The Soulful Artist

Trust – Oracle Cards Of Self-Realization – Card 12

R. Wallen, R.N.

August 13, 2020

Day/Card 12 of 39 … Trust …

To trust is defined by Google as having a firm belief in the reliability, truth, ability, or strength of someone or something. For me, this “someone” or “something” is God/The Universe. And, no, I don’t believe that it means that your life will be easy, or that you will get everything you want, or that everything will go your way. Far from. For me, to trust means to understand that anything and everything that happens – good, bad, ugly – happens for a reason. It happens for the greater good, for my good.

To get to this place though isn’t an easy task. Even though I understand, I am human and at times I do still get angry and upset and question “Why?” It’s hard to believe in a good God and/or The Universe at times when truly horrible things are happening all around me and even to me. I do understand that what I experience is temporary and I’m fortunate to be able to see the bigger picture and let it go, but it’s not as easy all the time. Things happen FOR us, not to us, and trusting that we are being led to greater things at times is difficult.

I do trust that I am guided, and protected. I also trust that I am exactly where I am meant to be at any given time. I trust that I am loved. I trust that when I jump a net will appear.

The “Trust” card asks you to look at what you’re doubting. It asks you to look at what in your life you see as not working in your favor and ask yourself what is it that you believe about the situation. Are you afraid to leave your job? Relationship? Do you believe you’ll always be in debt? Broke? Does a black cloud seem to always follow you? Trusting requires you to be observant of what’s happening in your life and to know that you are being led toward greater things. Trust implicitly that all is well, that all is good, that you’ll be okay.

Go Within – Oracle Cards Of Self-Realization – Card 11

R. Wallen, R.N.

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August 11, 2020

Day/Card 11 of 39 … Go Within …

Within the deep, silent recesses of your mind, lie the answers that you are looking for to all the questions that you ask. Who am I? What am I doing here? What’s my purpose? You know, “those” kinds of questions. We all have them, but most times we look for the answers externally instead of quieting ourselves, our minds and listening to the still voice that speaks to us from within ourselves. We believe that the answers we want are found outside of us, and we force things to fit the answers that we so desperately want to see only to realize that it wasn’t exactly the answer we were hoping for leaving us still searching. Still questioning. Still hungry. Still feeling lost.

What happens when you go within? What happens when you quiet your mind? Who’s talking? What do you do with all the chatter that comes up? First off, I find that focusing on my breath, my breathing helps me to stay centered. When the chatter gets to be too much, I recognize that it’s most likely my ego talking out of fear and if I allow it, I’ll let it keep talking and stop myself instead of dismissing it and focusing on my breath and continue on. The answers don’t miraculously appear during the times we quiet our minds. Usually, the time we spend going within allows our minds to rest and lets our souls to listen to what our true desires are. The secret is to be open to however your answers will appear. The answers usually appear when you least expect it and you WILL immediately recognize it for what it is!

The “Go Within” card asks you to take a few minutes every day (preferably shortly after waking) – start with 5 minutes and work up to 10 minutes, then 15, etc. it doesn’t have to be a lot of time, but take the time to quiet your mind. Focus on your breath. Make your intentions clear, release the outcome, trust, and be open to however your answers will appear. Remember the the answers will not be immediate. Have patience, give gratitude, and trust. Your Soul knows what you truly desire and you’ll recognize the answer when it appears.

Take Up Space – Oracle Cards Of Self-Realization – Card 10

R. Wallen, R.N.

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August 10, 2020

Day/Card 10 of 39 … Take Up Space …

Author Marianne Williamson said it best when she wrote: “Our deepest fear is not that we’re inadequate, Our deepest fear is that we’re powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness, that most frightens us. But our playing small doesn’t serve the world. There’s nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won’t feel insecure around you.”

What good does it do us to play small? We fear our own power because we don’t want to make others feel uncomfortable. Growing up, I was always told that I was “too much.” And my husband once told me that I gave off an aura of being intimidating. I’ve also had people tell me that although I’m small, my presence is huge. Truth is, I know who I am and what I like, but in an effort to not rock the boat, and as an introvert by nature, it was easier and safer for me to fade into the background and not call any attention to myself. What I’ve come to learn is that shrinking, fading into the background, playing small when you’re meant to do great things is painful to your soul. It’s painful to stay hidden when you feel it deep within you to speak your truth, your opinions, and shining your light for all to see. The pain of constriction and holding back by playing small comes with a huge price. Playing small is motivated by our fears and insecurities. Our fear that we don’t really know what we are doing, and who do we think we are. The real question we should be asking ourselves is, “Who are you not to be great?!”

The “Take Up Space” card reminds you to show up for yourself and take up space and make an impact! The world is a big place, there is room enough for everyone to leave their mark. Shine your light, say your peace, do what your were meant to do! Never apologize for being you! And if people think you’re too much, well, that’s their issue to deal with!

Breathe – Oracle Card Of Self-Realization – Card 9

R. Wallen, R.N.

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August 10, 2020

Day/Card 9 of 39 … Breathe …

On any given day, we take about 25,000 breaths. Inhaling, taking in air and oxygen, exhaling carbon dioxide. For the most part, breathing is automatic and subconscious and we don’t think about breathing until there is a problem. We forget that breathing is more than just air and gas exchange. Breathing is life! It’s the first thing we do when we’re born (inhale), and the last thing we do when we eventually die (exhale).

