The Cure for Browbeat Days

From the Light Seer's Tarot, the Four of Swords; from the Tapestry Oracle, Mystery:

I realized it for the first time in my life: there is nothing but mystery in the world, how it hides behind the fabric of our poor, browbeat days, shining brightly, and we don't even know it.

― Sue Monk Kidd

Humans are planners, creators, and problem solvers. But like the body, the mind needs a chance to rest too. It's why I now start my day with a long walk (instead of my usual list making) accompanied by soothing instrumental music. My mind relaxes with the music as I observe the seasonal changes. When I have a busy day or week ahead, this often helps more than sitting meditation. Mystery shows a woman offering us a peak beneath the sea. Thoreau once wrote that we need the tonic of wildness; I believe he'd also agree we need mystery. Paradoxes, enigmas and awesome wonders help keep the mind curious and playful. We don't always have to know the reason and workings of everything. Mystery helps keep us inspired and the mind flexible and open.

There's Always More

This week I'll be using the Gill Tarot, created by Elizabeth Gill and published by U.S. Games. The oracle deck I'll be using with it is The Circle, created by D.R. Taylor and published by Versation Publishing. Today's draws are the Eight of Discs and Mystery:

The world, even the smallest parts of it, is filled with things you don't know.

― Sherman Alexie

        A metalworker, so in the flow of his work that he resembles the element he creates with, designs a huge figure of the number eight. The companion book describes this card as the application of concepts. The two circles that make up the number nicely symbolize the way mental skill rests on physical skill. Yet the Mystery card suggests delighting in - rather than being frustrated by - the unknown in the creative process. A teacher once gave me some great advice: "Be willing not to be an expert." Curiosity keeps the doors of the mind open to learning, producing more skills and knowledge rather than complacency and stagnation. That mindset can be much more exciting than being an expert.

The possession of knowledge does not kill the sense of wonder and mystery. There is always more mystery. ― Anais Nin