From Waking the Wild Spirit, the Five of Water (Cups); from MentorSpirit, "Balance:"
Poppy does something a little different with her Five of Water/Cups. Instead of showing a person who is sad, self-absorbed, and unable to experience gratitude, she redefines this card as a needed emotional release. Last Friday I led the meditation group in a technique by John Makransky called the "
Benefactor Moment." For several people, it turned out to be very emotional; one fellow (known for his flippancy) sobbed while talking about the feelings and memories that came up for him. My first reaction was to shut down, to not be affected by his tears. I grew up in a home where crying was not tolerated; a put down or a beating enforced the decree. Yet after my initial response, I dug deeper and realized I was operating from those old childhood rules. Tears can be healing and cleansing; I don't need to be afraid of them anymore.
The Balance card reinforces the message of the Five of Water. How can I laugh and feel true joy when my heart is weighed down with sorrow or hurt? It takes a lot of effort to keep those feelings locked away; that energy could be used in much more beneficial ways - if I'll take a chance on letting it loose.
Crying, spilling tears, is something which is difficult for me too. It has cost me years to really cry over the loss of my husband as a partner. I had waited so long I had become afraid if I cried I could never stop again. Of course this wasn't the case.:)
ReplyDeleteI hope your childhood hasn't robbed you of your tears entirely. I wish you the intense relief after a a good cry
Hugs
I have a friend who lost her husband, and she said the same thing - she felt like if she ever let the floodgates open she would never stop. Happy tears are not hard for me to shed, but letting those tears flow from heartache I'm having to work on!
DeleteI have a friend who likes to watch sad films just so she can have that emotional release of crying. I struggle with it much more - I feel somewhat resentful that these days tears come so easily to me, and blame the hormonal changes that came with having two children. As you say, though, it's part of life's balance, to be willing to experience both sorrow and joy!
ReplyDeleteThose hormones do play a huge part! I can remember crying over every Hallmark commercial I saw on TV when I was pregnant. :) And motherhood is just full of emotional ups and downs.
DeleteHi thesycamoretree!!! What a lovely post! Both laughing and crying are healing and liberating and I understand you, because not always is so easy to leave behind those old mental structures. You will find the way :) Muchas Estrellas!!!
ReplyDeleteHey Las Magas, thanks for stopping by. Hope you are happy and well!
DeleteHi thesycamoretree!!!! I always read your posts, early in the mornings with my coffee...alone and in the peace of the morning :) I read my email suscriptions of my blogger friends and enjoy reading them, but not always have enough time to leave comments, and the time differences counts too... :) Be well and Muchas Estrellas!!!
DeleteI understand, and appreciate you taking the time to read what is posted here!
DeleteBig hugs to you!
I really enjoy your posts! :) A kiss and have a night full of Muchas Estrellas!!!
Delete