Today’s meditation was a self-directed ten minute session, focused upon the theme of Doubt from the included Az Oracle card by @Sunni_Chapman and a quote from the guidance that came with it.

That guidance says, “…it’s not the road (the means or the method) that you need to mind so much as the decision and intention behind that road. What do you want to see and feel on your road? What kind of scenery do you want to take in on the way?”

There’s a lot of uncertainty in my life right now, especially around my livelihood.  My meditation for the day was focused on reconnecting and centering myself on my path and what I want to achieve through that path I’ve chosen.  It’s a reiteration of a message I’ve received a lot over the past few days, which is to say… focus upon what is under your control, and let go of the rest that you can’t do anything about.

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@FatMumSlim August #FMSPAD Challenge
Prompt for August 2nd : A Quiet Joy | #FMS_QUIETJOY25
Daily Mental Health Prompt: Seek a positive message to carry with you throughout the day and offer perspective.

Today’s draw is the Hanged Man card, which is traditionally a representation of taking a pause, considering alternate perspectives, relaxing into difficult situations, surrender, or letting go.

It can be  hard to sit with your thoughts and feelings sometimes. They can feel overwhelming and, at least for me? When I’m feeling overwhelmed my natural inclination is to try and shut it all down. That means that in meditation, during these times sitting in silence with an empty mind is a piece of cake.

Harder is sitting in silence with those emotions, thoughts, and concerns.  Sitting in silence and acknowledging my fears and worries.  Sitting in silence and not allowing them to spiral out of control, but to just -sit- with them and let them have a moment of acknowledgement.

Sometimes this means I end up crying.  Sometimes, I can’t stand it and have to stop.  Sometimes… I can’t actually keep things from spiraling in my brain.  I understand, though, that these quiet moments are important.  They allow time to acknowledge my fears, feelings, and anxieties, which is the first step to sorting through them and actually dealing with them… instead of burying them so that they fester beneath the surface.

The message for today is to remember that even in these times when those quiet moments aren’t peaceful? There’s benefit.  They are a necessary part of our path to joy, as it’s after we acknowledge these fears and open to them that their weight begins to ease and our heart to lighten. Today’s card is an encouragement to not hide from what needs to be seen.  Make space to allow it to come forward, and acknowledge it so that it can continue on and pass on by.  That way, the path is open, unblocked even, for that joy in life that we’re all seeking to savor.

DECK USED: WHIMSICAL REALM OF ODDITIES TAROT AND THE AZ ORACLE

@Lionharts #TheAugustTarot Leo Season Challenge
Prompt for August 1st : Strength Opening Spread

What strength am I guided to embrace as my foundation this Leo season?

Breaking the Rules – You are very good at being yourself against all odds. Guilt and peer pressure rarely have the influence over you that others think that they will (although, this boundary has been a bit more mushy lately than you’d like). This individuality comes from knowing yourself and being able to follow your own inner compass without question. This is a skill that you need to tap into this Leo season.

How can I move through this Leo season with grace and confidence?

Embrace the World – Expect others to let “you do you”, and you do the same in return for them. Just because something is not for you doesn’t mean it’s not perfect for them and vice versa. Embrace the differences that make each of us unique, and remember to mind your own business when people aren’t doing things “your way”.

What heart-led action am I being called to take in devotion to myself?

Necessary Selfishness – As mentioned above, you do you, and if others don’t like it? Too damn bad. Remember that you don’t have to make excuses for yourself, no matter who it is that’s offended or put out by your authenticity.

Other elements included in this reading:
Carved Bamboo for Positive Outcomes
Black Spruce needles to Boost Self-Confidence and Positive Thinking
Dried Purple Heather Flowers for Independence and Luck
Clear Quartz Man in the Moon for Amplification of Lunar Energies
Selenite for Purification and drawing in Positive Energy

DECK USED: BANKSY WISDOM CARDS

I had the most amazing apple today.  It’s been a long time since I’ve ate an apple, and I’m not really a fruit person, but… it was perfect and I really enjoyed it. I savored every bite.