Quicksand

From the Russian Lubok Tarot, the Two of Pentacles; from the Marseille Oracle, Cheerfulness:

It’s dark because you are trying too hard. Lightly child, lightly. Learn to do everything lightly. Yes, feel lightly even though you’re feeling deeply. Just lightly let things happen and lightly cope with them... There are quicksands all about you, sucking at your feet, trying to suck you down into fear and self-pity and despair. That’s why you must walk so lightly.

–Aldous Huxley

This card shows a game going on, possibly kila, a 12th century Russian game similar to rugby. When we are juggling many duties and obligations, we may get hyperfocused on one 'ball' and let others drop. The envelope down at the feet of these men suggest an unpaid bill or an unanswered correspondence that could be important. While we can't always keep our head on a swivel, we do need to pause occasionally, lift our heads and make sure the roof isn't falling in while we're busy mopping floors. Cheerfulness suggests we do our tasks without drama or constant complaining (which only serve to amplify our frustrations). Put on some music or a podcast... anything but listen to that inner whiner.