Gaian Tarot Reading 7-1-11: Part 6 of 7

I had decided at the outset to draw two cards in the 6th card position. One would represent my inner life direction and one for my outer life. Now I decided I'd do that on the 5th card position, too.

Card 5 - How does mystery help me?
External Life (12 The Tree)Being right side up in an upsidedown world. Centered even amid upheaval. LETTING GO. Slow down and practice stillness in order to surrender to the Great Mystery in serenity.
Internal Life (Elder of Air)Music (recorder is the instrument shown) as medicine.
"[V]ocation is the place where your deep gladness meets the world's deep need."--Frederick BurchnerInspiration, balance, clarity. Music may restore my spirits.

There definitely is a lot of external upheaval around me, both globally and personally, this year: crumbling economy, global warming concerns, mother moved to nursing home, father ill then passing away, worry about brother's hoarding lifestyle and financial distress, taking car for oil change and finding out engine was about to tip out, buying a new car and getting financing in 5 days, grandson's developmental stages, my own health concerns,  and on and on. Staying "right side up" internally throughout has been a challenge at times, and letting go of the process while focusing on desirable outcomes has definitely been key. I have used deep breathing more than once to help myself stay calm.

I haven't listened to music regularly for a long time. I think I'd like to try resuming that practice. I have some wonderful tapes and CDs that I used to love. Perhaps I should take a recorder with me on my Pacific Crest Trail trip? Kind of an extravagance of weight, but perhaps a necessity of spirit?

I really like Burchner's definition of vocation. That's what I'm trying to find--my place of deep gladness.

Backpacking and being outdoors used to help me a lot to focus and surrender to the Great Mystery. I look forward to rediscovering that peacefulness and relaxed place in life. Will that help me "liquify"? If I surrender the conditions of my life  to the Great Mystery of Nature while I train and carry out my goals, will I find serenity again?

I hope so.

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