The Value of a Moment

From the Greenwood Tarot, the Six of Cups; from the Rune Cards, Joy (Wunjo):

Sometimes you will never know the value of a moment, until it becomes a memory. 

—Theodor S. Geisel

Like the trees in Potter's card, we are interconnected with others, and those moments of connection make memories. If we were to place these on a scale, we might find the bad outweigh the good ones. Yet we are often surrounded by beauty, laughter, tenderness or love. Psychologist Rick Hanson tells us that we must consciously take in the good to rewire our brain for happiness - even the simplest things. We then have a reunion with these memories - reliving those warm feelings over and over. Joy (Wunjo) represents emotional fulfillment, camaraderie, and the comfort of a supportive environment. These are what we can store in our mental treasure chest to take out and remember again and again. As Hanson writes, "Taking in the good is not about putting a happy shiny face on everything... It's about nourishing well-being, contentment, and peace inside that are refuges you can always come from and return to."

Lightness of Heart

From the Brady Tarot, the Daughter (Page) of Cups; from the Wisdom of the Forest, Joy:

There are some children who are inherently concerned about how others feel, whether they are okay. Like this pronghorn who dips some water to share with a bird, they are tuned into aiding those who might be suffering. But if they don't learn to do the same for themselves, they burn out quickly as adults. It helps if our actions follow wu-wei - a natural, effortless movement that isn't forced. As Indigo Ocean writes: "We do not stop caring. We do not stop helping.We simply do it with a natural equilibrium, like water flowing from areas of higher pressure to areas of lower pressure. No one needs to tell water where it ought to go; its nature is to simply flow." Yet Joy implies this isn't enough; we must also cultivate a lightness of heart, moments when wonder, beauty and the warmth of others lift us up. This is what will refill our cup over and over again.

Finding Joy

From the Victorian Romantic Tarot, the Two of Pentacles; from the Dreaming in Color Deck, Joy:

          A dog who truly loves its master will do almost anything for her - even balance on its hind legs on a drum. While necessity and obligation drive many of us, we may sometimes be like this dog, wanting to please others. In such cases, we eventually lose our balance trying to keep up with demands and requirements. At some point we have to pick up that stick and beat our drum in a rhythm we can maintain rather than let others do it for us. Joy, a deep-seated source of contentment or delight, can keep us going when obligations wear us down. It suggests that my time can either be spent or well spent; I must uncover and discard those things that aren't necessary in order to have time for joy.

Find joy in everything you choose to do. Every job, relationship, home… it’s your responsibility to love it, or change it. —Chuck Palahniuk

Coming Together

From the Greenwood Tarot, the Eight of Wands; from the Rune Cards, 'Joy (Wunjo):'

          Potter describes the Eight of Wands as a coming together of intentions; those intentions have created the energy to get things moving quickly toward the goal. Intentions are not affirmations or vague promises about what we will eventually do. They keep us centered in the present rather than the future and are based on what matters most to us. Intentions are a commitment to align our actions with our values; they allow us to correct our path when we become distracted from what is important. Joy/Wunjo is a reminder to recognize our good fortune in the here and now, to find contentment in what we have rather than what we want. Phillip Moffitt writes, "Whatever is manifesting itself in your life right now is affected by how you receive it, and how you receive it is largely determined by your intention in this moment." Intentions are the GPS system that keeps us from running into emotional ditches caused by craving, aversion or mindlessness. Discontentment is the warning light that tells us to touch base with them.

Making Investments

From the Golden Tarot, the King of Coins; from the Yantra Deck, "Joy:"

          The fact that this King is busy at an office desk says a lot. He knows where his money is being spent, what's making a profit and what's not. He reminds me of the investors on the TV series "Shark Tank," which allows entrepreneurs to showcase their inventions in hopes of getting financial backing. He's willing to be generous and help someone else out, but first you're going to have to convince him that your idea is sound and you're not afraid of hard work. The King of Coins has slowly built what he has through his own efforts and ingenuity. He likes his comforts way too much to lose it all because of generosity that lacks discernment. Why does he bother helping others? The Joy Yantra suggests that even he realizes that the pleasure of things is temporary, but the feeling of joy is longer-lasting. Joy is one of those feelings that when you think back on the event, it can warm your heart all over again. As he ages and realizes death will be sooner rather than later, I imagine those are the kind of investments that are more meaningful and valuable.

Gardening with Joy

From Waking the Wild Spirit, the Three of Earth (Pentacles); from the MentorSpirit Cards, "Joy:"

The three healthy plants growing in the background show the skills of this gardener. Yet I can bet that the shovel, watering can and pitchfork was bought from the local hardware store. No matter what I create, many of the tools I use to do so come from the talents of someone else. It is amazing what can be produced when there is cooperation. The Pictish Oracle in the top right corner of my blog would still be an idea without physical representation if it weren't for AlaskaLaserMaid at Etsy. Though I had done the research and drawings, I needed someone with the skills to burn the drawings on wooden runes.

While Joy seems to be similar to yesterday's card, Delight, I think it is a state more intrinsic and lasting. We have community volunteers here who have taken courses and are called Master Gardeners. They use their skills and knowledge to educate and provide assistance to folks interested in gardening. Why do they do it? For the sheer joy of sharing what they love with others. John J. Powell said, “It is an absolute human certainty that no one can know his own beauty or perceive a sense of his own worth until it has been reflected back to him in the mirror of another loving, caring human being.” I think when we share our gifts with others, both parties benefit.

Slow the Hustle in the Bustle

From the Spiral Tarot, the Three of Wands:

The choice to move away from the status quo and take a risk on something new has reaped rewards, represented by the growth of greenery beneath the woman's feet that winds up the staffs. Her desire to expand her boundaries (much like she's done to her dress with a bustle) has been successful, and the boats in the water suggest a partnership with others that is fruitful. The saying "my ship has come in" refers to mothers and wives who had to run a tab for necessities while their men were out to sea. When they came home with their pay, the women could pay off their debt and hopefully have a little extra. Though these ships suggest goals being reached, they also suggest there are still things to be settled and done before a firm foundation is reached.

From the Sacred Journey Cards comes "Joy:"

Sometimes when I am successful in acquiring something or accomplishing an objective, I rush to the next goal. Instead of taking time to enjoy the pleasure of achievement, my brain starts plotting and planning for the next one. This card reminds me that the feeling of fulfillment comes when I take time to celebrate, not when I'm in a rush. I don't want to get to the end of my life and find all I've really accomplished is in becoming a talented sprinter.