From the
Ferret Tarot, the Ace of Pentacles; from the Nature's Wisdom Oracle, the "Blue-footed Booby:"
Look at how this ferret is thoroughly checking out each side of this coin. Instead of immediately using it in some way, he allows time for curiosity and appreciation. Watch a human and a dog go for a walk and notice the differences. The dog will stop and sniff everything; he'll investigate or greet every other animal he passes by. The human will constantly check his fitness gadget, wondering if he's walking quickly enough, how many steps he's taken and how long it will take to reach his goal. He might as well have blinders on when it comes to his surroundings. I am reminded by this fuzzy fellow that my body, the outdoors, and all the other physical gifts I have shouldn't be taken for granted, seen only as a means to an end.
The blue-footed booby is a marine bird easily recognized by its bright blue feet. The name "booby" comes from the Spanish word bobo ("stupid" or "clown"); the blue-footed booby moves very clumsily on land. I find it ironic (another side to humor) that though he waddles in a ridiculous way, he is a graceful flier with excellent maneuvering skills. Both these cards send me the message to see both sides of the coin, appreciating and enjoying the whole rather than one part.
What a large volume of adventures may be grasped within the span of his little life by him who interests his heart in everything. ― Laurence Sterne
These cards are indeed a welcome reminder to be more appreciative of what we do have instead of chasing after what we don't have.
ReplyDeleteI remember a winter snow day when a dad pulled his three kids on sled while looking constantly on his phone. He definitely missed out on making a beautiful memory for himself. :)
That story perfectly illustrates the point I was trying to make! We spend so much time in the future, we rarely have the time to appreciate what's right in front of us.
DeleteI am definitely guilty of focusing on where I'm headed, rather than where I am, most of the time. My partner and I try to go for a nature walk at least once a fortnight, and consciously pay attention to where we are. Don't always manage it, though :(
ReplyDeleteI think it is human nature - that reasoning part of our brain that always wants to be a few moves ahead as strategy. But boy do we miss out on a lot!
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