Breathing can and does improve your physical, mental, and emotional health. It reduces stress, increases your energy, can relieve stress and reduce pain by stabilizing your brain and nervous system by releasing endorphins. Breathing is restorative. Breathing is healing. Breathing is and can be meditative.

Today’s card, “Breathe,” comes to you to remind you to breathe. To remind you to not take a single breath for granted as you never know when it will be your last. Always breathe fully, freely and consciously and give gratitude for your ability to breathe. Breathing is life! Try this little breathing meditation by Thich Nhat Hanh:
“Experiencing my body, I breathe in.
Smiling to my body. I breathe out.
Calming my body, I breathe in.
Smiling to my body. I breathe out.”

Worthy – Oracle Cards Of Self- Realization – Card 8

R. Wallen, R.N.

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August 10, 2020

Day/Card 8 of 39 … Worthy …

The definition of “worthy” is someone or something that has desirable qualities and is entitled to respect or attention. Many of us have experienced a time, or two, or three where we have felt as if we don’t really measure up and we think less of ourselves.

For me, it’s easy to see where my feelings of unworthiness stem from. Growing up, I was always made to feel “small.” Crying and showing vulnerability was seen as a weakness. I remember being ridiculed and attacked on more than one occasion for crying over something seemingly small and insignificant, but was important to me. When I was looking to be loved, I was instead made to feel as if my feelings were not important, therefore, I felt invalidated. My thoughts, feelings, opinions didn’t matter. I didn’t matter.
But when you’re small & young, trying to measure up to the unrealistic expectations others have for us isn’t something you understand. Learning to love myself and see my worth wasn’t an easy task.

Here’s what I’ve come to learn about self-worth and being worthy: No one gets to decide that you are or aren’t worthy except for yourself. It’s inherent. I believe that we are born worthy and that we don’t have to do anything or prove anything to anyone for this to be so. The truth is we all have value and we are all important, but most times we base our worth on the unrealistic expectations of others.

The “Worthy” card comes to you today, to remind you that you are already worthy. There isn’t anything more you can do or achieve have more worth because you are already enough. Only you get to decide your worth and you are priceless! Believe it!

Speak Your Truth – Oracle Cards Of Self-Realization – Card 7

R. Wallen, R.N.

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August 7, 2020

Day/Card 7 of 39 … Speak Your Truth …

I’ve never been much of a speaker, not much of a vocalizer. I believed at one time that it was because I didn’t have much to say, or nothing important to say. But I realized that for the majority of my childhood, I remember being told to, “Shut up,” or “Be quiet.” As a child when you hear this over and over, you come to believe that what you have to say is unimportant and insignificant; you feel powerless. Hard to believe, but it led me to become that adult that spoke very little, or only when spoken to. I learned to bite my tongue, to keep quiet to keep the peace and to just get things over with. It took me a LONG time to learn to find my own voice. Even now, I might still at times reply with, “I don’t know,” (when I do), or “Whatever you want to do/eat/go.”

By doubting my own voice, I gave my own voice doubts. By giving my voice doubts, I did not speak my true truths. As I was subjected to such vocal restraints as a child, I resigned voicing myself in my notebooks and journals. I wrote and wrote instead of speaking, which is why I still think best on paper, and why I write out what I’m going to say to this day. As of late, my art has also began “speaking,” so my art has also become my voice. This was a disservice to my speaking voice. After being afraid and ashamed for so long, I found my voice, realized my worth, and changed my life. My voice, what I say, directs my life, and if I was afraid to use it, it meant that I was not living up to my full potential.

I’ve come to learn that I DO have much to say. I have an opinion. I am expressive. I am capable of using my voice. Over the years, I’ve become much braver in speaking out loud, even speaking to an audience of thousands!

The “Speak Your Truth” card encourages you to Speak! Use your voice! This is the key to being set free! I’m not talking about just being heard, but using your voice to speak your truth, give voice to your opinions and feelings, to validate and express yourself by saying what you feel and mean OUT LOUD. It gives you power. It gives you life, and in turn it gives your life direction! We all have something to say, regardless of how small. You have a voice … use it!

Surrender – Oracle Cards Of Self-Realization – Card 6

R. Wallen, R.N.

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August 7, 2020

Day/Card 6 of 39 … Surrender …

To surrender, or the act of surrendering, leaves a bad feeing for many. It’s seen as throwing up one’s hands and giving up, however, this is FAR from what surrender actually means. To surrender is to be with what is, to feel it, to allow it, to see things for what they are. It’s not “giving up.” Giving up feels hopeless and like a defeat, leaving one feeling dark, empty, shameful, unaccomplished, like a failure or a loser. Surrendering is a letting go. It feels peaceful and gives one a sense of relief. Surrendering is like taking a break and coming back to whatever it is later. It’s being open for change.

