Blue Heron ~ Self-Reflection (contrary)

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Contrary Beaver and contrary Blue Heron are bringing me the message that internal bullies are often the most damaging bullies in our lives. Yes, other people may put us down, shame us, reject us and hurt us with both words and actions, but it is the abuse we level at ourselves once we are away from our external bullies that leaves deep, lasting scars.

If you have been hard on yourself for not being perfect, for not making enough money, for not having the right body, for not being in the right job, or for not fitting the mold of what youv'e been told you "should" be, now is the time to stop. Stop calling yourself names. Stop nit-picking every mistake. Stop treating your body badly through excessive exercise, deprivation dieting or other unhealthful habits. Stop working 90 hours a week. Make a commitment to take care of YOU! Love yourself every day, no matter what. Learn to excercise compassion and unconditional love for YOURSELF! Heron tells me, "When you do these things, your whole world will change!"
~ Lady Wolfdreams

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It may be time to come up for air if Heron arrives in the contrary. Too much introspection can lead to self-obsession or a morbid sense of humor. If you have been looking within and criticizing yourself, watch out! It is imprudent to drown the sense of joy that usually accompanies the journey of self-discovery. You may have assumed the attitude that perfection is desirable. That may be what advertisers sell you, but that attitude leaves no room to be human. You learn some of your most valuable lessons through your mistakes. Wouldn't life be boring if everyone was a plastic clone of the ideal human?

Contrary Heron reminds you that self-improvement is best accomplished by balancing the desire to change with gentle discernment. There are many layers of truth to understand and wholeness is impossible to attain in one dive. You do belly flops when you become judgemental, rigid, and flat. Diving deeply into your feelings, you may emerge renewed. But, being too critical, merely floating on top of the water, you will callously break your spirit in the process. Heron reminds you to dive deeply, do not hold your breath while waiting for that instant of total enlightenment. If you do not resurface for air, the collective feelings of humanity and the infinite depth of eternity can drown you.

~ From "Medicine Cards" by Jamie Sams & David Carson ~