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
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. 4/27/2023 0 Comments Knight of PentaclesKnight of Pentacles - A Steadfast Path to MindfulnessToday, let's delve into the world of Tarot and explore the Knight of Pentacles, a card that encourages mindfulness and stability in our lives. As we embark on this journey, remember that Tarot can serve as a gateway to self-reflection, and a tool for gaining insights into our inner world. The Knight of Pentacles represents the qualities of diligence, patience, and perseverance. This card often appears in a reading when we are called upon to adopt a steady, practical, and responsible approach to life. It symbolizes the importance of laying a strong foundation for our goals and dreams, and invites us to take a mindful approach to our endeavors. As we contemplate the message of the Knight of Pentacles, let's consider the words of mindfulness practitioner Jon Kabat-Zinn: "Mindfulness is a way of befriending ourselves and our experience." When we practice mindfulness, we learn to accept and befriend every aspect of our lives, allowing us to navigate challenges with grace and poise. A general reading for the Knight of Pentacles might look like this: Be patient and persistent: Remember that significant achievements take time, and the journey towards them is just as important as the destination itself. Nurture a patient and steadfast attitude, and remain committed to your goals. Stay grounded: The Knight of Pentacles encourages you to maintain a strong connection with your physical and emotional well-being. Cultivate a daily mindfulness practice to help you stay present, grounded, and centered in your life. Embrace responsibility: Take charge of your life and accept responsibility for your actions. By doing so, you build a strong foundation for success and create an environment in which you can flourish. Cultivate discipline: Develop the discipline to consistently work towards your goals, even when the going gets tough. Remember that progress is made through dedication and consistency. As we journey with the Knight of Pentacles, let us invite mindfulness into our lives and embrace the qualities of patience, perseverance, and responsibility. By doing so, we can create a stable and fulfilling path for ourselves and those around us. May the Knight of Pentacles guide you towards mindfulness and steadfastness, and may your journey be one of growth and self-discovery. |
AuthorMonti Tanner (he/him) BEd, BA, MEd Archives
May 2023
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