Ace of Diamonds - The World.

A lovely pair of big brown eyes looks out at me from a circle that represents the Earth - or, at least AN Earth; the continents do not match up, but the reference is undeniable. The smiling World is surrounded by several layers of stylized atmosphere, and in the background float the stars and some stylized planets. This is one of those cards that "sees" me - that makes a direct emotional impression. This one feels so friendly! I want to hug it, just about.

So... here we are, new day, new suit! Diamonds, per the pamphlet, represent the physical world - the element of earth. (Clubs represented fire.)Also, the symbol is "coins". I guess that explains... the circles?... on this card. It might be clearer later in the suit. Interestingly there is no emotional association with this suit - clubs had "passion and creativity" attached, but this is just "the physical world". Hmm!

For all that, from my quick perusal, this is the suit where most of the cards "looked" back at me. I think this will be an intense perusal. Here we gooooo....

The pamphlet calls out this card as representing "Peace" "Travel" and "Open-Mindedness".

Well - no wonder we already get on so well! :) These are some of the main themes of my life so far... and I hope never to leave them behind.

I wonder if I would draw this card, if I asked about whether or not we're going to make it to Canada...? Heh! I'm still afraid to ask. Right now, that business is best done by plunging forward at all costs... there will be time to think, to plan, to question... later.

Review: I and Thou: A tree (AODA)

Continuing my review, and moving to the works of other authors.

This work is called out as a reference for the "Spirit Below" category.

https://www.myjewishlearning.com/article/i-and-thou-a-tree/

Interestingly, it references a Jewish mystic, a certain Martin Buber. The following seems to be the money quote - or perhaps the leading question...

"An I-It relation is the normal everyday relation of a human being toward his or her surroundings. A person can also view another person as an It, and often does so by viewing others from a distance. In the I-Thou relation the individual enters into the relationship with another human with his or her entire being. This relationship becomes an intimate meeting, a real dialogue between both partners. Buber saw this as a reflection of the encounter between the human being and God."

I've read through this short piece several times today. Probably, my work desk isn't the ideal place to consider the philosophy contained within. Nevertheless I think I understand - at least somewhat.

Seeing another human being as, well, a human being - it isn't always possible, but I like to try. The important point - the crux if you will - is in understanding where you have to revert to an I-It mode for the sake of self-preservation.

It's been hard to do that with family members I previously trusted unconditionally. But sometimes, even them - you have to. In time, as they seem to be returning to themselves... I have moved back towards understanding in turn.

It's been a hard year. Everyone's principles have been tested. Everyone has personally suffered a great deal.

There is an understanding, which I have the great privilege - and I genuinely see it that way - of being a few steps ahead of everyone around me with. That understanding, is that an entire era is over. Over. Done. We are only waiting for the tide to sweep it away... and to find out what remains after it goes back out to sea.

There's a lot of fear in that understanding - and for the elders, a lot of guilt. What does it say about their stewardship of our society, when their own children have no choice but to lapse into poverty? (In my view, a hell of a lot - and I'm taking notes.) And the broader scope, too - the global warming, or 'weirding' - which the hot dry wind of April outside whispers of. More changes are coming there, too. And how will our systems respond?

I suppose this brings me back to the trees - the original source of the meditation.

When I think of what the trees in our neighborhood are going through, in this dry weather, in this crazy time... it brings tears to my eyes. Many of them are not going to make it through the next few decades.

My father cut back his own large trees aggressively this year. I understand the rationale, and think it was the right thing to do. Who knows if he'll have the money - or the strength - to get this done in the future? Especially when the trees might be dying, and therefore extremely dangerous? But also, I can't help the ache of "too much meddling!" Our yard bakes hot this year, almost scalded by the lack of shading limbs. I've gone out to water the potatoes and herbs I planted every day, and I wonder if I should be going out twice a day...

But - let's end this with some joy. The potatoes I planted, they're coming out of the earth at last! :) They really ARE idiot-proof, LOL! The herbs, well, we'll have to see how well they do. I'll baby them and hope they take root properly.

I'm starting to recognize what is a weed, and to pull it up as soon as it pokes its head out.

I'm starting to use the herbs in food - at least, I have plans to do so. This will recoup my investment! ;)

Most importantly, I am starting to learn. And... this is good. This is what I started this for. I'm really not a gardener by nature, but through *will*, I can get these skills. And... my family will need them. They'll need every skill I can get.

One step at a time, and one thing under my belt at a time.

And eventually... my mind will focus better on esoteric topics! Sorry Mr. Buber!