Strength (Card VIII), where beauty tames the savage beast.

Strength. STRENGTH. We talk about strength quite a bit; strong bodies, strong wills, strength of an argument, tensile strength, brute strength. Strength, strength, strength. We are preoccupied by strength and the perception we are strong; any indication of weakness, real or perceived, is harshly handled. Why? Because we misunderstand strength completely.

Look closely at the cards above, and take a moment to remember…from Richard The Lionhearted to Gryffindor House, the lion is a symbol of courage (not strength!), an important distinction. You say, “But wait! If the lion is not the strength, the woman must be.”  Again, no. The woman keeps company with the lion but she does not control or dominate; she soothes, she tempers, she guides. “But if the lion is not strength, and the woman is not strength???????” Fair question.

GET READY FOR THE BIG REVEAL!!!!!!!!

Together, they are the power of kindness, and that is strength. 

BAM!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

The ability to be kind is within each of us. Kindness is simple, invaluable, and it costs nothing. but there is a catch – it requires courage. The courage to follow your heart rather than popular thought, and be your best self. As with so many self-improvement projects, the steps are fairly simple:

Step 1: Kindness to self. Treat yourself as you would like to be treated by others, and cut yourself some slack.

Step 2: Kindness to others. Start small, perhaps with plants or animals, and extend your kindness; even the smallest gesture is appreciated.

Step 3: SMILE! A smile is not just a shield or an umbrella, it is also a handshake, and for some it is a lifeline. It is the smallest act of kindness you can bestow on others and it is always wonderful – allow it to build your courage.

Step 4: Lead by example. Accept kindness with grace. I know this is difficult for many of us, and it can take a great deal of courage, but it is well worth the risk.

Let kindness be your great strength, and you will never regret it.

((If you have suggestions regarding acts of kindness, small or large, random or patterned, please feel free to share them in Comments. Thank you!!))