Heart
Card
“Do
not let your intellect overpower your heart…”
Philip
and Stephanie Carr-Gomm (Druid Animal Oracle Deck, “Seal”)
I drew
a Druid Animal Oracle Card today just to ask how things would go for my
presentation on Synchronicity for Jung After Work tonight—the quote above was
the advice. Interestingly, Jung and his protégé Marie Louise von Franz had a
lot to say about our western dependence on rationality, too. They agreed that when
we are too dependent on it, we run the risk of being correct while missing the point.
When we leave out the heart intelligence, we are likely to say and do things
that cause harm even though that is not our intention. It’s good advice for me.
My cousin Sandy likes to tell me that I think too much and overanalyze things.
She’s absolutely correct.
So,
what does it mean that we should operate from the heart? Notice that the advice
is not “dump your intellect,” it is merely, don’t allow it to overrule your compassion.
Most of us really like to be right—we want to have the last word, and we have
made it okay to say harsh things to each other to get there. The rules of
civility have been tossed out the window, and now we can say whatever we want
without caution. But not without consequences.
There
are times when, even if we know the right answer, even if someone else is
holding forth without having all the facts, that we should simply remain
silent. Another concern should outweigh our desire to correct their mistake,
and that is our desire not to hurt or humiliate them. Both options sit side by
side, and we can choose which card to play.
This week, during the
Thanksgiving festivities, it’s a good idea to choose the heart card. Especially
if you can’t express yourself without sounding superior or critical. I am going
to remember this advice, even though my sons do a pretty good job of stifling my
know-it-all attitude. You can’t go wrong coming from the heart. Paradoxically,
you can go wrong by always being right. Just embrace the season of gratitude
and you’ll be fine. Also, chew your food and don’t talk with your mouth full.
Some civility still applies.
In the Spirit,
Jane
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