Tea and Tenderness

From the Granny Jones Australian Tarot, Temperance; from the Button Oracle, Fawn:

We humans tend to have an aggressive response to intense emotions. The extremes of anger may even seem normal to some of us, but we even do it with fear or sadness. We might hide from outside contact, run up a huge credit card debt, or eat box after box of candy. We desperately want to be rid of this feeling, this edgy energy that invades our body and mind, but the actions we take often hurt more than help. Granny, pouring out some lemon balm tea, tells us to sit for a spell, allowing our energy to naturally dissipate instead of revving it up with our thoughts and body in constant motion. The quote for Fawn comes from Leo Buscaglia: "Gentleness can only be expected from the strong." Instead of making endless strategies and reacting in useless ways, we might ask, "What would tenderness in this situation look like?"

Try a Little Tenderness

From the Granny Jones Australian Tarot, the Tower:

The expression "a house of cards" originated from the hobby of building structures from playing cards. I've never been able to build one myself, but my ego is quite the architect when it comes to building internal ones. It has told me in the past that I'll be protected by my education, my religion, my savings, my work ethic, my healthy habits, my talents or my friends and family. Such expectations literally are a house of cards; they eventually collapse, because life doesn't build protective boundaries around anyone. Now this fact doesn't mean I need to hang my head and use "woe is me" as a mantra. It just means I'm no more or no less special than anyone else if I happen to get hit with a curve ball. As the Buddha said, "Cease expecting and you have all things."

From the Button Oracle comes the "Fawn:"

gentleness, tenderness, kindness

Gentleness can only be expected from the strong. ~ Leo Buscaglia

So what do you do when the unexpected happens, when the tower of cards you've been patiently building comes crashing down? I hate to admit it, but I get angry. Now I don't mean a little miffed, but the "I shall rain fire and brimstones down upon your head!" kind of anger. I want someone or something to blame (not myself of course). I am trying to learn to push the pause button before I do, and take Otis's advice to try a little tenderness instead. I've found compassion makes the recovery process much easier.

Pros and Cons of Groups

The card from the Granny Jones Tarot this morning is the Hierophant:

Multiple tree trunks and a man all seem to spring from the same common root.  The man leans into one of the trunks, seeming to draw strength and joy from it.  This card is about a sense of belonging that comes from joining with others because of a common bond.  The group generally has specific goals, beliefs and ideals, and there is usually a teacher or leaders from whom one can learn.  This may be a religion, but it could also be other types, such as a group of quilters or a group involved in animal rescues.  The man holds a triquetra in his hand, symbolizing this union or connection he has with others.  I can find much joy and stability in being with other like-minded individuals, but there is one drawback.  Like the trunks in the card above, the root that keeps the group secure also prevents it from moving in other directions - deviations from expectations are not looked on favorably.

     The button chosen from the collection today is "Fawn - gentleness:"

"Gentleness can only be expected from the strong." ~ Leo Buscaglia

In my youth, I never considered patience, kindness and tolerance to be connected with strength.  But now I understand that it is much easier to lash out at another than to be quiet, calm, and compassionate.  These are inner spiritual muscles I'm working to develop, and I get a chance to "work out" every day in my daily encounters with others.  As the holidays approach, I realize that being in a group, such as a family, will test my strength in this area.  Though we have a blood bond, we often differ widely in regard to religion, politics or life philosophy.  I will try to remember that although I have a right to my opinion, I also have the right to keep it to myself.