Today’s meditation was just over eleven minutes long, and was a guided meditation with interval timer for my piriformis stretches. The topic of today’s guided meditation was perfectionism, and letting go of the need for everything to be perfect and at 100% all of the time.
It brought up the subject of the “80 / 20 Rule”, which is essentially that eighty percent of any endeavor can be smooth sailing, but when you get to that last 20% needed to make something “perfect” it can take as much energy and effort as the entire eighty percent of the project that had come before.
I get what they’re saying, but I really don’t see that as an excuse to give up at the 80% quality mark instead of going for that extra 20% of a job well done. That said, I do agree that you can’t give that kind of dedication and effort to every single little thing you do or you’ll wear yourself out constantly pushing too hard. It’s important to use that extra 20% judiciously and make sure you’re not hurting yourself in overextending your reach and energy by pushing yourself too far.
In other words? Sometimes you just have to let go and be okay with a “good job” instead of a “perfect job”.
Today’s draw is the Chariot card, which is traditionally a representation of control and direction. This is a card that is filled with action, determination, and willpower… all of which often lead to success more often than not.
What stands out to me the strongest in the imagery for this card is the fact that the birds are carrying the chariot and its occupant away from the strict organization that lies below. Instead of heading towards structure and organization, they are literally flying away from it, rising higher and higher in the sky.
The message here is about paying attention to where you’re going. It’s all well and good to be revved up and ready to go, and to plow forward with your hands on the reigns. But where are you going?
DECK USED: TAROT OF THE LITTLE PRINCE
LionHart’s As Above So Below Challenge Prompt
Neptune Question: What can serve as an inspiration, or how can I {best} get/stay inspired?
Reading Summary: Sometimes it’s through your unhealthy choices (The Lovers Rx) and being overwhelmed (Ten of Wands) that you find your inspiration. Keep in mind, though, the goals that you want to accomplish along the way (Ten of Cups and Ten of Pentacles).
Take Away: This is an interesting perspective, and one that may help explain why I felt so uninspired over the summer months when I was trying to take it easy. The pressure and hint of self destruction could very well be a part of what drives my inspiration and motivation… and maybe that’s okay.
But, if it’s going to be okay to indulge in these unhealthy methods to find a modicum of motivation? I need to make sure I’m keeping in mind the grounded stability and emotional well-being that I’m trying to feed and foster along the way.
DECK USED: THE MUSHROOM TAROT
#DiscordTarotolicsNov2020 Challenge Prompt
Question: Three Things to be Grateful For…. Card 1 / Card 2 / Card 3
Temperance – Okay so moderation is not my strong suit by any means. But, that doesn’t mean I am not grateful for the opportunity to try for it, as well as those that assist me in striving for more moderation in my life. I am striving to invite moderation into my life, and with it allow for more room for self-care and self-acceptance.
Two of Pentacles – Finding a new balance between my work and personal life hasn’t been easy, but I feel like I’ve done really good at finding a better balance over the past year. Even now during the holiday rush, the addition of meditation and other self care techniques help me in finding a bit more balance than I’ve been able to manage in the past.
The Hanged Man – I am grateful every single day for the ability to put myself in other’s shoes and see things from other’s perspectives. I cherish the ability to take things in from multiple perspectives and see things from different angles, exploring not ideas and beliefs but all sorts of opinions and perspectives from as many angles as possible to better understand the world and those within it.
Additional Notes – Aside from the cards and their individual meanings, there is also a connection between the Temperance card, and the Two of Diamonds. This connection is through the violet shades shared between the juggling balls in the Two of Diamonds and the wings of the angel in the Temperance card. This combination further reinforces that through the moderation I strive for, I am finding a better and thus healthier balance than I’ve had in the past.
DECK USED: GLOBAL FUSION INTUITIVE TAROT
Heal & Transform November Challenge Prompt
Question: What or who in my life is healthfully feeding or expanding my energy?
What in my life is healthfully feeding my energy?
The Wirt (The Magician)
My confidence in my abilities is currently feeding my energy. The holiday rush is officially here, and where before I worried that I would not be able to handle the rush, I am now no longer in that state of mind and sure of my capability to ride the rush through to its end. This doesn’t mean that it will be difficult, but I no longer am at a place where I am dragging my feet and stalling out, but rather I am energized by the fact that I know I can and will do this.
Who in my life is healthfully feeding my energy?
Lorna (Death)
Death, in this instance, is Z. Although her appearance on my doorstep was a bit sudden back in the spring, I’ve had a good number of months now to get used to her constant presence so close here in my home. She is amazing and supportive in a number of ways, and she knows how to give space when space is needed. She also cooks! Providing me with my life-long dream of having someone cook for me on at least a semi-regular basis.
What in my life is healthfully expanding my energy?
Two of Pentacles
My self care. I mentioned this previously in the Tarotholics reading, and the card here is a carry over from there. What is healthfully expanding my energy at this time is the fact that I’m able to fit in the self care I need to give my life a bit more balance so that every single moment of my day is not consumed by work and pressure and stress.
Who in my life is healthfully expanding my energy?
Ten of Pentacles
Z and L both. This card is about my home life, and my home life is essentially Z and L. By expanding my energy, what I understand this to mean is that they are expanding how many hands I have to work with, and how much I can get done. They are here to help me, and they help with making some of the different items in my shops. L is very good with adhesives, and Z is spectacular with wire and chain. Together they have been indefensible in helping me stay on top of things.
DECK USED: TAROT OF THE UNKNOWN
Today’s draw is the Temperance card, which is traditionally a representation of moderation, balance, slowing down, practicing patience, and can at times represent a connection between the physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual.
Today’s meditation was just over eighteen minutes long because I needed a little extra time in my piriformis stretching this morning. The hike in the rain yesterday was just what I needed I wish I could have stayed out there for hours and hours on end. But my muscles did not like the hard exertion in the cold rain, nor the sudden heat up of a shower that came after. So… I’m a bit sore today.
Today’s card is the Lovers card, which contrary to novice perceptions has very little to do with romance and a whole lot to do with choices the choices we make and have made (in my experience). More specifically, because this is a Major Arcana card, to deal with life-path choices.
Reading Summary: Focus on what you have and what’s good in your life (Four of Wands and Ten of Pentacles). When you do this there will be less need to delve for more (Knave of Swords) while pretending you are still in control (The Chariot) and in charge (The Emperor).
Twisting the Leaf 