)  and we might begin to feel a shift of energy over the next few days that seems similar to when Mercury first entered traced this path from about June 20 to 26.

What does Mercury in Cancer mean? Well the Cancer archetype is associated with emotion, guardedness, and is regarded as a homebody. Mercury, as we know, is the planet of communication. So we may be experiencing a more emotional response to the way we communicate and we might possibly even feel extra introspective over the next few days.

No matter what you feel, don't judge it. Stay with your meditations and just breathe through it!

Today's affirmation:
I am kind to myself and others

Today's Miracle Minute:
Who have I not been kind to lately? (This might also be yourself). How can I make amends even if it's not through communication?

P.S. Tomorrow we're working with a whole new mudra and we're introducing a chant. Give yourself an extra 7 minutes tomorrow to watch the accompanying video.

Hugs,
Paul xo

Hello Lover!

We've been meditating through Mercury Pre-Retrograde and Post-Retrograde for a month now ... and we still have another month to go!

Today we're working with a new mudra and a chant that goes with it. Watch the video to get familiar with the it. The mudra is called Root Chakra Gesture and it balances all the elements of the body to ground into stillness. The chant LAM (pronounced LAHHH-M) helps to spread the grounding energy through the body.

Here's your reflection question for the day:
How has daily meditation changed the way I react to things?

Hugs,
Paul xo

Hello Lover,

Enjoy a nice quiet day today. Remember, Self-care is your priority.

You might alway want to spend some time reflecting on one of the Mercury Retrograde Reflection Questions available in the Welcome section of this program.

Today we repeat the same meditation as yesterday. If you're not comfortable with chanting, you can also repeat your own affirmation in the space provided for the meditation. Choose what you're most comfortable with!

Today's reflection:
What is my self-care act today?

Hugs,
Paul xo

Hello Lover!

It's the start of a new week and Mercury goes direct in 10 days ... yay! Take some time this week to reflect on the last couple of weeks. Ask yourself:

- what insights have I gained about myself during this period?
- what triggered me? How did I respond?
- what did the above experience bring up from my past?
- what did this experience teach me about myself?
- how will I integrate this information into my life now?

Keep these in your mind over the next couple days and if you have time, spend some time reflecting on these questions in your journal. Within a few hours of each other, we'll experience a New Moon (the second of the month, also known as a Black Moon) and Mercury going direct all on the evening of July 31. This is an auspicious time for fresh starts and forward motion in our lives. It is my hope the above questions will help you with the New Moon ritual I'll share with you next week!

Hugs,
Paul xo

Hello Lover!

As we slide through the final stretch of Mercury Retrograde, keep breathing deeply and stay very aware of your thoughts. As you observe your thoughts, do your best to turn them into Love. How do we do that? Through prayer.

How do we pray? Simple:
- Acknowledge where you are not at peace
- Make the decision for peace
- Affirm peace in your life.

Here's an example of a prayer you might find useful over the next little while:

Feel free to use this as a template for creating your own prayers, and if you're open to sharing, feel free to share it with our Facebook community in The Living Spirit-fully! Collective. 

Hugs,
Paul xo

Hello Lover!

We're officially in Leo season! Leo season is all about fun, creativity, romance, and it's a time to really step into our confidence — regardless of your sun sign, this time favours these energies. Of course with Mercury Retrograde in the mix, it makes for an interesting time (Leo is a fire sign, so imagine what happens when the wind of Mercury Retrograde fuels the Leo fire!)

Tap into Leo's qualities of fun and creativity to make it through the final stages of Mercury Retrograde and you'll do just fine! Keep reflecting on your questions from the other day as we get ready for the New Moon in Leo next week!

Hugs,
Paul xo

Hello Lover!

Today we're using a visualization to help ground our energy and release any buildup of stagnation and non-beneficial energies. Our mudra remains the same — allow yourself to feel the energy of the mudra and the visualization in your body as you breathe.

Here's your reflection for today:
What am I grateful for and why?

