Today’s meditation was ten minutes and ten seconds, and focused entirely upon the breath and the reasons why the breath is so often the focus of meditation practices.
It was very relaxing, and a topic that I’ve never really considered before. I’ve always followed the breath because the breath is how I was taught as a child to to ground myself, and from a very young age I’ve been doing this naturally when I cry. (I have a habit of holding my breath for extended periods when I get really worked up). Later in life it has become how I deal with pain an anxiety (also both in the grounding arena).
This is called Pranayama, which means to control the breath.
In yoga, this practice is used to center your focus upon the present moment. The breath is the epitome of one’s present. It does not exist in the past, nor in the future. Only in the now. So by focusing upon the breath, you focus not just upon yourself and your inner energy, but also upon -this- moment.
This makes the breath very useful in mindfulness and meditation practices, as it assists the mind in staying present instead of wandering off into musings, memories, or daydreams.
Today’s card is the Eight of Pentacles, which is a representation of manifestation, hard work, purpose, determination, and accomplishment in the area of finances, resources, and the physical world.
In the guidebook of today’s deck, the Beaver is then described with the key words of dedication, drive, guidance, success, integrity, and community.
The Eight of Pentacles and diligent beaver have appeared in today’s draw to remind me that even on the days I’m not sitting at my work table, I’m still working. Today was a driving day, as all Tuesdays and Fridays are. Sometimes, these days feel like a complete waste of time because I’m not physically working with my hands.
Today’s draw is a reminder that that isn’t true. The driving days are just as important to my business, and I’m not working any less just because I don’t have tools in my hands. It’s not a waste of time, it’s just a different aspect of running a business and without it? There would be no business, and no success.
Deck Used: Animism Tarot
Today’s draw is the King of Wands, which is a representation of projective alpha energy, personality, or person in the areas of drive, passion, willpower, and the inner spark. The card speaks of innate leadership abilities, entrepreneurship, honor, and inspirational vision.