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

Saturday, June 19, 2021

Know Thyself

From the Gill Tarot, the Priest (Hierophant); from The Circle, Choice:

“Know thyself” is the first practice of love. When we practice this, we see the conditions that have caused us to be the way we are. ―Thich Nhat Hanh

          Learning anything generally requires a mentor (whether in-person, through a book, etc.), even if the object of study is myself. My personal evaluation of whether a spiritual teacher is beneficial depends on whether they help me develop kindness and compassion while lessening self-centeredness and selfishness. Awareness is the key, but it involves more than introspection. As psychologist Tasha Eurich explains, we do not have access to many of our unconscious thoughts, feelings, and motives, which leads us to invent answers that feel true but are often wrong. Simply asking 'Why?' invites unproductive negative thoughts and ruminative patterns. She suggests observing the consequences or situation then asking 'What?' questions to help us stay objective, future-focused, and empowered to act on our new insights. When it comes time to make an important decision, such self-awareness can help us not be led astray by our moods or biases.

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