It’s August and there is a “nature” theme for our cards this month. It might be the middle of summer for most of us, but this week’s card is “RENEWAL/The Winter Willows” – it shows a pair of willow trees standing at the shore of a lake. A couple sits on a bench and watch a big cormorant stretch. This card represents the “renewal” part of the change and growth spectrum. While change is inevitable, there is always motion and steady growth causing renewal and healing at the same time. In the image, one willow tree is a little worse for wear, the other is encouraging with spring buds forming on her branches and sap rising. The cormorant standing on a log is spreading her wings… as the world warms back up. This is a time of rebuilding, adding strength, and restoring balance.
One of the biggest ways we can renew our strength is to be ENCOURAGED. This is a week of encouragement. A friend of mine took part in the Ironman Triathlon festivities this past weekend. What a scene; – strong men and women by the thousands from all over the world competing in an athletic event of endurance and stamina. At dawn, they hop in the water for a 2.4 mile swim and from there they take a 112 mile bike-ride and then, with legs aching, it’s time for a full 26 mile marathon run! Competitors have 17 hours in which to finish this gargantuan feat from 7am to midnight. Along the race route, attendees held up signs of encouragement and underfoot, outlined in colourful chalk and pastels, were messages saying, “MIKE #such and such – you can do it! We believe in you!” “Go dad! You are an Ironman!” that friends and family lovingly scrawled in the hours before the race. How many people might have been utterly flagging and on the verge of giving up when they saw that encouraging message? Even towards the event’s end (at midnight) family members and friends cheered weary bodies across the finish tape.
You might not be in the Ironman this week, but you do have both renewal and encouragement helping you accomplish whatever you set out to do. Within you (and around you) are those who would write your name in chalk on the race-route. Let yourself feel both renewed and refreshed to carry on that extra mile. Let yourself be encouraged and cheered on. And most of all, ENCOURAGE YOURSELF because that is the voice that matters above all else.
This week, when you rest and take time to breathe, you’re actually renewing your strength and building yourself up! Any athlete knows that it’s the RECOVERY period that builds both muscle and endurance, not just the effort itself. Even after you run, your body is repairing muscle fibres and your body is reving with metabolic action. Don’t neglect the rest that comes in renewal this week.
This is not a time for chilling by the pool and neglecting effort though. Within renewal and rebuilding there’s always action and growth taking place. Don’t forget to cheer yourself on, and to cheer others on too! You can run that extra mile, you can take on a lot and let your inner “winner” shine through this week!
About this deck :
About this deck: This is “Tree Affirmations” a very whimsical and beautifully deck illustrated in ink and watercolour. (one drawback though, the cards themselves are HUGE!) The artwork is lovely and reminds me of my favourite childhood memories – spending time outdoors, painting, and of course, trees! 44 card self published deck by Victoria Lewis. http://www.vickylewis.co.uk/Trees/readings.html
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