This may not be relatable for everyone, but I'm sharing it anyway. Feel free to share what practices keep you grounded. I think some of us can use all the help we can get. 😉

Unsettled, frustrated, hopeless, doubtful, worried, angry, and uncertain thoughts don't usually dominate my optimistic disposition, but they linger ominously and steal my time. Lately, way too much time. They become louder the more attention I pay to the news and social media, mainly Instagram, as I'm off Twitter and rarely scroll Facebook. The campaign of fear and shame that began in early 2020 is coming to a cacophonic crescendo.

I'm to a point where outside pressure and judgment have been so intense that I have considered going against what I feel is right for my family and me to appease the masses, which is not okay. It doesn't feel good to know friends and family I love may look at me as selfish or just plain stupid for a decision I consider personal and of great concern and consequence. But not feeling good isn't reason enough to sway me yet, and I pray for future strength and clarity.

My decision to not vaccinate myself or my children at this time was not made without countless hours of listening and reading information on the topic. I believe that anyone who feels sure about the information being fed by mainstream media, from CNN to FOX, and does not look beneath that surface, misses valuable insight from highly respected experts and doctors putting their careers, reputations, and safety on the line. I won't go into the topic at length here, but the censorship alone of anyone questioning the treatment and personal stories of side effects should make everyone stop and take a closer look.

One practice that helps to keep me sane and grounded is medicine cards. I've been using them for several years, so I can easily interpret the messages from the animals on the cards, and they are often reassuring, or they point me in a direction that needs attention. I like the tarot too, but I'm more familiar with these, based on native American teachings. Bible scripture is becoming more ingestible, but I've still got roadblocks up from the past, so this is how I usually get my spirit on.

Today I began by asking for reassurance, and I could not have received better messages for my current state of mind. I did the Mother Earth/Father Sky spread for balancing the female nurturing and intuitive energy with the male demonstrative warrior energy.

The Weasel came up for the female energy side, and I cannot tell you how many times I have drawn this card in the last year and a half! It's funny because I always wince a bit (weasel isn't exactly the most beloved animal), then I realize how affirming its message is for this time in my life.

Weasel = Stealth. "Weasel ears hear what is really being said. This is a great ability. Weasel eyes see beneath the surface of a situation to know the many ramifications of an event. This too is a rare gift."

The Buffalo card is always a positive reminder to focus on prayer and gratitude, and the male energy points to demonstrating it more often.

Buffalo = Prayer & Abundance. "Most assuredly, this time will bring serenity amidst chaos if you pray in earnest for enlightenment and the power of calmness and give praise for the gifts you already have."

I tried to attach photos with the entire message for each animal, but the file images were too big. If you want to look for the book and cards yourself, Jamie Sams and David Carson are the authors of Medicine Cards.