From the
Tabula Mundi Tarot, the Moon; from the
Alchemist's Oracle, "Comparison:"
I've been imbibing before bedtime to help with my insomnia - two
gummy melatonin drops. The good news is the melatonin seems to be helping. But there are side effects: strange dreams. My nightly visions resemble this Moon card; while not nightmares, they're definitely bizarre. In this image, the waves in the water look like REM patterns of electrical brain activity during sleep. A boat with a figurehead passes through two towers, one that represents prophecy and the other falsehood. Likewise my dreams have a mix of reality with the surreal. For instance, during the day I came across the address of an old friend, only to find her riding on zebras in the wilds of Africa that night. Meleen cautions: "take heed to tell the true dreams from illusions."
The Comparison card goes along with Meleen's advice to be discerning about what is reality and what is pure assumption. I need to look for the facts instead of letting my emotions convince me that something is real because it feels that way. I know I have a habit of comparing a person's outsides with my insides. It appears they have it all together while I struggle each day. But if I were to sit down and talk with this person, I'm sure I would discover she has her own anxiety and adversities to deal with. Her life is no more perfect than mine.
Although our lives may not be perfect, I wouldn't want to miss out on the things I've learned along the way through trial and error. It makes us far from perfect but oh so very much alive. :)
ReplyDeleteI think that's part of the pearl of wisdom - to embrace it all. :)
DeleteI've come to feel perfection to mean, that which is inside the seeking of Itself. Not static but full of movement, not a template to strive for but an original knowing that emerges from and seeds itself through what calls to the heart in order to meet itself, to see itself more completely. As such you could say that your life is just as perfect as your friend's :) Comparison as an experience in the multiplicity of the One.
ReplyDelete"Not a template but an original knowing" - I like that description. It feels very open, inclusive and spacious. :)
DeleteInteresting to hear your experience with melatonin, which we give to Big Boy. Still, he wakes up giggling far more than he does crying, so it can't be bad :)
ReplyDeleteAnd yes, the dreaded comparison: a reminder to seek discernment rather than judgement!
All of my family have been taking the melatonin lately, and we all have very vivid dreams. But since they aren't scary in any way (just strange), we are still sleeping better. I had tried the pills before, but had not luck with them; perhaps the gummy type get into my system more easily.
DeleteI've never taken melatonin. For me prevention is worth a pound of cure. No TV, computer or coffee/tea water before bed and exercise helps me get a good sleep. It has been very muggy for sleeping lately.
ReplyDeleteHumans compare one another, it seems to be part of our silly nature. Like Rose stated discernment is a big part, acceptance and loving myself enough, is what I need to not compare. I also need to refrain from being hypersensitive or judgmental, and concentrate on how I can be of service to another instead of worrying about me.
Alas, I've tried all the suggestions - no blue screens, daily exercise, meditation, a nightly ritual, dark room, etc. I have no problem going to sleep, it's the staying asleep that causes problems for me. :)
DeleteWell now, I have the same issue. It's a common problem with many women once they hit a certain age. Must be a hormonal thing. Pisses me right off how men can fall a sleep standing on their head and stay there for the rest of the night.
DeleteDefinitely a menopausal connection! :)
DeleteYeah, I'm totally envious of my partner, who can fall asleep anywhere, anytime! And I haven't even hit menopause yet *eek* :)
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