"I realized that tea does not even have taste
but rather just an effect like the wind"
James Norwood Pratt

Summer Surrender
Article by Carolyn Jayne

Carolyn Jayne, MA is a Holistic counselor/Teacher and Reiki practitioner specializing in Expressive Arts Therapy. Carolyn shares her healing journey with many diverse audiences to inspire others towards more soulful living.

Summertime in New England evokes ancient images of the Garden of Eden. Blossoming trees, fragrant honeysuckle, crashing waves and singing larks invite us into the magic of summer. When I contemplate our western creation mythology, I see Eve as the Queen of Summer, and in her eating the apple from the tree of knowledge I am reminded of a particular card in my Tarot of Spirit deck. The Tree of Wind (traditionally known as the three of swords) is called "Recognition" and in a nutshell it states:

"One must abandon old views which were useful
and comfortable and possibly even sacred. In
knowing one is cast out of the Garden of Eden.
Growth seems painful"

Indeed growth is painful when we resist surrender. We all applaud growth and change, but we often overlook how much inner-work and surrender it takes to authentically transform. Surrendering our out-moded attitudes and beliefs is often very challenging and downright frightening because we so desire to "be in control", and deep down we may not trust or even believe in the Divine.

Summertime reminds us of family vacations, beach going and reunions. Between later June and early September we allow ourselves the luxury of morning picnics, moonlit strolls and hammock napping, and in this physical surrender we are invited to delve deeper and open to the internal shifts our beings require for transformation. Summer sunshine and play affords us greater emotional and physical freedoms. We feel lighter, healthier and even happier-what perfect conditions for surrendering our more restrictive, confining thoughts and attitudes. Be warned, however (as the Three of Wind states) that surrender while seemingly benign (just let-go) is most painful when we believe we are all-powerful and all knowing. Surrender means knowing we are not all powerful and trusting there is a Divinity that if invoked can and will guide us.

I am particularly intrigued by transformation and surrender this summer as I approach my 20th high school reunion. I wonder-where do I still refuse to surrender? I have learned that for me, the pain of not surrendering far outweighs the fear and anxiety of letting-go. In those times that I indulge myself in fearful thoughts-how will I pay my bills? Will I be alone tomorrow? Am I a good enough mom? It takes all my strength to stop, say a prayer and then trust I'll be O.K. What still amazes me is that it "works". My perception shifts and a new gratitude for my ever-expanding sense of self-replaces the panic of "failure", and doubt.

This summer I invite you to loosen your grip on "realities" that may be restricting you. Understand The Three of Wind and proceed accordingly, trusting that your growth, although scary and sometimes difficult, is most assuredly AMAZING and TRANSFORMING and SPECTACULAR. And most importantly remember that surrendering does not mean "losing yourself" but rather it means finding yourself- your true self amidst the divine flow of life.

Please send any comments or feedback to Carolyn at info@teatimeworldwide.com