Hugs,
Paul xo

Hello Lover!

I recently finished a book called Inward by yung pueblo — he's a meditator, writer, and speaker, and shares a lot of his musings on instagram. One of the entries from his book really spoke to me about what we're doing here ... take a look:

when chaos is all around you
the wisest choice is to create
peace within you

your peace shines outward
and supports the creation
of a new harmony

(meditation)

Here's today's reflection:
How can I create peace within me?

Hugs,
Paul xo

Hello Lover!

It's the weekend! Remember next Wednesday we have a beautiful New Moon in Leo that is perfect for setting some big intentions. Here's a recap of the questions I asked you earlier in the week. Take some time to reflect this weekend on the following if you haven't already:

- what insights have I gained about myself during this Mercury Retrograde period?
- what triggered me? How did I respond?
- what did the above experience bring up from my past?
- what did this experience teach me about myself?
- how will I integrate this information into my life now?

More to come on our New Moon ritual next week.

Hugs,
Paul xo

Hello Lover!

Hope today is a beautiful day for you. Take some time for reflection, self-care, and self-love.

Hugs,
Paul xo

Hello Lover!

Happy Monday! We're getting closer to the New Moon and Mercury turning direct!

Tomorrow I'll share with you a powerful new moon ritual. Until then, let's continue grounding ourselves with today's visualization and mudra.

Hugs,
Paul xo

Hello Lover!

As we prepare for Mercury turning direct and the powerful New Moon tomorrow, we begin using a new mudra.

Our new mudra is called Steady and Stable Gesture and has many kinesthetic benefits on top of the energetic grounding effects that come with it. It is said this mudra balances the spinal vertebrae, especially in the lumbar (lower) region of the spine. 

Energetically, the right hand grounds the fire energy as the left hand stimulates the earth energy. This is perfect while Mercury gets discombobulated again as he begins to station direct at 11:58 EDT on Wednesday, July 31.

Also included with today's section is the New Moon ritual you can do anytime between Wednesday evening and Saturday evening. The New Moon is at 10:12pm EDT and the powerful intention setting energy of the moon will linger for about 3 days, decreasing in power as we move away from the energy. My recommendation is to schedule some time on Thursday to perform your ritual.

Hugs,
Paul xo

Hello Lover!

Today is a HUGE day for us in the cosmos. But first things first — yes, it's true Mercury stations direct today, but not until 11:58pm EDT, so let's just treat it like a regular retrograde day (although it being the actual last day, the discombobulation is FEIRCE, so take it slow today).

And as if the heavens weren't already exciting, we have a New Moon that also happens to be a Black Moon (second new moon of the calendar month) today at 11:11pm EDT. New Moons are perfect for setting new intentions, and the fact that it happens at 11:11pm EDT AND it's at 8° in Leo is something SUPER special (11:11 and 8 are very powerful numbers!) Leo rules the heart, so make sure you're pouring your heart into all the intentions you're creating at this new moon.

In case you missed it, here's a prayer I wrote for us during this time:

Here's today's affirmation:
I bring tranquility with me into the world.

Your reflection for today:
How can I pour my heart into all the intentions I set for this new lunar cycle?

Hugs,
Paul xo

Hello Lover!

White rabbit, white rabbit, white rabbit! It's a new month, Mercury is officially direct, you're beautiful, and we did it!

Lovers, now that Mercury is direct it's time to process all that Mercury has brought up for us over the last month. Think of the next 15 days as the aftershock of the big earthquake. The mudra we'll be using for the next little while will keep us grounded as we process.

For now, just be.

Today's affirmation:
I connect with what is good and peaceful around me.

Here's your reflection for today:
What is still lingering in my mind from the last few weeks? What processing still needs to happen?

Hugs,
Paul xo

Hello Lover!

If Mercury Retrograde was an earthquake, the Post-Retrograde shadow is like an aftershock. If you find yourself in any residual miscommunication, just breathe.

Now's the time to stay committed to your meditation practice ... remember, it's a daily practice, whether during Mercury Retrograde or not.

