Roots and Rain Clouds

From the Granny Jones Tarot, the Three of Swords; from the Button Oracle, Honey Bee:

          At the bottom of this dark cloud are little stick hands reaching out and pinwheel legs running. They represent the root of all our suffering, either in the form desperately trying to grab and hold on to what we think will bring us happiness or trying to run from (protect ourselves) from whatever is painful or unpleasant that we think will sabotage our happiness. Yet the golden sword piercing through the cloud suggests turning our thoughts in a different direction. We can instead welcome what comes, invite it to tea, and have a conversation. For instance, if a health challenge presents itself in the middle of our fun, we pay attention to it with self-compassion. We don't have to pretend it's pleasurable, but it helps to find out what is going on so we can mindfully attend to it rather than run around screaming or curl up like a roly-poly. Honey Bee offers a lesson in respect and equanimity; when foraging, it will rarely sting unless stepped on or handled roughly. Collecting nectar and pollen is more important than getting sidetracked by other things. It is a reminder to ask ourselves, "Compared to my peace of mind and taking the long view of life, how important is it?"