When we surrender, it might feel like giving up, but it’s only a letting go of control. It’s releasing the white knuckle grip that we have on things we really have NO control over. When we surrender spiritually, we surrender to life as it is, not as we want it to be, but to how it is being presented to you. Surrender comes from a place of peace. Giving up comes from a place of fear. Surrender allows for expansion. Giving up causes constriction.

The “Surrender” card comes to you today to remind you that good things can and do happen when you let go. It allows for a relaxation, and when you relax you are able to see things in a different perspective. Things will happen as they are meant to, and when they are meant to – something you can’t see when you’re busy trying to control the outcome. Sometimes something BETTER will appear. There is no shame in surrendering. Let go of the illusion of control. Allow yourself to be open, curious, vulnerable. Things will happen. Life will happen. Turbulence may come, but remember that life isn’t always smooth sailing and that it’s only temporary.

Transmute – Oracle Cards Of Self-Realization – Card 5

R. Wallen, R.N.

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August 6, 2020

Day/Card 5 of 39 … Transmute …

To transmute, or transmutation, is the action of changing or the state of being changed into another form, like a butterfly and metamorphosis. When you experience transmutation the change is to become a completely different Being. It’s not a surface or superficial change that others can see and spot immediately. It’s sometimes subtle and only you initially know that something within you has shifted.

In the letting go of who we think we are, we allow our true selves to emerge. Many times this happens during times when we are challenged and are forced to pick ourselves up and continue forward. After an initial period of wallowing in our tears, and after we have worked through the hurt, we realize we are no longer the same people that we once were. We realize we are stronger, happier, amazing beings that was forced into a fire in an effort to grow, to step into our essence, and to show up differently. We release the parts of ourselves that no longer serve us and we emerge from the fire as a completely different being, one that is more true to ourselves.

The “Transmute” card reminds us to allow ourselves to welcome it, to allow it and appreciate it. When you recognize that you’re a being with infinite possibilities, deep and capable of many things. You vibrate higher. You make deeper, more meaningful connections. Your life changes as you allow superficialities to burn away, and you stand tall in all your essence for the world to see. When you step into the fire, it will not burn you. It will only burn what you are not.

Forgiveness – Oracle Cards Of Self-Realization – Card 4

R. Wallen, R.N.

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August 5, 2020

Day/Card 4 of 39 … Forgiveness …

It’s happened to all of us … someone we know hurting us in a way that upends us, and causes us to be angry, resentful, or even revengeful. It could be that you grew up in an abusive household. A co-worker stole a project and made it theirs. A girlfriend began seeing your partner behind your back. Someone did something to cause you harm leaving you with a wound that can be so deep. A wound that festers as we hold on to that hurt, bitterness, resentment. Even years later, it can still evoke the feelings that were felt at the initial time of insult, and it may hurt even worse that it initially did.

Forgiveness is a term that is frequently misconstrued. Many believe it’s about giving the person who wronged you pardon, excusing them and forgetting about the incident. Forgiveness is NOT for the person who wronged you. Forgiveness is for YOU. Forgiveness is about extending mercy and kindness to the offender even if they don’t deserve it. It’s looking at it from a different perspective. It’s about letting go of the grudge so that you can move in with your life, releasing the anger, bitterness, resentment, hostility. It’s for you, not for the offender. Forgiveness allows for some peace in your life instead of suffering.

The “Forgiveness” card reminds us to extend grace to ourselves. It reminds us to forgive ourselves as well as those who wronged us regardless if they know that you have forgiven them. You don’t have to verbally tell them that you forgive them. It can be a silent agreement within yourself. Do it more for yourself. So you can live in peace. So that the wound will heal and not fester. So you can be of love. Love yourself enough to do that.

Slow Down – Oracle Cards of Self-Realization – Card 3

R. Wallen, R.N.

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August 4, 2020

Day/Card 3 of 39 … Slow Down …

In life, it’s rare these days that anything is slow and deliberate. So many move at a rate that is fast and rushed, and moving at a slower pace is frowned upon and seen as a weakness. Minimal sleep. Multitasking. Fast food. Instant money transfers. Immediate replies via text or email. Everyone seems to always be looking for a shortcut. Everyone wants the answers and not work through the problem. Everyone wants instant gratification! Everything is just now, now, NOW! Like Veruca Salt in Wily Wonka and you know what happened to her!

There’s a discomfort in slowing down. Life already moves at a pace that whizzes by us that we shouldn’t want to add to the speed of this movement. We miss moments when we’re not in them. We miss watching our children grow. We miss the scenery and important conversations. We make mistakes. We stunt our growth and progress when we don’t rest.

When I deliberately slow down my mind, when I deliberately slow down my thoughts, it’s when I can hear myself. I can hear My Soul’s voice come through. I can rest and recover from the onslaught of what the fast paced world wants to throw at me. Live in the moment. Be present. Life isn’t about living so fast because so much can and will be missed, and you’ll find yourself looking back wishing you’d taken the time.

The “Slow Down” card is about taking time to do things deliberately and intentionally. To be present. It’s a reminder that life isn’t a race to be won. The metaphorical “finish line” isn’t one you want to get to so quickly. Rest. Take the time to enjoy the moments, make memories, breathe.