What draws you to cultivating mindfulness in your life?
**Reflections on Week 1: Unveiling My Deepest Intentions**
As I embark on this journey of mindfulness, I find myself confronting the reality of being trapped in habits that have long dictated my life. I've come to a stark realization: have I ever truly lived my own life, or have I merely existed within the confines of routines and expectations set by others? This journey, for me, is about breaking free from these invisible chains, to restart and renew my existence in a way that is authentically mine. My commitment is resolute: I need to be well, and more than that, I am committed to being well. This commitment transcends mere physical or mental health; it encompasses a holistic sense of wellness that includes balance, resilience, and love. These are not just abstract concepts but tangible states of being I aspire to embody in my day-to-day life. I am drawn back into the essence of mindfulness with a clear set of traits I wish to cultivate: Clean, Clear, Connected, and Consistent. These four traits resonate deeply with my aspirations and are the pillars upon which I want to build my daily and weekly habits. However, as I ponder over what is most important to me, I realize that maybe this is something I still need to discover. This process of discovery, of uncovering what truly matters to me, is perhaps the most crucial aspect of this mindfulness practice. It’s not just about adhering to a set of habits; it’s about delving deep into my inner world to unearth my core values and desires. In essence, this journey is about finding my true self, the self that has been overshadowed by habitual living. It’s a journey of exploration, of asking hard questions, and of being open to the answers, however unexpected they may be. As I share these reflections, I look forward to connecting with fellow travelers on this path, learning from their experiences, and supporting each other as we all strive towards a life of mindfulness and authenticity.
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Tara Brach & Jack Kornfield
Today, I turned to my tarot deck with a leadership question in mind: "What does my team need from me?" The answer came in the form of the Three of Pentacles, a card that often bears a powerful message for leaders and team members alike. The Three of Pentacles in the tarot is traditionally associated with teamwork, collaboration, and skilled craftsmanship. It is a card that speaks of the benefits of collective efforts, reminding us that the whole is indeed greater than the sum of its parts. As the leader of a team, this card speaks volumes about what your team might need from you. The appearance of the Three of Pentacles in response to my question suggests the need to foster an environment that promotes teamwork and the pooling of individual skills. Your team may be craving a space where each member's unique abilities and expertise are recognized and appreciated, and where they can confidently contribute these strengths towards a common goal. The Three of Pentacles also emphasizes mastery and craftsmanship. As a leader, it suggests that you need to encourage continued learning and skill development within your team. It's about creating an atmosphere where people feel safe to make mistakes, learn, and grow. Leadership isn't only about guidance—it's also about setting the stage for your team members to develop their skills and feel proud of their work. In the words of the acclaimed American football coach, Vince Lombardi: "Individual commitment to a group effort—that is what makes a team work, a company work, a society work, a civilization work." This quote reflects the essence of the Three of Pentacles, highlighting the profound impact of individual contribution to a collective goal. Moreover, as a leader, it's important to remember that you're part of the team too. Just as you facilitate the growth and development of your team members, so too should you be open to learning from them. The Three of Pentacles encourages this reciprocal relationship. John C. Maxwell, an influential leadership expert, once said, "Leaders become great, not because of their power, but because of their ability to empower others." This perfectly encapsulates the message of the Three of Pentacles. Embrace collaboration, nurture the skills and abilities of your team, and together, you can build something truly remarkable. As we move forward, let's remember the wisdom of the Three of Pentacles: Valuing each person's unique contribution, fostering collaboration, and encouraging continuous growth and learning are the keys to a successful and harmonious team. When we harness the strengths of everyone involved and work together, we can create something far greater than we could have alone. Until next time, may the wisdom of the tarot guide your journey. 5/5/2023 0 Comments queen of SwordsDrawing Strength from the Queen of Swords: A Mindful Approach to Personal EmpowermentAs we journey through life, we often seek strength to help us navigate the challenges that come our way. In moments like these, we may find guidance in the ancient wisdom of tarot. Recently, I asked the question "What can give me strength?" and pulled the Queen of Swords tarot card. This card, often associated with intellect, clarity, and independence, offers valuable insights on how to cultivate inner strength through mindfulness. The Queen of Swords is an embodiment of wisdom and resilience. She represents a strong, independent, and sharp-witted individual who is not afraid to cut through confusion and get to the heart of the matter. As the poet Cora Linn Daniels once said, "The Queen of Swords is a woman of penetrating mind, whose thoughts, like a rapier, cut through obscurity and falsehood." With this in mind, we can interpret the appearance of the Queen of Swords as an invitation to develop our inner strength through mental clarity, focused intention, and deep self-awareness. Mindfulness, the practice of paying attention to the present moment with an attitude of non-judgment and acceptance, can help us achieve this state of being. Jon Kabat-Zinn, a pioneer of mindfulness practice in the West, reminds us that "Mindfulness is a way of befriending ourselves and our experience." As we cultivate mindfulness, we become more self-aware, and this heightened self-awareness can grant us the mental clarity and determination embodied by the Queen of Swords. To strengthen our connection with the Queen of Swords and draw upon her qualities, we can incorporate the following mindfulness practices into our daily lives: Mindful breathing: Regularly take a few minutes to focus on your breath, allowing thoughts to come and go without judgment, anchoring yourself to the present moment. Journaling: Dedicate time to journal about your thoughts, feelings, and experiences, with an emphasis on self-reflection and understanding. Mindful communication: Engage in conversations with others with an open mind and heart, listening deeply and expressing your thoughts with clarity and compassion. By integrating these mindfulness practices into our daily routines, we can begin to access the strength, clarity, and wisdom of the Queen of Swords. As we develop our mental clarity and self-awareness, we will be better equipped to face life's challenges with grace and resilience. Remember, the Queen of Swords is a symbol of personal empowerment, reminding us that our strength lies within. By cultivating mindfulness, we can harness the power of the Queen of Swords and tap into our inner well of strength, helping us navigate life's complexities with wisdom and confidence. |
AuthorMonti Tanner (he/him) BEd, BA, MEd Archives
May 2023
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