~ patient, secret-keeper, hiding inner treasures ~
The focus and determination of the Oyster is unmatched. Anything an Oyster personality puts their mind to, they achieve with grace and charm. The only problem is, Oyster types often take their inner gifts for granted. They become shy or doubtful, and this can lead to withdrawing or protecting their deepest desires and life's work. When the Oyster card appears it's important to reveal your inner treasures. What is it you've been hesitant to share? The world is waiting to see.
when in balance ~ feels blessed, generous, masterful
when out of balance ~ reluctant, gripping, "clams up"
to bring into balance ~ share something
Hi friends! :) Welcome to week 32 of our yoga series -- exploring this life through the symbolism of the animal kingdom. Each creature represents a different aspect of our human journey, helping us to better understand and connect to our inner and outer worlds. Every 5 weeks in our yoga classes, we cycle through each of the 5 elements (earth, water, fire, air, space) and their respective animals in this card deck. How can we bring each of the animals within us into balance?
Last week, we learned from the snake, who symbolizes the awakening of dormant energy and our highest potential. The snake within you needs to wake up -- NOW. Your old patterns are no longer useful, a new way is being revealed as the snake ascends the spine piercing through the blockages that have been holding you back.
This week, we revisit the water element, which relates to our emotions, feelings, creativity, and inspiration. The oyster shares a simple lesson -- but the most "simple" things are often the most challenging for us. The oyster represents the precious gifts we hold within. When we experience doubt, we can withdraw and guard our dreams and treasures. The oyster asks us to reveal and shine our power unto the world.
The other day I watched a short interview with Tyler the Creator, a musician, who spoke on creative success. He mentioned how he's noticed so many people create something, like music for instance, and maybe post it on their social media story... and then you never see it again. That person probably spent countless hours putting that song together, probably poured their soul into that song... and then they're just gonna give it 5 seconds of exposure?
This is a simple concept perhaps, but what Tyler was getting at was, the most important ingredient for creative success is OWNING your art. So many of us, myself included, are to varying levels, embarrassed or ashamed to put their art out there. And that's the difference between those who experience success and those who don't. How much are you willing to own yourself? To believe in yourself? To back yourself up? To shamelessly share yourself with the world?
"Just believe in yourself teehee" I know this sounds cliché. Society is so oversaturated with phrases like these, and the POWER behind the words has been watered down. So I'm going to say it again: the most "simple" things are the most challenging!
That's the whole paradox of the spiritual path, the further you go, the more "advanced" you get -- the more "simple" stuff you're dealing with. You work backwards, so to speak, beginning with the more complex, and ending with the most elementary. This concept could be a whole series of posts in itself haha so let's get back to the oyster.
Sharing your "art" is the same as sharing whatever gifts you hold within with the world. "But I don't have a gift... I don't know what my gifts are!" Don't let it be complicated. I'm sure you're good at SOMETHING. Maybe you bake a damn good pumpkin pie. Maybe you're a loving daughter or son, brother or sister, friend, or partner. Maybe you're really good at keeping your house clean. Or love reading. Or have bomb music taste. Maybe you love to make people laugh. Maybe you show up with integrity in your work and are a great employee. Maybe you have a fascination with the natural world. Maybe you're really amazing with taking care of others. Maybe you're a deep thinker or convey excellent ideas. This could be literally anything! What do you love? What are you good at? Hone in on that. OWN that. RECOGNIZE it as a valuable gift! It doesn't have to make money. It doesn't have to be praised. It doesn't have to have tangible results. Just recognize it and honor it!
It is this lack of recognition and honoring that causes us to imprison our gifts in walls of shame and doubt. And when you stay "clammed up" and guard your gifts inside for too long, that shit's gonna get stale. A healthy existence requires an even give and take... concealment and revealment. SO REVEAL YOURSELF! Confidence baby! The world is literally BEGGING for your gifts. You know how beautiful it is when you witness someone fully in their element? Fully in their gift? Like when someone plays the piano or dances. Or you see a nurse so attentive and loving to their patients? Or a sales rep killing the call? Idk anything. It's the indecision and nervousness and insecurity that holds us back from embodying our gifts. And guess what? You want to witness yourself in your element as well.
Now there is a necessary balance, right? These animal cards are all about balance. You don't want to be vomiting your gift all over everyone. All art in its pure form is an art of seduction... you don't force anything. It's a dance. It's a natural flow -- an effortless pouring forth of your offering... as if you're not even doing anything at all... maybe like you've opened yourself so that life can express through you. This state I'm describing is the ideal. We move in that direction. But we also can't force ourselves into perfect balance. That's the human journey. A journey to equilibrium.
So, a balance in the expression of our art. Part of the allure of an oyster is that her treasure is hidden. We learn from her the subtle art, when to confidently open and radiate our gifts into the world... and when to conceal our gifts... as we hone in and let the process marinate.
Anyways, final message: The Oyster card is saying HEY. You've got treasures in you. Recognize them! And then share them.
"The meaning of life is to find your gift. The purpose of life is to give it away."
-- Pablo Picasso
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Next week, the camel of the fire element is completely nourished from within. When faced with challenges, the camel knows how to react with grace and ease, for he carries to cooling waters to balance the fire. With a peaceful energy, and a sparkle in his eye, he is the ultimate companion for the long voyage.
til next time ✌︎
dream extreme!
♡ kat
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