This month, the wisdom of Temperance urges us to find a way to go with the flow of whatever is happening around and unfolding within us. This is not a passive stance but a choice to stay open to change, both externally and internally. We experience flow when we abandon our attempts to overly control our life. Our inner pulse can then sync with the outer rhythm of life. By all means, make plans and have goals, but remember to leave a little wiggle room!
I feel it is an invitation to maintain equilibrium in our lives. I am reminded of the process of homoeostasis. This is the tendency of an organism or cell to regulate its internal conditions so as to maintain health and functioning, regardless of outside conditions. In other words, Temperance is about self regulation and maintaining an internal equilibrium is a fluid state and not a static goal. Just as metal is hardened by the tempering process of constant re-heating and cooling, our resilience and character is strengthened by a process of challenge and renewal. Knowing when to exert and when to rest whilst testing your mettle or honing your ideas and capabilities is an important part of self-regulation.
Finding the middle ground and avoiding extremes may be vital this month. I equate the energy of Temperance to synthesis: the’and/and’ approach as opposed to seeing things from an’either/or’ perspective. You may find that solutions come more readily by combining ideas or energies. See what happens when you let go of expectations and pre-judgements; when you approach or observe situations with a detached curiosity. Allow what needs to emerge to emerge, and notice what works and what doesn’t work. Positive results can be attained through practising, by shaping and re-shaping, by adding new elements and re-working the old.
I also feel that Temperance reminds us that whatever our circumstance, a delicate inner transformation is taking place within each one of us, which in turn is bringing about outer change. Things ARE shifting and healing IS happening in a gentle, subtle way; we don’t necessarily have to do anything to force it to happen. We can support this process by plugging into whatever state of mind or activity brings a feeling of positivity, well-being and harmony; be it a good book, a change of scenery, being with friends, eating well, deciding to be kinder to yourself or remembering to breathe slowly and deeply when you can.
This month, the paradox of dynamic serenity may be experienced by a few, whilst others may attempt to remain centred and calm in the midst of various activities. Keep coming back to your centre whenever it feels too much, or whenever you notice you are being pulled this way and that. You can do this by taking a 5 minute time out.
Sometimes, simply closing your eyes, and slowing down your breathing can help to ease tension and stress and bring you back to your body.
I like to put my hands on my belly whilst doing this and imagine my feet are thick roots going down into the earth. It can feel very grounding, releasing and centring; like a little pit stop for re-fuelling before taking off again down the highway of life.
In order to stay with the momentum this month, gently pace your actions; rushing could be a hindrance. How can you bring yourself into alignment with the flow or allow more fluidity into your life? Know that each small step which brings and accommodates change is precious. A tweak here, a nudge there; it all counts and is delivering you somewhere valuable. Enjoy relaxing into the flow this month and see where it takes you.