Today’s card reminds me of a quote I read last night. The woman who said this died this week. She was a teacher who never knew me.
Dancing, singing, storytelling and silence are the four healing salves. ~Gabrielle Roth b. 2/4/1841 – d. 10/22/2012
This quote speaks to me. How healing is it for me to write? I can’t even begin to say. And silence is a necessity in my life. I love to dance. And, grin, much to the dismay of my friends, I love to sing. I’m terrible about making up silly songs.
I don’t know when she said that or why she said that. Gabrielle Roth was a dancer, a shaman, a priestess who believed in movement. I may not be her typical student, but she taught me so much.
I think it is interesting to look at all those who have been mentors in my life in one way or another (and those that still are.) Even when they don’t do it intentionally, I learn from these folks.
Some are not mentors. Those are the horrible examples I try never to be. But let’s focus on what’s good in the world instead. Our mentors don’t need to be Gandhi or the Queen of England or Mother Teresa.
They can be the school crossing guard who shows up every day. The mother who dedicates her life to her kids. The manager who comes in early and stays late. The friend who is open and honest about her struggles. The grocery store clerk who never fails to just smile and say hello.
Each of them teaches me something I need to know. Each of them inspires me in different ways.
Who are some of your mentors? Who do you look up to who doesn’t even know you? Why do you call them mentors? Make a list.
Then remember as you go through your day that someone may be looking to you in the same way. Someone may be inspired by you simply doing what you do.
Crazy, right?
But so real.
Seek joy, y’all. Pass it on!
Mentor (Hierophant), Merryday Tarot, Medicine Bear Publishing 1998 (Out of print)
Love the idea that you can be a mentor just by doing what you do. Great to see this post!
Oh, and I LOVE that quote!! Dancing and singing and writing and stillness are all big healers for me, too.
Your Feng Shui Clothing blog does that for me!
Wow, thanks!!! I am honored that you would say that.
Just this morning I was talking with a friend about a woman at our local underground stop. She’s always friendly, always has a smile and a kind word. That’s very unusual in her job (the London Underground are famously unhelpful). When I see her, it reminds me that it really doesn’t cost anything to smile and be pleasant, and makes life so much nicer 🙂
I consider lots of blog buddies to be mentors, too – so much wisdom, insight and just plain fun 😀