Why I Love Tarot

Meditation promises many benefits including reduced stress and improved mental and physical health. It's long been something that I've been told that I should do by well-meaning others. But my mind and heart weren't ever able to connect with it. That changed last year when I found tarot. Now, I'm a practical person who doesn't put any stock in hogwash. Tarot isn't something I ever would have even remotely considered because there's no way I could buy into the belief that cards (or anything else) can tell me my future. But it turns out that’s a misunderstanding. In reality many people use them in a way that makes practical sense for someone like me.

What finally engaged me with the tarot was learning that it can be used as a meditative tool. It provides a physical object to handle and interact with. When I sit down with my cards, it automatically puts me in a different mind-state because they are a tool used only for meditative purposes - I’ve created an association that helps my mind and body slip into a quieter and more focused state of mind. As I start shuffling them I begin to breathe more intentionally and think to myself about what it is that feels out of balance or unanswered or in need of attention inside of me. Then I ask a question to myself in that vein. When no questions come to mind, I just inquire about general wisdom to guide me through my day.

So far, this may still sound to some like hocus-pocus mumbo-jumbo. But it's the intent with which I approach it that makes the difference. I'm know that the cards don’t hold the answers. I approach each meditation knowing that I already have all of the answers within me. The cards are just a tool to help me quiet and focus and find what's already inside. The question emanates from within, and the answers do too.

First Beach Day of 2016

I can't even believe the good luck. I managed to score a beach day in FEBRUARY!! It's the first beach day of 2016. Months earlier than expected! It was restorative to the soul.

Indoor Sunbathing

While rainy days are my beloved, it's also never too soon to savor all the gorgeous vitamin D therapy that's slowly started to make its return! I have truly enjoyed and savored the full duration of this winter season (a first for me since moving here 5 years ago). I suspect that all the hours I spent at the beach and in the sun last summer played a part in that. So this year I'm starting even earlier! While it's too cold to sunbathe outside, I'm blessed with a warm home, a bright window full of sun, and empty floor space beneath it to bask in.