I use tarot and oracle cards as tools for reflection and contemplation. Rather than divining the future, they are a way for me to look more deeply at the "now."
"The goal isn't to arrive, but to meander, to saunter, to make your life a holy wandering." ~ Rami Shapiro

Friday, January 4, 2019

Word Finder

From the Russian Lubok Tarot, the Ace of Swords; from the Oracle of Alice's Leaves, 'California Laurel:'
 ...find words that do not divide but unite, that do not create conflict but unity,
that do not hurt but heal. ~Henri Nouwen
           I really hate telling adults what to do, especially when I know that they understand the rules. Like this morning at Planet Fitness: I was working out in the circuit room with another couple who didn't wipe down any of the machines they used. The husband, in particular, was dripping sweat everywhere. At this particular gym, it is a cardinal rule (explained when you join), and they have spray bottles and paper towels every few feet to make this easy to do. I don't want to leave my sweat prints, but I am also an adamant cleaner because I've seen women with cancer work out here. Yet like the dove and the eagle (and the peaceful scene and the battle), words can easily change an idyllic environment into an angry one. The words used and tone of voice matter, which means I need to watch for a snarky attitude. All the parts of the California laurel, or Umbellularia californica, have a strong, spicy smell. Inhaled too suddenly or deeply, it can cause a sharp, intense pain like accidentally breathing in a noseful of water when swimming. But gently smelled, it can be appreciated for its sweet, camphor-like odor. In the past, I've often assumed people react negatively to 'rule monitors' because of a sense of entitlement. But if I make a more charitable assumption - they react because they got caught and are either fearful or embarrassed - I am more likely to speak with gentleness.

2 comments:

  1. and people hear and see what they want to or expect to. I had my email written and ready to hit send at one minute after 7 Monday. To get in on a quilt/rv retreat in Texas this fall on the way home. There were only 4 shortish paragraphs of instructions how to do it correctly...there were a Page of questions about when to do it, can't find what I need to do, where is the page..can I do it for two at the same time, no one told me... :) I've been in that group too, more times than I care to think about. Some lead and some follow. Planet Fitness! Well done! I got signed up for the new yoga place yesterday. Start Wednesday at 9:30. Yea us!

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    1. PF has saved my sanity through all the storms and flooding we had. They also offered free hot showers to all who lost their electricity after the hurricane. Yea for you and yoga!

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