Hi, Subscribers. How was it last week? As your guide, I remind you that incorporating play into your daily routine can improve your creativity, problem-solving skills, and overall well-being. It's not just about personal and professional growth but also about finding joy in the journey. Let's set ourselves up for success and inspiration and remember to find joy in every step of our development.
It's time for an accountability check-in. First of all, Happy Birthday Daddy! I did not start the painting project I told you all about, but I did finish a different one. Giraffes inspire it.
Despite some technical difficulties, I also successfully hosted a Clarity Playshop and a LinkedIn Live. You can watch the replay of Mindfulness for Busy People on LinkedIn or YouTube. I have been sleeping better this week and also started watching a replay, which is a big win since I have about half a dozen replays left. I also completed some training and am excited to put it to good use. What are your wins and challenges?
This week, we will get inspired by Black Tarot: An Ancestral Awakening Deck by Nyasha Williams, illustrated by Kimishka Naidoo. This time of year can be hectic with all the holidays and compressed deadlines. How can we avoid the cycle of putting out fires? Or, like David Bowie sang, "putting out fires with gasoline." What is happening? There is a Black woman with her natural hair pulled up off her head wearing a chef's uniform. She is tempering chocolate, and the moon's phases are superimposed on her. Tempering chocolate takes time and patience to get it to a glossy finish. It requires knowledge, science, intuition, and the right conditions. According to the Ghiradelli site, it involves "heating and cooling chocolate to stabilize it for making candies and confections." It also notes that "chocolate is very sensitive to heat and will scorch or seize easily." What is the chocolate in your life? It is my relationships and the projects I am working on. I've been in a cooling period in my business as I figure out how to position myself best. If I stay cool too long, I must restart the process. It's a delicate balance—the same when you are having a conversation with another person. When tempers flare, one of you has to cool down, or you may end up in a scorched earth situation.
What is the challenge? Our friend Death returns reversed this week. It is a comforting skeleton walking amongst a raised garden watering plants. Next to him, a young Black girl wearing a bright orange dress is working the bed with a small shovel. They are coming through an archway of greenery with two orange snakes intertwined. Once again, the phases of the moon are superimposed over the picture. Last week, I discussed Death, which means change and transformation, and how being reversed can sometimes imply a struggle or an area of resistance. The imagery brings to mind cycles: planting, reaping, sowing, youth, death, the phases of the moon, and snakes shedding their skins. What cycles are you tired of repeating? Our initial question was about the cycle of putting out fires. What is fueling those fires? It takes time to clear out the underbrush that fuels the fires and dig fire breaks. Are you resisting nurturing activities? What is no longer serving you?
What can help? The Four of Wands depicts a Black couple working out together. The male balances on a railing and links his arms with his partner, who sits cross-legged in a lotus position in complete trust that she will not fall. According to the author, this couple has successfully broken generational curses. When I look at the card, I think about energy and the people that impact it. Are you surrounded by people who support you? If we hearken back to the original Temperance card we started with, do they bring balance into your life? Will they hold you up or let you fall? I've been reflecting on being in community for the past few months since going it alone has not been successful. I'm also reminded about the power of the collective. One of the most memorable parables I witnessed as a play was about a massive fire consuming a forest. All the animals felt powerless except the hummingbird. The hummingbird brought water drop by drop to the fire. I have a hummingbird tattoo, not for this reason, but I love the idea that I will do the best I can. If all the animals joined the effort, they would have better odds. However, some people will stand there and watch you burn. As for me, I'll keep Penny Reid's words in mind, "Don't set yourself on fire trying to keep others warm."
Finally, what is a way forward? We end with the Seven of Baskets. There are seven baskets to choose from. According to the author, they represent love, property, wealth, revenge, victory, death, and our higher self. There are many options and ways to approach the fires we are fighting. Some of these baskets may be what's fueling the inferno. It may seem logical to choose our higher self, but like tempering chocolate, that requires great restraint and patience. Many of us, myself included, will choose a quick win. Enjoy it because you will probably have to revisit unpleasant situations until you reach the root cause. It would help if you had the correct tools to address the problem. I had a stain in my tub. I tried leave-on sprays and scrubbing, but nothing worked until I used humble baking soda and elbow grease. Some solutions sit on the surface and will not penetrate to break up the underlying issue. Take a moment to envision the outcome you want to see. Then, ask yourself if your next step will bring you closer or further. Tempering chocolate removes undesired crystals. Are you willing to put in the time and effort to get the smooth, glossy finish you desire? The choice is yours. Namaste
When you are ready to incorporate more play to help you deal with the heavy things, check out my Link Tree for current offerings: https://linktr.ee/thingstothinkabout. I also encourage you to share your experiences and strategies with the community. Your voice matters, and your journey can inspire others.