Today's affirmation:
I can easily shift my heart to feel peace

Your reflection for today:
What else can I incorporate in my daily meditation practice that resonates with me?

Hugs,
Paul xo

Hello Lover!

Enjoy yourself a gorgeous weekend!

Today's affirmation:
I let go of anxiety and i embrace calm

Here's your Miracle Minute for today:
What did I learn about myself during Mercury Retrograde? How can I apply this lesson in life?

Hugs,
Paul xo

Hello Lover!

It's Sunday, take it easy today!

Here's today affirmation:
I discover peace in those around me and I respond with peace

Today's reflection question:
What accomplishment of yours are you celebrating today?

Hugs,
Paul xo

Hello Lover, Happy Monday!

We're in the final stretch of Mercury's fun little wonkiness during the summer. I've certainly been feeling a HUGE shift in energy and in life—honestly, it feels like a completely different energy than when we started our meditation journey together nearly 6 weeks ago!

You may be thinking "ok, Mercury Retrograde is done and now I can go back to my normal life!" but the truth of the matter is, we've changed. The experience we've had and the insight we've gained has certainly shaped us and will continue to be with us as we move forward. If there's one piece of advice I can share with you now is: maintain your stillness practice! Prayer and meditation is so helpful when we're going through some tough times, and continuing while things seem good is like taking a multivitamin while you're healthy—you take it to cultivate health.

So today's meditation is simple and tomorrow we work with a mudra and breath practice that will help us with processing the stuff of Mercury Retrograde. Keep going!

Today's affirmation:
All I need to do right now is breathe

And here's your reflection for today:
How can I sprinkle joy in my day?

Hugs,
Paul xo

Hello Lover!

On this day in 1981 I made my debut into the world! Yes in typical Leo fashion, I tend to make a big deal about everything ... especially when it's about me! LOL

It's important for me to express gratitude to the important people in my life, and you're one of them. Thank you for your presence in my life, thank you for trusting me to take you on this journey, and thank you for receiving the work I've put into this program. It is my sincere hope it served you well. 

Today we're working with a two mudras and one of my favourite prayers.

Wisdom Gesture: this mudra imparts wisdom, intuitive knowledge, and grounding. It's the perfect mudra for quiet reflection. Remember to turn the palm downward for this mudra (pic included demonstrates palm up to show connection of thumb and index finger)

Universal Balance Gesture: Used during Alternate Nostril Breathing and helps balance our physical and energetic bodies.

Prayer - Reveal to me what I need to know: This prayer is an invitation to the Divine Intelligence of your understanding to share with you any insights that you need to know. If there's something specific you want to know about, you can say "reveal to me what I need to know about ... (my relationship, the investment I'm considering, my upcoming vacation, etc). Then simply focus on your breathing and observe your thoughts. Resist the urge to identify with any thoughts or ideas that come up. Let them play out like a movie and see what is revealed.

The video included on Alternate Nostril Breathing will show you how to perform if you're unfamiliar. This breathing technique is wonderful for balancing our physical and energetic bodies.

Here's your reflection question for today:
What is my intention for today? How does it make this world a better place?

Hugs,
Paul xo

Hello Lover!

Happy Wednesday. Hope you have A Lovely Day!

Here's your reflection for today:
What's one thing I can do today that will align and connect me with my Higher Self tomorrow?

Hugs,
Paul xo

Hello Lover!

Happy 8/8! Ok so I love this day because we already know how much I love the number 8—In numerology it represents abundance and infinity. And this date (8/8/2019) in numerology reduces to a 1. Numbers are very sacred and also share important messages with us, so this day enhances all the "new beginnings" energy we've been feeling as of late.

Continue with your reflection and processing work that was revealed during Mercury Retrograde. We're currently in the First Quarter phase of the moon and working towards the Full Moon, which we already know is a time for release, and a great release is coming as it's the same day we finally leave all this Mercury stuff behind (until October!)

