Chapter 1: Embracing Sunday Mornings

Sundays bring me immense joy! The gentle rays of sunlight filter into my room, and the cheerful chirping of birds feels like old friends catching up on their plans for the day. This is my ideal way to wake up, especially on a Sunday when there’s no rush or schedule to follow; it truly feels like a gift. This serene start sets a positive tone for my entire week. This particular Sunday, I decided to challenge myself with a 45-minute yoga session via Apple Fitness+ with Jonelle. I’m pleased to share that I completed the session while only glancing at the timer a few times!

Sunday mornings offer a special time for me to connect with the Divine, free from the constraints of weekday schedules. I use this time to tap into the energies that will shape my week. To do this, I draw upon various tarot and oracle card decks. Being a visual learner, I find that the imagery on the cards helps convey the messages from the Divine for the upcoming days. This week, the card that emerged as my focal point was the Three of Swords.

The Three of Swords is a card that, at first glance, appears rather daunting. Featuring a large heart pierced by three swords against the backdrop of an impending storm, it evokes powerful feelings of heartbreak. Interestingly, during my morning shuffle, three cards representing the heart chakra also emerged. Each card comes with a short parable that provides insight and offers a fresh perspective on the present moment. For me, these tales serve as guidance from the Divine on how to navigate this week's predominant energy.

The Chakra Wisdom Oracle Cards and The Modern Witch Tarot Deck

This week, the Divine is urging me to confront the stagnant energies in my heart chakra that stem from perceived pain and sorrow. I emphasize "perceived" because even though the card displays a large heart and a stormy background, the swords symbolize the mental state of the querent. The three swords highlighted by the Divine represent Perception, Growth, and Grief.

Perception: This parable discusses revisiting a garden that was once neglected but has now flourished. To reach this vibrant place, one must journey through the darkness guided by their heart. While it may seem logical to look back, the true path lies ahead. Often, we struggle to find ways to move forward. It's essential to remember that "the heart knows what the eyes cannot see." Just as we seek truth with our eyes, we must also rely on our hearts. This story encourages us to explore the neglected areas of our hearts to uncover the hidden gems that enable us to progress.

Growth: This tale emphasizes the importance of being unapologetically yourself. You might face judgment or ostracism for your uniqueness, but never waver in your right to exist. Embrace your space! Remember, "your message shines brightest when you are authentically you." How you treat others will leave a lasting impact on those aligned with your highest good. The moral here is to have the courage to stand your ground, let go of what no longer serves you, and lead by example. The path will reveal itself when you honor your true self.

Grief: This parable encourages me to face sadness without fear and to release my worries to the Divine. It's crucial to remember that "grief is love without a destination." Grief is a natural response to caring deeply for someone or something. However, we shouldn't let lingering grief hinder our progress. The loss of something we cherished can feel overwhelming, even if it wasn’t necessarily beneficial. Grief is simply love turned inward due to change. Although it may be challenging initially, embracing change is vital to transforming grief back into love. Without this shift, our perception becomes stagnant, and growth is hindered.

Reflecting on this week's reading, the Divine indicates that it's time to remove these three swords from my heart. My work life has been exhausting over the past few years, and when faced with a new opportunity, I worry about revisiting that neglected garden. These cards act as my guiding light, encouraging me to step through that door anyway. The path to a beautiful garden lies through the unknown. It's time for growth. I've adequately processed my past work experiences and have outgrown the negativity they brought. Now, I must set aside my grief and embrace a renewed space. The journey will unfold as I take that first step.

Here’s to my journey beginning on Monday!

— Flo

Chapter 2: Deepening Spiritual Insights

In this video, "Listen Deeply and Speak Kindly," Fr. Jerry Orbos reflects on the importance of compassion and understanding in our daily interactions. His words serve as a reminder to connect deeply with ourselves and others.

The video titled "Soften Your Heart and Receive Your Healing" encourages viewers to embrace vulnerability and the healing power of love. It offers insights on how to navigate emotional challenges and invite healing into our lives.