Monday 11th December 2023

Happy Mindfulness Monday! On this first day of the week, let us set aside the tumultuous waves of distraction, and anchor ourselves in the present with the aid of our tarot cards and the quiet wisdom of Stoicism.

Card of Presence: The Hermit

Today, The Hermit illuminates our path, urging us to turn inward and seek our own counsel. The solitary figure stands atop a mountain, lantern in hand, inviting us to find stillness. Marcus Aurelius once wrote, “People look for retreats for themselves, in the country, by the coast, or in the hills… There is nowhere that a person can find a more peaceful and trouble-free retreat than in his own mind.” This card embodies that very essence; it asks you to find solace within, away from the external clamor.

Stoic Practice for Mindfulness: Objective Perception

Epictetus teaches us to perceive events in their pure form, minus the stories we craft around them. On this Monday, challenge yourself to see and experience life as it unfolds, without the narratives or judgments that often cloud our present moment.

Integrating The Reading and Practice

The Hermit’s wisdom, combined with the practice of objective perception, offers a powerful formula for mindfulness. Seek moments of quiet to commune with yourself today. Observe your thoughts, your actions, and the world around you with detachment, as if you were a sage atop a mountain, discerning the true nature of things.

Journalling Prompt

Spend some time today with your journal under the guidance of The Hermit. Reflect on where you might find your “inner retreat” throughout the day. What does objective perception reveal to you about your current circumstances that you may have overlooked?

As we step into our week, let’s bring with us the lantern of awareness, lighting our way through the moments with intention and presence. May the stoic reminder to look within and the wisdom of The Hermit guide you to a place of peace and mindfulness.