The Unexpected Spiritual Practice That Majorly Eased My Anxiety

Earlier this year, for several weeks, I experienced intense symptoms: piercing migraines, extreme fatigue to the point of feeling paralyzed, dizziness, loss of vision, and foggy brain. When I woke up one morning and the whole left side of my body was numb, I went to the emergency room. After running through some neurological tests, the doctors said, "We think you're having a stroke" and kept me overnight to run even more tests.

The entire time, I kept thinking, How did I get here? I don't belong here, yet I am here. It became clear that the Universe always puts us where we need to be to get the lessons our soul needs most. So I surrendered. I prayed. I trusted. As it turns out, I didn't have a stroke (thank goodness), but I was diagnosed with complex migraines1, which are rare non-life-threatening migraines that have the same symptoms as a stroke.

Up until this point, the stress in my life had been mostly mental stress and frustration concerning the planet. I felt helpless and as if so much was out of our control. All this uncertainty, isolation, and separation took a toll on me. My system shut down and put me in a state of emergency.

I suspect I'm not alone in feeling this way; there is research to show that by late 2020, 37% of Americans had symptoms of generalized anxiety disorder. And during the continued pandemic, about 4 in 10 adults in the U.S. have reported symptoms of anxiety or depressive disorder.

After spending 24 hours in the ER, before I left the hospital, the nurse asked me, "What is your plan as you leave? Did this experience teach you anything?" I responded with a full heart, "A major re-evaluation of my life is in order, starting with radical self-care and adding in a nourishing daily routine. I will no longer let the things I can't control, control me." She hugged me and responded, "You deserve your own care and love. You are worth it."

"I will no longer let the things I can't control, control me."

When I got back to my home, there was a huge box on my doorstep. As I pulled it inside and opened it, I saw that it was my early release author copies of my new Unshakable Inner Peace Oracle Cards. The word oracle means to answer or a decision, so an oracle deck is a tool to help you get clarity and alignment. It is often inspired by a theme or idea from the creator. Mine is centered around inner peace and powerful ways to align with your true self.

I sat down on my couch and I pulled a few cards. To my surprise, as I laid the cards out, I felt supported and cared for. Unlike before when I tried to use tarot cards or oracle decks, the decks just felt like objects or products outside of myself—but this day was different. Armed with the intention to let go of things out of my control, I saw a new power of oracle cards and divination in general. This approach to reading cards invigorated me and helped me feel alive and purpose-driven again.