Today’s meditation was just over ten minutes long, and was another of the #DailyCalm sessions from the Calm app.

This particular session was based on a breathing exercise where it is observed what a bit of deep breathing can do for our nervous system and our body as a whole.  It involved breathing naturally for one minute, while counting one’s breaths (ten for me), and then spending a minute doing slow deep breathing, allowing the lungs to fill fully, then exhale slowly (four breaths in a minute for me).  Then, you repeat the first minute again, counting one’s natural breaths (this time I counted eight breaths instead of ten).

The activity demonstrates that by having done deep breathing, the body further relaxes and thus we breathe more easily when doing the natural breaths the second time.

Today’s draw is the Six of Pentacles, which is traditionally a representation of charity, generosity, sharing the wealth, and balancing the scales between the “haves” and the “have nots” in life.

Here in the imagery of this card, note that the receiving bowl is upright and open, seeking to be filled, while on the other end of the card coins encircle the purse filled to the brim with wealth.  This imagery depicts the “haves” and the “have nots” mentioned above, and speaks of the potential of generosity, if not the outright act.

Today’s card is a reminder to be open to generosity, and open to opportunities to be generous.  Know your limits, of course, and respect your own boundaries as long as those boundaries are healthy, but don’t close yourself off out of pride, pettiness, or excessive selfishness when there is so much good out there to give (and receive) in life if you’re open to it.

DECK USED:  THE FOREST ENBY TAROT

Mr Lionharts’ #TheAprilTarot Animal Guide Challenge Prompt
Question for The Hanged Man- Day 14

What can use a little break or some time to rethink before I move on?

At Present (Orchid Pouchog Oolong) atop Unique (Mint Ruby Black Tea) – More time spent in the moment is necessary. You have a unique ability to see those things others pass by and ignore, which is shown in your photography and in how you perceive the world. Take some time to sink into these minute details for a bit. The world will wait while you allow yourself this time.

Something I should be aware of or consider while I take my break?

Humor (Oolong Black Tea), Gentle (Milky Oolong Black Tea) atop Persistence (Iron Goddess Roasted Oolong) – Seek out the lightness in the world and within yourself. You are still climbing out of the pit and need to make a conscious effort to steer yourself toward the light and the positive. Seek out those things that make you smile, even (or rather, especially) when you’re not feeling in the mood for it.

DECK USED: FORMOSA TEA ORACLES AND THE FOREST ENBY TAROT

The Self Appreciation #STCTarotChallenge for April Prompt
Questions for April 13th and 14th

This month I will commit to…

The World – …getting back on track with my path and my future growth and goals, while opening myself up to the world around me.

Much of my time in the depression involved closing ranks and withdrawing from the world. It’s time to unfurl and let the fresh air and joy back in.

Because?

Four of Pentacles – I need to reestablish a stable footing. During the depression when closed off from the world and all the joy the world has to offer, foundations start to wear and crumble, creating increased instability that can only be resolved by opening back up to let the good in.

I will work at no longer give my energy to…

Six of Pentacles Rx – …pouring my energy, time, and expense into things that provide no reward. During the depression there are habits that I have fallen into (like dawdling after stretching and yoga, spending too much time playing games on my phone, etc) that are not productive or particularly healthy in excess. Pouring my energy and time into these things takes away from places where I could better afford to direct my time and attention.

By?

Two of Pentacles – Focusing on balancing my time and energy better. There’s only so much time in a day, so when I while away some of it doing things that don’t benefit me in any way, that is time lost that cannot be put toward better pursuits.

DECK USED: THE FOREST ENBY TAROT

I napped.  I really didn’t want to because Gid needed me to be here with him, but I was slow blinking and head bobbing and had to.  I feel better, but I also feel bad that I wasn’t there when Bandit passed.