I love you very much,
Paul xo

Hello Lover!

We're one week away from being finally clear from the Mercury Retrograde energy. I don't know about you, but I've been feeling great over the last few days and life feels completely different. Tell me: what's your experience been of Mercury Retrograde?

Today's reflection:
What am I grateful for and why?

Hugs,
Paul xo

Hello Lover!

Happy weekend! Tomorrow, Mercury moves out of Cancer and back into Leo. We'll begin to see a shift in the way we communicate with ourselves and others from an emotional space to a more passionate, direct way. We'll also see Jupiter go direct after a new months retrograde. This continues to bring shifts into our lives.

For now, maintain the prayer "reveal to me what I need to know" and sink into stillness. 

Hugs,
Paul xo

Hello Lover!

Today at 3:45pm Mercury enters Leo again. As I mentioned yesterday, we'll begin to see a shift in the way we communicate, and how it will affect us specifically will depend on where Mercury was when you were born. 

When Mercury is in Leo, we think with more confidence and our thoughts will lean towards a more positive and cheery nature.

Continue examining what this retrograde period has meant for you and applying the wisdom you gain from the events of last month. In short, find some stillness and allow everything to flow through you.

Hugs,
Paul xo

Hello Lover!

Mercury is back in Leo and we're almost out of the clear. In a few days, our last daily meditation will be released, and then what? Do we just stop meditating all together? NO!

Of course you can always go back and do a meditation from a previous day, OR you could try it on your own! I encourage you over the next few days to try a meditation practice of your own. Perhaps you could fast-forward the latest recording to the 5:01 minute mark and for background music and complete your own meditation. You could also practice in silence and just focus on your breath—there's no right or wrong, so try a few different things and let me know what works for you.

For now, take a moment to reflect on the following:
How can I continue this daily practice beyond August 15?

Hugs,
Paul xo

Hello Lover!

We're getting close to the Full Moon and Mercury finally leaving it's retrograde path on August 15. Start to reflect now on what you can release for the Full Moon in a few days ... perhaps anything that came up from Mercury's Retrograde period?

Hugs,
Paul xo

Hello Lover!

August 14 is six months until Valentine's Day! Just something I noticed when I looked at the calendar today.

Now speaking of six months (and you'll see the connection in a second)—tomorrow at 8:29am it's the Full Moon in Aquarius. Think back to where you were around the New Moon in Aquarius (February 4, 2019—see the six month connection?) and you may just see some of the intentions you set back then starting to take form and maybe have even come into fruition. 

As with every Full Moon, we focus on gratitude and release. Take some time to do a Full Moon ritual between today and August 19. It doesn't need to be anything big, even just taking a few moments of placing your hand on your heart and expressing gratitude for all you have in this world. Refer to the Full Moon ritual section from last month.

Hugs,
Paul xo

Hello Lover!

Today is a very special day! Mercury officially leaves it's post-retrograde period at 3:53am EDT and then we have a Full Moon in Aquarius at 8:29am EDT. So on one hand we leave a period of learning and healing and we enter into a space of gratitude and release.

This time is ripe for harvesting our lessons from the retrograde period, stepping into gratitude for what we've learned, and releasing once and for all that which no longer serves our Higher Self.

Here's your reflection for today:
What did I learn over this retrograde period and what and I willing to release in order to embody my Higher Self?

On that note, I want to thank you for joining me on this journey of healing during Mercury Retrograde. Mercury's next stumble through the solar system happens in October! Here are the dates:

Pre-Retrograde: October 11-31

Retrograde: October 31 to November 20 

Post-Retrograde: November 20 to December 7

I'll be back with a new Mercury Retrograde Meditation Program and some new changes based on the feedback I've received from some of you. If you do have any suggestions on how I can make this program better, please let me know at stillness@paulgalloro.com.

Also, the next 40 Days of Stillness begins on September 3, 2019! I'll have more details and a special offer for you soon!

I love you so much, and I'll see you soon!

Hugs,
Paul xo