Exercising Kindness

From the Ferret Tarot, Strength; from the Nature's Wisdom Oracle, the Snake:

          Weight-lifting might seem the wrong kind of power Strength generally implies, unless you think of the focus on breathing as it is done. Any kind of exercise (such as holding a yoga pose) creates intentional stress in the body; as the muscles tighten, it is easy to constrict or hold the breath. It takes a conscious effort to relax the diaphragm and let air flow through the lungs. Daily life is full of a similar type of stress that often contracts the body and breath. But remembering to breathe slowly and deeply can create space to think clearly rather than impulsively react. Snake's message of healing combined with the Strength card suggest compassion and kindness. Pema Chodron explained three steps of developing these traits:
1) The king or queen - the leader can't help the kingdom if his or her own life isn't in order. Practicing kindness towards oneself (rather than self-pity or self-indulgence) is a requirement if one is to be of benefit to others.
2) The ferryman - the ferryman has everyone in the same boat with him or her; the realization dawns that no matter how different we are, we all suffer. Everyone will experience pain and eventually death.
3) The shepherd - the shepherd puts the needs of the sheep ahead of his or her own wants. This isn't done out of expectation or obligation, but because he or she cares about the sheep.